The Rescuer chose us
It was Christmas break my sophomore year of college. I was driving home for winter break on a two-lane road through snowy, rural West Virginia. I hit ice and slid down an embankment.
Blog
You’d better be good for goodness’ sake!
When a 15-year-old killed Al’s son in a car accident he wanted revenge. Then he met Jesus at a Christmas Eve service and everything changed.
The moray man
Rev. Usman Fornah invited the “moray man” to a pastors gathering, knowing full well this could result in each of them being executed. The sorcerer agreed to attend.
A season of remembrance and gratitude
Paul penned the words “I thank my God every time I remember you” after his time in Philippi. Who would you pen those words to during this holiday season?
The untaken, untouched gift
The gift is there under the tree, untouched and untaken. It has your name on it. A lot was sacrificed to put this gift there for you.
A Funny Money Family Meeting
We got to wondering if maybe we should begin practicing this financial intentionality with what we have already.
Thanksgiving discontentment
It’s Thanksgiving season. We are supposed to be thankful for many reasons. Yet there are some details in life that I am discontent about.
The Radical Wesley: a pastor’s thoughts
A couple of years ago, my dad loaned me his tattered, well-worn copy of “The Radical Wesley.” Reading it became a journey of rediscovering and reclaiming my own radical Wesleyan heritage.
Layperson Appreciation Month
October was Pastor Appreciation Month. Jim Dunn poses the question: If there was a Layperson Appreciation Month, when would it be? Do we intentionally show appreciation to laypersons in our churches?
The unexpected door
Not every open door from the Lord looks like an immediate blessing. Some look like heavy obligations or burdens. The Lord may be calling, but I find that I can be reluctant.
Autumn leaves but Jesus does not
As we slowed down to drive through a small town, a church marquee caught my eye. It said, “Autumn leaves. Jesus never does.”
Change can be good
There are enough changes in our lives that seemingly shake us to the core. The challenge is to remain open to find God’s good purposes in the middle of all of life’s circumstances.
Generosity in North Carolina West District
Generosity of churches in North Carolina West District is increasing through the emphasis of the 2020 Campaign.
Thank God for the Church
The Church has stemmed the tide of evil time and time again. From the killing fields of Cambodia to the prison cells of Cuba, it has been the “flowing stream” of justice.
10 ways to keep the pastor you love
“Being a pastor was SO much easier than what I’m doing now,” said NO former pastor ever. Note: October is Pastor Appreciation Month. Here are ten tips on how to keep your beloved pastor from leaving.
Seek and save
Are you seeking Jesus and his work in your daily life? And are you seeking out friendship so others can know Jesus’ saving grace?
Dare to be different
How do you respond to peer pressure? When you are the only one who believes you are right, do you have the courage of your convictions?
I pray so God can change me
“I don’t pray so I can change God. I pray so God can change me.”
Four Lessons on Money
John Wesley not only turned 18th century England around with his preaching, but he made lots of money in the process. Here is a story about and advice from, a man who knew how to make money & how to spend it.
Why biblical holiness makes us missional
While holiness is widely accepted as a biblical standard, within the church in general there is a lot of debate as to what it means practically for the follower of Jesus Christ.
Purple Fish: An interview with Mark Wilson
JR Woodward interviews Mark Wilson about his new book, Purple Fish, available through Wesleyan Publishing House.
Remember
Do you remember where you were on September 11, 2001? I was in the church office preparing a sermon when my church treasurer called to tell me about what many Americans refer to as “9/11.”
The next generation for Jesus
Jim Dunn shares specific ways he prays for his children–and how his own parents did the same for him when he was younger.
Higher education: when relevance is not enough
An education that prepares students only with skills necessary to get their first jobs will have failed to prepare them for a lifetime of learning. Houghton College President Shirley Mullen weighs in.
