S - PEOPLE FILES
- Joel Saint - Tarah-Lynn Sait-Ellen - Gabriel Salguero - Hkalam Samson - John Samson - David Saperstein - Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati - Mark Sartin - Tony Saurez - Vladimir Savchuk - Daniel Savala - Jerry Savelle - Ann Scalfaro - Peter Scazzero - Dale Schaeffer - Steve Scheffler - Rob Schenck - Don Schmierer - Laurie Schlegel - Justin Schoolcraft - Thomas Schreiner - Jeff Schreve - Mark Scott - Nick Scotton - Mike Scrugs - Jasmine Sculark - Brian Seagraves - Steve Seamands - John Seibeling - Scott Sekulow Martin G Selbrede - Charles Sell - Jim Shaddix - Isaac Sharp - Al Sharpton - Matt Shea - Nina Shea - Dutch Sheets - Tim Sheets - Wes Sheley - Sunny Shell - Don Shenk - Andrew Sheppard - Brad Sherman - Bill Shiell - Ken Shigematsu - Elizabeth Shockman - Gary Shultz Jr - Steve Shultz - Adam Shutters - Jaymz Sideras - Pat Sieler - Bob Smietana - Gary Smith - Michael W Smith - Robert Smith - Tim Smith - Travis D Smith - Jed Smock - Mike Snow -Matthew Soerens - Torben Sondergaard - David Sons - Jose Soto - Maya Spinler - Peggy Fletcher Stack - Glenn T Stanton - Joshua Stanton - John Starke - Mat Staver - Charles Steele Jr - Bri Stensrud - Jerry Stephenson - John Stevens - Donald Stewart - Katharine Stewart - Lyndon Stimeling - David Stocker - Owen Strachan - Stephen E Strang - Lee Strobel - Dave Stone - Meridith Stone - Mike Stone - Rachel Marie Stone - Roger Stone - Stu Strachan - Greg Stiekes - Tim Stuen - Jen Stutphin - Meera Subramanian - Matthew Sullivan -
joel saint
Joel Saint Files
Joel Saint is a graduate of Washington Bible College in Lanham, MD (now a subsidiary of Lancaster Bible College), Joel began in ministry as an Arminian youth pastor, became reformed and theonomic in his theology, and then entered a secular career as an executive salesman . While maintaining a secular career, he has used his teaching gifts and abilities in his local church bodies, hosted a worldview radio commentary and run for a local political office. He is a pastor at the Independence Reformed Bible Church in Morgantown, PA and is the Executive Director of The Mid Atlantic Reformation Society.
Jan 13, 2023: Religion Dispatches: ‘EXPORTING GARBAGE TO THE NATIONS’: CONSERVATIVE CHRISTIAN RIFTS SPREADING LIKE CRACKED GLASS
For his part, Pastor Joel Saint said the ReAwaken America Tour failed to explain how we got here and what to do about it, except to reelect Trump and create a Red wave. He also complains that the Republican Party has “already accepted homo-sex marriage” and “is playing footsie-wootsie now with transgenderism.” This, he says, “is completely offensive to God.”
For his part, Pastor Joel Saint said the ReAwaken America Tour failed to explain how we got here and what to do about it, except to reelect Trump and create a Red wave. He also complains that the Republican Party has “already accepted homo-sex marriage” and “is playing footsie-wootsie now with transgenderism.” This, he says, “is completely offensive to God.”
