Church

Laodicea was a rich church as the community was a financial center in Asia Minor. Some scholars note that it was the financial capital of the region, with a wealthy …

There was a time when going to church is what respectable people did. Church was a place not just of worship, but, for the worldly-minded, of upward mobility. My childhood …

1 Corinthians 6 – Skip Heitzig Calvary Church is dedicated to doctrine, and we want you to experience the life change that comes from knowing God’s word and applying it …

Almost everyone in the world of American religion has spent the last couple of weeks thinking through what Gallup just revealed: that, for the first time since they’ve been surveying the …

An encouraging study by Lifeway Research found that two-thirds of churchgoers invited someone to church in the last six months.[i] When was the last time you invited someone to church? …

  Christianity is a faith of relationships. This means that we were created to be with one another. From the beginning of creation when God saw that the first man, …

Not long ago, Pew Research released a survey[i] on why Americans do and do not go to church. While 73% of Americans identify as being Christian[ii], surveys say Americans who …

Christ’s departure from this planet was not a departure from His church. He promised His disciples before He ascended to heaven, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). And in …

Malcolm Gladwell on His Personal Faith Journey, the Intersection of Church and Politics, and How He Fuels His Curiosity. www.careynieuwhof.com.

In this message, we’re digging into a subject that hits close to home for many people. In fact, it’s one of the biggest reasons people leave the church. We’re talking …

Last week an atomic bomb hit the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), the largest Protestant denomination in the United States, with an estimated 14 million members across more than 47,000 churches. …

Recently one of the members of our connection group courageously poured out her heart. She felt disconnected from God and bruised by a challenging season of life. “How can I …

“Returning to God” 1 Samuel 7:3-4 Introduction From Aaron and the golden calf to Paul and the altar to an unknown God, idolatry is discussed and illustrated as the governing …

When I say the word “church” what do you think of? Most Americans probably think of a single building that they might attend or drive by on the way to …

How do we reimagine community in the digital age? With everything going electronic and being stored on the cloud, will there be a backlash? A desire to be in a …

Although last year didn’t exactly usher in the post-pandemic era, it’s more likely that 2022 will. While no one can say exactly what the future holds, here are 12 trends …

So, you’ve decided to leave your church: you’re moving, or you’ve come to a doctrinal impasse, or there has been conflict that you’ve tried to navigate, but the church has …

It’s that time of year, when transitions happen: seasons close and new seasons begin. Maybe you’re a student who just headed off to college. Maybe you got a new job. …

The days of being buried in the church where you were baptized and married are long gone for most. Ours is the age of the McChurch. There are realities embedded …

Epaphroditus kind of sounds like a disease, doesn’t it? It’s an unusual name. But in the Bible, Epaphroditus was a dear friend and servant of Paul the apostle. His name shows …

Church shopping is weird. It seems normal today. But it’s a very strange idea, when you think about it. The notion of “church shopping” first became a possibility in 20th …

Paul’s divinely empowered role in the administration of God’s plan forms a paradigm for the ministry of all believers, as God is made known to the cosmos through the church. …

All (believing) humanity has been united in one body, the work of Christ removing the condemnation of the law for sin, winning access to God, and building believers together into …

As the fullness and body of Christ, the church manifests God’s incomparable power against supernatural foes. Ephesians 1:15-23 This section is essentially a prayer by Paul. He asks that the …

What challenges will pastors and churches face in this decade? Will ministry ever come more easily? As you know, the last five years have been tough on leaders. Really tough. Pandemic …

As you know, the last five years have been tough on leaders. Really tough. Pandemic or no pandemic, every leader has realized we’re not in Kansas anymore. In fact, we’re not quite …

While no one can say exactly what the future holds, here are 8 trends I’m watching and would encourage you and your team to consider and process as well. 1. …

I may or may not know your pastor. But I know one thing: your pastor is tired. I have the blessing of being a part of a couple of local …

