Dr. Jim Motes examines how shepherds used their staff to lead, guide, and encourage their flock in the same way God directs us today.
What America Needs Most
The recent election of President Donald Trump has caused even the most apathetic voter to take sides. Political factions feverishly debate issues and people seem to protest perpetually, all while the media spins out of control. Political correctness abounds on social media and everyone has an opinion. Christians engage in the harsh and abrasive rhetoric without regret. Young and old … Read More
Consistency of Outrage
Tim McKnight addresses reactions to bans on refugees and challenges Christians to be consistent in their outrage and speak out for persecuted believers.
Women, Self-Worth, and Jesus
There are many controversies and issues we face as women in today’s world. We live in a time of great debates, loud voices, fighting for rights. Women are too often devalued, our dreams deferred, and undermined, with no regard for our opinions. Women are often used and abused. The question is: are these the things that determine our self-worth? Or … Read More
Preachers Ink
Everywhere I look, I see tattoos popping up – on arms, necks, faces, ankles, and who knows where else? Even TV is overrun with shows featuring tattoos; I’ve run across at least 25 different programs, from Bad Ink to Best Ink to Epic Ink to Tattoo You. There are shows based on where the tattoos are created: NY Ink, London … Read More
The Maxim of the Mask
What does an oxygen mask have to do with ministry? Kris Barnett examines why never addressing your own needs can actually hurt your congregation.
Digital Wisdom and Teens
I recently lead a small gathering of 50 or so youth ministers on the topic of technology and its influence on teen behavior. The number one question on everyone’s mind was “How can we help teenagers when it seems like they seem to know more than we do on this topic?” It’s a valid question but it need not be … Read More
Three Ways to Strengthen Unity
One recurring theme throughout the New Testament is unity. Jesus speaks of oneness among His disciples in His high priestly prayer found in John 17:21-23. He prayed, “That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. … Read More
Seeing and Responding to Scripture
When my wife and I had our honeymoon in Plymouth, Mass.—some 14 years ago now—we made the decision to drive the entire way. Now I know a 20-hour car ride on your honeymoon sounds like a bad idea, but it was really quite nice. On the way, we visited places like Hershey, Penn., Amish Country, and New York City. One … Read More