Joel Saint
“We believe that Christ set all authority,” he explained, noting that there “is no such thing as legitimate authority outside of Jesus Christ. The U.S. is not a monarchy, that’s why we have legislation, that’s why we have written constitutions to limit the power and the authority of tyrannical people and yes, this governor is a tyrant. And you know what? We’re not thrilled with taking other people’s money in the form of these stimulus checks — doesn’t really make us feel all that good.....How about this? How about you stop taking our money, and I won’t ask for any of it back.” The pastor added that welfare is job of the church and family, telling Breitbart News, “It’s not the job of the state, because the state takes it away by force. The church and the family give it away voluntarily. No more state-sponsored welfare. It’s unbiblical and ungodly and needs to stop. People should be held accountable....China may have started this whole thing, but right now I’m not worried about the coronavirus. I’m worried about the hype surrounding the coronavirus. I’m worried about all the rights that have been taken away from people because of the coronavirus....I’m not concentrating on China right now. I’m concentrating on the US of A and Gov. Wolf, who are overreacting, overreaching, and destroying their neighbors." -Pastor Joel Saint to Breitbart; Apr 20, 2020
tarah-lynn sait-ellen
Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien
So how do we overcome our fear? Here are three quick tips.
1. It starts with taking every thought captive. The apostle Paul encouraged the church at Corinth to capture every thought and subject it to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). This process of thinking about what we’re thinking about is important. If we don’t examine what we think about, we won’t be able to identify the areas we’re most fearful. We won’t be able to expose the lies of the enemy.
2. Replace lies with truth. Where do you find truth in a world that changes the narrative to suit whatever agenda is being pushed?
The Bible tells us that the Word of God is truth (John 17:17). Jesus Himself said He was the truth (John 14:6). It, therefore, means that we need to immerse ourselves in the Word of God so we can know the truth.
3. Prepare for battle. This process of overcoming our fear is not a one-time event. Sadly, we will have to do it many times in our lifetimes, sometimes battling the same fears. The good news is that God has already equipped us with everything we need to be successful (Psalm 18:39). --Tarah-Lynn Sait-Ellen; Hebrews12Endurance; How to Overcome Fear: 3 Quick Tips
1. It starts with taking every thought captive. The apostle Paul encouraged the church at Corinth to capture every thought and subject it to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). This process of thinking about what we’re thinking about is important. If we don’t examine what we think about, we won’t be able to identify the areas we’re most fearful. We won’t be able to expose the lies of the enemy.
2. Replace lies with truth. Where do you find truth in a world that changes the narrative to suit whatever agenda is being pushed?
The Bible tells us that the Word of God is truth (John 17:17). Jesus Himself said He was the truth (John 14:6). It, therefore, means that we need to immerse ourselves in the Word of God so we can know the truth.
3. Prepare for battle. This process of overcoming our fear is not a one-time event. Sadly, we will have to do it many times in our lifetimes, sometimes battling the same fears. The good news is that God has already equipped us with everything we need to be successful (Psalm 18:39). --Tarah-Lynn Sait-Ellen; Hebrews12Endurance; How to Overcome Fear: 3 Quick Tips
Gabriel Salguero
Rev. Gabriel Salguero is the pastor of The Gathering Place, a multi-ethnic Assemblies of God congregation in Orlando, Florida. He is also the co-founder of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition, made up of 3,000 churches, nonprofits, clergy leaders, and educational institutions. He was the former Director of the Hispanic Leadership Program (HLP), and the Institute for Faith and Public Life at Princeton Theological Seminary. Salguero is also a powerful voice on issues that affect the close to 9 million Latino evangelicals in the United States. Salguero’s leadership through NaLEC, offers an important voice for the growing diversity and changing demographics in our country. He has written extensively on Latino evangelicalism, immigration, racism, and multicultural congregations. Salguero has been named as one of the nation’s most prominent Latino evangelical leaders by the New York Times, Huffington Post, the New York Observer, the Center for American Progress, El Diario, CNN Español, NBC Universal, Univisión, and Jorge Ramos’s Al Punto. In addition, his leadership on issues of young male education and criminal justice reform has been featured by the Discovery Channel and the Oprah Winfrey Network. Rev. Salguero has served on the White House Faith-Based Advisory Council, the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), and the National Advisory Council of the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance. He is also on the board of La Asociación Evangélica Latina (AEL) the coalition of Latin American evangelicals which is the representative body for all evangelical associations in Latin America. Salguero holds a BA in Spanish and History from Rutgers University, and M.Div (magna cum laude) from New Brunswick Theological Seminary, and holds a Doctorate in Divinity (honoris causa) from Eastern Nazarene College.