What is one way you have seen or experienced UNITY…? What about inside the church? Why would UNITY be important?  THE ORIGIN OF UNITY What is the ORIGIN of UNITY? …

If you feel disconnected, hopeless, or you just know something is missing—it’s not the end of your story. It’s an opportunity to reconnect. To find hope. And to rediscover what …

My youth group was great, but I had never seen a youth event like this. Teens spilled out from the Youth Center into the lawn. Big-eyed, I wormed my way …

“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” 1 Peter 3:8 Pastors and Leaders, This is probably one of the …

I want to talk today about you. There are a lot of questions about what kind of unique witness should the church have at a time like this—how do you …

Covid has been like a mission trip for the analog church. We thought we were going on a short-term trip to a place that felt foreign. We got there, and …

“Wilson, where are you? Wilson! Wilson! I’m sorry! I’m sorry, Wilson. Wilson, I’m sorry! I’m sorry! Wilson! I can’t!” If you’ve seen Cast Away, this scene is etched in your …

Dear Roger, I’ve noticed in reading the Bible that there are a number of “mysteries.” Has God hidden things from us? What if we can’t figure them out? What are …

Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. 2 CORINTHIANS 11:14-15 Paul had discovered that false …

As you know, these are some of the most complex times in church leadership in decades. As churches reopen their in-person gatherings, there’s one particular trap to watch out for. …

Dear Roger, The problems that face our country are not going away. Division, violence, disease is everywhere. I’ve noticed that many of my friends and family members—many people I see …

Christians have a legal right to have their prayers answered because prayer is not just an activity.  Believers have an authorized right for God to hear and respond to their …

https://youtu.be/UOysgV1y-bg

For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it. – Luke 9:24 We …

For by their own sword they did not possess the land, And their own arm did not save them, But Your right hand and Your arm and the light of …

For thus says the Lord to the house of Israel, “Seek Me that you may live.” – Amos 5:4 The Christians in Sardis had gotten so self-sufficient in their own …

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and …

Dear Roger, Our current crises are leading churches to develop all sorts of new technology to evangelize as well as minister to their own congregations. Streaming, zooming, drive-in church, online …

So, in light of everything that’s changed and been disrupted so far in 2020, what future church trends should you be watching as a leader? I usually do a church …

As churches slowly reopen their physical doors, church leaders are all asking the same question: who will still be around? It’s a great question. And not an easy one to answer. …

“He also chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; from the care of the ewes with suckling lambs He brought him to shepherd Jacob His people, and …

There are three test areas to evaluate if we’re personally doing church right – are we growing in knowledge, love, and service? How do the following verses reinforce the importance …

As the world slowly re-opens on the other side of COVID, a question for you today. Are churches behaving like malls in the age of Amazon, just hoping for people …

Tucson, Arizona was experiencing flooding in October 1983. I was out riding my motorcycle in the rain looking for work every day but getting nothing. I hoped to work in …

So all of a sudden you’re online like you’ve never been before. And now there’s a long road ahead. While no one knows exactly where all of this lands post-pandemic, …

By now you’ve realized that the Coronavirus pandemic is not an interruption nearly as much as it’s a disruption. And as you move more deeply through this crisis, the question …

Our churches face a new challenge. Do we obey the government and observe quarantine, or do we exercise our religious liberty to assemble and worship? Of course, we should comply …

It’s ten o’clock, do you know where your husband is? Apparently many Americans are asking this question, judging by the sales and buzz generated by The Script: The 100% Predictable Things …

If there is one topic or theme that prevails throughout the book of I Corinthians it is unity. I Corinthians deals with many significant and difficult issues including leadership, wisdom, …

Pastor John Beeson describes why a local pastor and a local congregation is key to your spiritual growth and well-being: “You have access to the best pastors in America. You …

The way we raised boys in the faith 20 years ago eliminated many of the men Christian women would love to date today. Ladies, I feel your pain. The dating …

