'Church & Community' Tagged Posts

'Church & Community' Tagged Posts

Book Tribalism

A tribe was exposed to the Bible for the first time in its own language. For fifteen to twenty years, this was all they had. If there were questions about practices or beliefs, the Bible alone was studied by the elders until a clear view emerged. The people memorized it, read it aloud to each other, enjoyed its language and encouragement, and heeded its rebukes and challenges. They taught the Bible to their families and in their church as if…

When Pastors Aren’t Able to Pastor

The church is medium-sized in attendance, yet, on paper the membership roll is even larger. Its solo pastor is a frustrated man. There are some good days, and certainly some fine people who encourage him, but he’s frustrated because the job God called him to do just cannot be done. He has many people to tend to, numbers of which are missing, and even those who are present are more than any average man could possibly care for—that is, really care for. So,…

When Ball Becomes Baal

It’s rare to see kids playing sports in the neighborhood anymore. We’re now organized and “professionalized”—including uniforms, state-of-the-art facilities, endless trips to the field, competitive coaches, equally competitive parents, and the after-season tournaments designed to give parents “bleacher bottom.” In addition, you’ve got to pay to play—and when you’ve paid that much, you’ll be sure to play. It is also fun, and it can be instructive. I love to watch my kids play sports. In fact, they need to play—some.…

The Foibles and Fallibility of Christian Leaders

The inconsistencies, unattended weaknesses, eccentricities, normalizations of subtle sinful habits, relational neglectfulness or awkwardness, sometimes grating quirks, phases of tiredness and even laziness, and susceptibility to pride — just to begin the list — illustrate what kinds of things can be found in almost every Christian leader at one time or another. They should remind us that we are all treated mercifully by God and cannot claim that any leadership position or recognition is fully “deserved” but strategically assigned by…

Will My Child Be Saved?

We are all concerned for our children and grandchildren. This message at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary chapel in 2019 may help. https://www.mbts.edu/2019/03/chapel-with-rev-jim-eliff

3 Reasons to Prefer a Paper Bible Over a Digital Bible at a Church Meeting

Technology is sometimes incredibly useful. For example, we can have video calls with missionaries almost anywhere in the world. This blessing was not possible until fairly recent technological developments. We should be grateful. But technology is not valuable in every circumstance. I’m thinking particularly about the use of Bible apps. Sure, it’s convenient to utilize a digital Bible in numerous settings like when reading (or listening) just before you fall asleep at night, or when you unexpectedly want to look…

Evangelism: What it IS and IS NOT

Evangelism. Some churches have seminars and workshops about it. There are Christian organizations devoted to doing it and training people in it. Evangelists are supposed to be peculiarly gifted in it. All believers should care about it. Many Christians are intimidated by it. But with all that said, what is evangelism?  Depending on our religious background, previous church life, and personal experiences, we carry ideas (for better or worse) of what we think evangelism is and what it should involve.…

7 Questions for Purposeful Conversation with Believers

We’ve got to move dialogue with believers beyond a superficial level if we are going to really know and encourage one another. But where do we even start? Here are seven questions you might ask. They might be useful in a variety of settings, such as when you have someone (or a family) over for supper, when spending time at the park, when you’re on a long car ride together, or during a fellowship meal with your church. 1. When…

The Way to Grow a Church Numerically

The early church grew in numbers. “ . . . there were added that day about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41). “And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved” (2:47). “And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women” (5:14). “ . . . and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem…” (6:7) “ . . . (the church) multiplied” (9:31). Thinking about increased numbers is acceptable if…

“Conversation About House Churches”Podcast

This is the Revitalize and Replant Podcast interviewing Jim Elliff about the basics on house church life. House churches are not the only way to be a church, but we need to be open about churches developed intentionally to replicate what we see in the New Testament form as one clear option for church starts. Enjoy!

Leaving One Church for Another Close By

At least initially, no one who believed and was baptized and came into the membership of the church in Corinth could then leave that church and join another close by. That was not an option since there was only one local church in the area. Each Sunday, and possibly other days of the week, all of the believers in Corinth gathered at Gaius’ house (cf. Romans 16:23). Church shopping was still a future phenomenon. Times have changed. I live in…

Happiness, Hospitality, and Hundreds: The Most Loving Church I Have Ever Experienced

The Lord saved me when I was a freshman in high school in the context of a para-church ministry. Unfortunately, I didn’t commit to a local church at that point in my life. Oh, I attended church — actually, more than one. But I wasn’t taught the importance of baptism nor the necessity of having godly leaders over me and the accountability of fellow believers in an individual church.  During college, I was a Bible major, ironically to become a…

Looking For a Church? Here’s What to Look For

My list doesn’t include a gymnasium or a youth group that does a lot of fun things, since the Bible doesn’t require a church to have these amenities. Here are a few items, however, that are absolutely critical for your consideration: 1. A resolve on the part of its leaders to seek the will of the Head of the Church You may think that this is a “given” among most leaders, but you would be wrong. Many pastors and church…

Seriousness In Children and Teens

It is increasingly obvious that children and young people in many evangelical churches are anything but serious about Christ. There are notable exceptions, but in many churches a cursory look at the behavioral signals put out by the young people reveal a profound disinterest. On the one hand there is a sort of giddiness and silliness by some who believe that church is there only to provide them a place for enjoying friends and impressing the opposite sex. On the…

“Through the Water (Baptism Song)” by Benjamin and Rebekah Elliff

Here is a new baptism song by Benjamin and Rebekah Elliff called “Through the Water (Baptism Song).” By clicking on “more” (at the YouTube link) you will find the lyrics plus lead sheet and chord chart. We love this song in our church and other folks are picking it up as well in their churches. I hope you find it both meaningful and useful.