A Barna survey of the preferences of “Millennials” concerning the “ideal” church (their perceptions of churches, church buildings, and worship environments) had some interesting results. Some of the categories asked (considered in pairs) were the following: Community, 78% was selected over Privacy, 22% Sanctuary, 77% (Auditorium, 23%) Classic, 67% (Trendy, 33%) Quiet, 65% (Loud, 35%) …
The Golden State Warriors lost to the Indiana Pacers more than a week ago. Sportscasters pointed out that “star” player Stephen Curry did not play that night due to a sore ankle. And some commented that the absence of Curry was an important factor in that loss. Of course, the presence of Curry is not …
Each of us has responsibilities to fulfill, tasks to perform, decisions to make, and a whole lot of other things to do. Some we may consider trivial, others of considerable importance. We have chores at home—basic cleaning and maintenance, preparing meals, doing the laundry. Parental responsibilities include providing for the education of our children, as …
One of the tallest trees in Berkeley has been identified for cutting down. This is due to safety concerns. As it is, there is a serious wood fungus at the center of the four trunks of the 140-foot eucalyptus tree. This fungus has weakened the structural integrity of the tree, presenting the very real possibility …
I recently was working on a Do-It-Yourself project at the house. One specific task I thought of doing was to make a couple of wooden brackets for a shelf. They were to be simple triangles, but had to be cut in a specific way to make the best use of the wood that was available. …
Recently, a movie was released that became popular among many religious folk. The film was an account of a young boy’s experience of dying, going to heaven and then returning from heaven. The source for the film is a non-fiction book, which is actually just one of other books with the same basic theme of …
Matters concerning church membership have been part of some conversations within the past weeks. During discussions in the recent leadership planning/retreat the topic of membership also came up. As we celebrate our 34th anniversary, perhaps it would be worthwhile to review some of the issues relevant to church membership. It is necessary to clarify at …
Consider the man who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years, all the time lying near the pool of Bethesda. Jesus comes along, sees him, and asks, “Do you want to get well?” Instead of an enthusiastic “Yes!” the man responds by bemoaning his situation and recounting his weaknesses. He has set his sights on …
Jesus tells the parable of a man who prepared a great banquet. When the time for the banquet came, he sent his servants to tell his invited guests that everything was ready. But to his great disappointment, “they all alike began to make excuses” (Luke 14.18). Following Jesus means taking seriously God’s demands as Lord …
“Commitment” may be defined as “the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, etc.” It is that strong sense of allegiance that willfully seeks to be faithful in every way in fulfilling one’s declared identification with a person, cause, task, or ministry. Commitment is about doing what you say you will do. …