I want to go out on a limb, I want to expose the secret society that has long held sway over churches around the world. I want to talk about …

Christianity is a faith of relationships. This means that we were created to be with one another. From the beginning of creation when God saw that the first man, Adam, …

Dear Roger,   If the devil cannot read our minds, why wouldn’t we want to pray silently and not verbally? When he hears what we’re praying, would our answer be …

Dear Roger,   I have talked to many young pastors who say that to preach the simple message of salvation is outmoded and ineffective in our Post-Christian culture. Some say …

“The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ “Then he said, ‘This …

Jon Acuff writes a hilarious (but truthful) assessment about how churches treat singles: Single adults, I have failed you. Although I’ve written a handful of ideas about being single at …

Brandon Cox shares the prayers his church prayed for revival. You can pray them, too! “There were nine particular prayers we’ve prayed, repeatedly, and that we’re going to continue to …

When our dreams are shattered, can we actually experience the grace of God in the midst of our humanity, watch God’s spirit move in a powerful way, in a vibrant …

Dear Roger,   I’ve attended so many churches that are mean and unwelcoming. So many Christians fight and are hypocritical. I am embarrassed to say I go to my church. …

In an age where everyone is looking for alternatives to gathering together, here are 10 things that—helpful as they may be in some respect—aren’t church. If it gets a bit …

We’re lonelier than ever, some say. We’re not lonely enough, say others. They’re both right. THE PROBLEMS OF LONELINESS AND COMMUNITY University of California, Berkeley, sociologist Claude S. Fischer writes …

There was a time when going to church is what respectable people did. Two generations ago, every self-respecting citizen went to church, regardless of their desire to be there or …

Here’s a challenging question: Why do you want your church to grow? Your motivation for wanting your church to grow is pivotal for a number of significant reasons. First, if you’re …

It’s a challenge you face as a church leader: what do you do with people who only occasionally attend church? Like at Easter or Christmas or special occasions? But infrequent …

When Denalyn and I travel together, she wants to drive. It’s not that she loves the steering wheel, it’s just that she loves to stay on track. My mind tends …

Many things in our culture  work against the maintenance of real community. We are conditioned in countless ways to think and act as individuals only, not as members of any …

One of my most enjoyable professors at seminary shared a story with our class describing one aim of the church that I’ll never forget. It went something like this, “My family …

A time is coming to the church where “people will be lovers of self.” Do you feel like this time has already come? The Bible says that in the end …

I want to let the cat out of the bag about how church is going to be. Consider this your guide to what’s going to happen at your church this …

Musical preferences are profoundly etched into us. One generation’s trash is another generation’s treasure. Modern worship has a bullseye on it. It’s a fairly regular occurrence that I read a …

Bankruptcy. Unemployment. Health insurance. Rising prices….Are you scared spitless about your economic future? Do you hide your credit card bills under the bed? Are you clueless about how to control …

Dear Roger, My wife and I both grew up in the Roman Catholic tradition but lost interest a number of years ago. Recently some of our friends invited us to …

Revelation 3:14 “To the messenger of the congregation in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says….” As we can see in …

  Talk to any church leader, and they’ll tell you it feels more challenging than ever to get people to come to church on a Sunday. Even in growing churches …

I know a lot about weddings. I used to write advertising for a company that specialized in rental tuxedos. One of my jobs was to answer all the emails that …

Most church leaders I know would love to see their church grow. Similarly, most leaders I’ve met want their church to grow for what we might call the ‘right’ reasons: …

Dear Roger, Thanksgiving and Christmas are tough times for me. I really don’t want to spend any time with my family. It’s like when we get together the pain and …

Throughout the Old and New Testaments and church history, every spiritual awakening was founded on corporate, prevailing, intensive, kingdom-centered prayer. We cannot create spiritual renewal by ourselves, but we can …

  Pew recently released a survey[i] on why Americans do and do not go to church. While 73% of Americans identify as being Christian[ii], surveys say Americans who report going …