Mar 31, 2023: Baptist News Global: Evangelical leaders beg DeSantis and Florida Legislature not to make them criminals for transporting immigrants to church
Opposition to the legislation is not politically motivated, said Gabriel Salguero, lead pastor of The Gathering, an Assemblies church in Orlando, and president and founder of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition.
Opposition to the legislation is not politically motivated, said Gabriel Salguero, lead pastor of The Gathering, an Assemblies church in Orlando, and president and founder of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition.
Dec 20, 2022: CBN: Churches Targeted 420 Times Since 2018: Homeland Security Warns of New Threats to Houses of Worship
Rev. Gabriel Salguero, an Orlando pastor and head of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition, is one of the faith leaders named to the DHS security council.
He told CBN News that the need for real-time communication about threats to churches and faith-based institutions is key.
"We know that regrettably there are bad actors who act against people of faith and we want to be conduits of credible information and receive that information in a timely manner," he said.
Rev. Gabriel Salguero, an Orlando pastor and head of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition, is one of the faith leaders named to the DHS security council.
He told CBN News that the need for real-time communication about threats to churches and faith-based institutions is key.
"We know that regrettably there are bad actors who act against people of faith and we want to be conduits of credible information and receive that information in a timely manner," he said.
hkalam samson
April 10, 2023: Myanmar’s military junta sentenced Hkalam Samson, the former head of the Kachin Baptist Convention, to six years in prison on charges of terrorism, unlawful association, and inciting opposition.
Hkalam denies the charges, which the Kachin Convention say is
"politically motivated. " <<<Sound familiar?
Hkalam is in the center of the attached picture with some of Trumps "spiritual advisor board."
Hkalam denies the charges, which the Kachin Convention say is
"politically motivated. " <<<Sound familiar?
Hkalam is in the center of the attached picture with some of Trumps "spiritual advisor board."
jon samson
John Samson
It is not the church that gave us our Bible, rather it is our Bible the gave us the church. When the church made a list of the inspired Scriptures, these were already acknowledged to be so in the Christian community. The Church did not stand over the Scripture in authority but submitted to them, using the Latin phrase “Recipimus” meaning “We Receive.” That is vital to understand. The Scriptures are self authenticating, having their source in God. The church merely recognized and received the word of God. God created the world by His word and creates Christians the same way – “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.” (1 Peter 1:23) – John Samson
david sapperstein
April 25, 2023: Christian Post: Ilhan Omar to speak at religious freedom event after being removed from speaker list
The event will be moderated by former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom and former USCIRF Commissioner Rabbi David Saperstein. USCIRF Chair Nury Turkel and USCIRF Vice Chair Rabbi Abraham Cooper, the Global Social Action Agenda director at the Simon Wiesenthal Center, are scheduled to deliver the event's opening remarks.
The event will be moderated by former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom and former USCIRF Commissioner Rabbi David Saperstein. USCIRF Chair Nury Turkel and USCIRF Vice Chair Rabbi Abraham Cooper, the Global Social Action Agenda director at the Simon Wiesenthal Center, are scheduled to deliver the event's opening remarks.
sadhvi bhagawati saraswati
Feb 15, 2023: Religion News Service: A 300-year-old church hopes to connect with spiritual but not religious neighbors
It’s also hosted speakers, including Kimberly Wilson, who performed “A Journey,” her one-woman show about Black women who shaped American history; writer Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, author of “Hollywood to the Himalayas,” which details her life as a Hindu convert; and the Rev. Matthew Wright, an Episcopal priest and Sufi practitioner who teaches about contemplation. A current series features author Mark Greene, host of the “Remaking Manhood” podcast.
