From the very beginning of Christianity there have been those who have misunderstood our faith. After the apostles passed off the seen with the death of the John the Beloved the persecution of the church was just ramping up. By the beginning of the 2nd century Christianity was widely misunderstood and misrepresented in the public square, and the continued persecutions gave rise to Christian Apologists. … Continue reading An Apologist Doesn’t Say I’m Sorry
Many Christians look across this country and notice that America seems to be asleep. We dream of a bigger house, better economy, nicer car and the next iPhone. All the while we ignore the most important elements in life such as the Gospel of Jesus Christ, a personal relationship with God, a loving family and helping our fellow man. America needs to awaken once again. … Continue reading Another Great Awakening
At Southern Hills, church would no longer be church without our invaluable Support Staff. Music Ministry We no have dozens of people led by Pastor Jason in our Choir and Praise Team who lead our church in worship every week. These folks sacrificially arrive early and stay for each of our services to use their gifts for the ministry of worship. They not only perform … Continue reading Developing a Great Team – Part 4
I believe one of the secrets to successful ministry is surrounding the Lead Pastor with an incredible staff. If there is one thing that I have done right over the past 8 years at Southern Hills is to hire the VERY BEST ministry team I have ever seen assembled in a church our size. The Most Important Staff Member I am speaking of the Pastor’s … Continue reading Developing a Great Team – Part 1
Summer break is only a few short weeks away, and I can’t wait! I plan on taking my kids to the 2nd happiest place on earth. Southern Hills being THE Happiest Place on Earth…of course.
This is a guest post by Heather Teis.
Right now, I’m taking a break from the midst of scrubbing spots out of outgrown children’s clothes, shining old dress shoes, polishing old toys, steaming and ironing outfits, and pricing and tagging aforementioned items. What am I doing??? Why am I aspiring to be Proverbs 31. Whew! Virtuous Girlfriend gives a lot to live up to!
Through servant evangelism we may open the hearts of those who may be closed to the gospel otherwise.
I. Living in a Post-Christian America
I am not a doomsday guy! In fact I am probably one of the most optimistic individuals you will come across. So when I say that we live in a post-Christian America I am not succumbing to pessimism and doubt. It’s just a fact. William McRaney says in his book The Art of Personal Evangelism, “The questions and issues for lost people have changed. I am not sure that we are listening to the questions any longer. Is it possible that in our efforts to communicate we are simply shouting our answers at a higher pitch?”[1] I believe he is right. In our culture we have moved beyond a time where everyone believes there is a God and just lacks the details on how to become a Christian. This is why programs like “The Bible” on the history channel are important. Though not every detail is completely accurate, it raises the awareness of the a Scriptures to a pop culture level and allows for a dialogue with some who may have been previously closed to the Gospel.
A legitimate question arises in the heart of a growing Christian when looking at the pastor and his tremendous responsibilities. Who pastors the pastor?