“What would you do if you were 22 again?” I was recently asked that question as part of a conference on world missions. I turned 22 in the middle of …

Every week you host services at your church hoping to reach more people, which is admirable and appropriate. The problem is that the culture is changing and never bothered to …

Hello, Roger!   Jack Wellman of “Telling Ministries: Talking Truth Through Technology”, emailed me an article that he had written delineating some of the signs of apathy that tell the …

It is beautifully fitting that Christians gather for corporate worship every week. When we do, we give united expression to our truth-rooted knowledge of the triune God and our treasure-rooted …

You’re probably trying to change something right now. And — if you’re honest — you’ve already thought about backing off. Change seems too difficult. You’ve watched friends get hurt trying to lead …

Any church leader who’s been in ministry for more than a few months has heard different variations of it:   “I’m looking for a church that meets my needs.” “What are …

“Forty-two percent of the women in our church were sexually abused, inappropriately touched, fondled or molested before the age of sixteen!” I couldn’t believe my ears!   Steve and I …

Lead pastors spend a lot time in the front row of the church participating in worship services. In fact, if you’re a church leader reading this you know the double …

So many leaders face the conundrum of the chicken and the egg when it comes to church growth.  There’s an 85% chance you’re facing it right now because 85% of …

There is a twist—a deeper reason why the perception of hypocrisy exists. It’s not just our lifestyles that have gotten us in trouble; it’s the very way in which we …

The Judean marketplace bustles with customers. The aroma of salted gefilte fish and the stench of human sweat fills the air. Jesus whips out His smartphone from beneath the folds …

How could younger people be more spiritual than their elders?   The next generation sees God and the world more clearly than we do. Electronic Arts and Hollywood know their …

Abuse can occur in one-on-one relationships, in families, in institutions, and in society at large. Wherever abuse is found, it should be uncovered, repented of and rejected. It is not …

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28  Can we achieve racial reconciliation? Can our multicolored, …

The Brazilians taught me the beauty of a blessing. Here is a scene repeated in Brazil thousands of times daily. It’s early morning. Time for young Marcos to leave for …

Carey Nieuwhof is a Canadian pastor with a perceptive, and (possibly an objective) view of American society today. “Regardless of where your politics lean, many would sense that American culture …

You may be fighting a losing battle. First-time guests to your church make up their minds whether they’re coming back or not in the first ten minutes of their visit.  …

Hi Roger,   How can I impact someone else’s life without harassing them with religion? I have many friends that don’t believe in God and many of them find it …

When you’re a church leader, you feel a lot of pressure. Almost every leader feels the pressure to do more when the key to effectively accomplishing your mission is often …

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “It is appalling that the most segregated hour of Christian America is eleven o’clock on Sunday morning.” Progress is slow on racial reconciliation …

Donald Trump is elected President of the United States. So what should evangelical Christians do now? No matter what our differences politically or religiously, surely we can all agree that some citizens …

Do I really want to see myself?  Really?  Not as I might prefer to see myself in order to have some rickety and ill-placed semblance of peace.  Not the image …

What should you pray for your children?  Pray a virtue a day: 1. Salvation—”Lord, let salvation spring up within my children, that they may obtain the salvation that is in …

The Discovery Channel once hosted a series called “Dirty Jobs.” Mike Rowe, the host, mucked-out, dug under, flushed, slogged, and slid through some of the most filthy and foul places …

In 1066, one of history’s most decisive battles was fought. William, Duke of Normandy, dared to invade England. He confidently approached his formidable opponent with his secret weapon, an invention …

Why should the church disengage from politics? There are voices shouting from both sides of the issue. I often hear from some Christians who argue that we should disengage from …

Spiritual abuse is often unrecognized among Christians and churches. A person who has experienced hurt at the hands of a religious leader who “spoke for God” will likely have a …

I recently took a survey that made this amazing claim: “Given that over 95% of people in the U.S. under the age of 33 don’t attend church, to what degree do you …

There’s been much hand-wringing over ISIS’s success in recruiting young men from the West to join their holy war. Contrary to the stereotype of the poor, disadvantaged youth acting out …

Loops are negative interactions between two people in which each reaction heightens the conflict.  For example, if one person is demanding, the other person will often withhold.  Or if one …

Why do so many Christians love Jesus but not the church? Perhaps they have experienced hurt and disappointment. Are you happy with your church? Love for the church comes from …

The unbelieving world sees Christians as “guardians of morality,” placing standards upon others that we can’t live up to ourselves. Instead, we are privileged to be living expressions of God’s …

In this series from Acts, the church struggles from within when Ananias and Sapphira bring gifts and lie about their generosity. They also experience persecution from the Sanhedrin and some …

Bewildered brides. Gloomy grooms. Panicky parents. Cynical clergymen. Will this marriage really last? Or will it dissolve into devastating divorce? God has given us three biblical principles from Genesis to …

What does the Bible say about gun control? More specifically, are the guidelines for the use of defensive weapons the same in the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus …

The message of Jesus was hard. He demanded that His followers take up their cross, leave everything behind and follow Him. He didn’t cultivate the crowds, He weeded them out …

This insightful (and controversial) article was written in 2013. It’s shocking that America, once a conservative nation, now faces these issues on a daily basis! Children at Stockholm’s Nicolaigarden preschool, …

The Triumph of Relationship over Poverty. What is the Open Table? It’s a great program to equip Christians to restore people in poverty to our communities through relationship and by …

As they do in all human institutions, disagreements and conflicts sometimes arise in the local church. When that happens, how should church leaders respond? In Titus 3:9-11, Paul teaches that …

SIX MAJOR PERCEPTIONS This Short explores the top six major perceptions revealed from our research and the most common points of skepticism and objections raised by outsiders. Those six major …

Dear Roger, Recently I was having my morning devotionals when I came across Matthew 6:16-18 and noticed that Jesus twice said to His disciples, “When you fast.” He didn’t say, …

Are you at a loss for words when you hear the words, “Pray for me?” Your automatic answer: “Sure.” But what if the request has nothing to do with God’s …

Most early signs of anorexia center on preoccupation with food or dieting. Behavior may appear obsessive or compulsive, and begin to consume more time. Eventually, disordered eating patterns will become …

Pastor Glenn Barteau preaches on Roger Barrier’s ministry over the past 35 years. Get a look at the godly values that have helped shape Casas Church to become an enduring …

Where Is God When _______? I had an interesting exchange with a Facebook friend who asked, “Where is God when mass shootings, rape, and starvation are part of everyday life?” …

The local church is a powerful force to be reckoned with as they show together, grow together and go together. Engaging the local church is more significant than we realize. …

Got any aches, pains and complaints? Anyone who served in World War II would say, “Sure. It cured everything!” The acronym APC was widely used in the middle of the …

The words of Jesus to the seven churches reveal much about His will for the church universal. Using the guidelines in this passage, a prayer guide is developed to effectively …

Benefit of the slop or benefit of the doubt? Social media and magazines rake in bazillions of dollars by cashing in on our curiosity. Who did what to whom? The juicier the better. …

Singing sensation Taylor Swift sold four million records last year. Among her best current songs are “You Belong with Me” and “Two is Better than One.” The Bible tells us …

Singing sensation Taylor Swift sold four million records last year. Among her best current songs are “You Belong with Me” and “Two is Better than One.” The Bible tells us …

God created man with physical, spiritual and relational needs. Relational needs are to be satisfied by near ones such as spouses, family, friends and church members.

Dear Roger, I am a pretty new Christian. I have some Bible studies that help me know about the facts of the Bible, but I am not sure how to …

Paul gives us three pictures of the church in this passage. As members of the family of God we have the privileges of belonging, companionship, provision and protection. We also …