It’s also hosted speakers, including Kimberly Wilson, who performed “A Journey,” her one-woman show about Black women who shaped American history; writer Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, author of “Hollywood to the Himalayas,” which details her life as a Hindu convert; and the Rev. Matthew Wright, an Episcopal priest and Sufi practitioner who teaches about contemplation. A current series features author Mark Greene, host of the “Remaking Manhood” podcast.
mark sartin
Pastor Mark Sartin is a Bible teacher and a widely-traveled speaker and writer. His preaching communicates the life-changing truths of God's Word. He travels the globe training pastors and inspiring Christians to return to the passion of their faith. Pastor Mark launched Grace School of Faith, a training center birthed out of Grace Fellowship church. He leads the "Prayer for All" (BønnforAlle.no) movement in Norway, in which every household in the nation is prayed for by name. He is a trainer with the Billion Soul Network's Global HUBS of Christianity, in which thousands of pastors are being equipped and trained to reach the unreached and fulfill the Great Commission. Pastor Mark also writes a devotional every weekday morning called "Daily Words for Christ Followers," a deeper life study in the Word of God.
Mark Sartin
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, 4 for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but [ b]divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. 5 We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, NASB
Note the use of these words in these verses. In verse four, thoughts or beliefs can be built as fortresses or strongholds used in revolt against God's Truth. Here are the most frequently used terms:
vs 4, our weapons destroy f ortresses or strongholds:
(fortresses, strongholds, wardings, strengths) Most frequent is, "strongholds."
In verse five, we destroy " arguments" that are raised up against the knowledge of God. Words that are frequently used here are:
(vain) imaginations, speculations, considerations, reasonings, arguments, deceptive fantasies, counsels. Note that these thoughts assimilate into vain imaginations, beliefs systems or ways of thinking that oppose God. These systems may become so clearly defined that they are articulated as reasonable ways of thinking about God!...........These may be translated as: heights of man's thoughts, ideas, lofty opinions, imposing defenses erected by men, lofty thoughts, arrogant obstacles, proud obstacles, high ideas. Don't underestimate the ability of the enemy to present these subtly, as unimportant, or as something that is not a deal-breaker of faith. The fact remains that wrong believing will not get you to right results..
--Mike Sartin: How to Pray in Faith: Pulling Down Vain Imaginations 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
Note the use of these words in these verses. In verse four, thoughts or beliefs can be built as fortresses or strongholds used in revolt against God's Truth. Here are the most frequently used terms:
vs 4, our weapons destroy f ortresses or strongholds:
(fortresses, strongholds, wardings, strengths) Most frequent is, "strongholds."
In verse five, we destroy " arguments" that are raised up against the knowledge of God. Words that are frequently used here are:
(vain) imaginations, speculations, considerations, reasonings, arguments, deceptive fantasies, counsels. Note that these thoughts assimilate into vain imaginations, beliefs systems or ways of thinking that oppose God. These systems may become so clearly defined that they are articulated as reasonable ways of thinking about God!...........These may be translated as: heights of man's thoughts, ideas, lofty opinions, imposing defenses erected by men, lofty thoughts, arrogant obstacles, proud obstacles, high ideas. Don't underestimate the ability of the enemy to present these subtly, as unimportant, or as something that is not a deal-breaker of faith. The fact remains that wrong believing will not get you to right results..
--Mike Sartin: How to Pray in Faith: Pulling Down Vain Imaginations 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
tony saurez
Tony Saurez
"Evangelical Christians, conservatives and independents are tired of these games and ready to fight to protect our democracy and ensure a fair election in 2024 that we believe will lead to President Trump returning to the Oval Office" --Rev. Tony Suarez, chief operation officer of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference 8.4.23
"Evangelical Christians, conservatives and independents are tired of these games and ready to fight to protect our democracy and ensure a fair election in 2024 that we believe will lead to President Trump returning to the Oval Office" --Rev. Tony Suarez, chief operation officer of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference 8.4.23
daniel savala
June 2, 2023: Roys Report: Chi Alpha ‘Mentor’ Daniel Savala Arrested on Sex Abuse Charges
Daniel Savala, who’s accused of sexually abusing multiple men in the Assemblies of God’s Chi Alpha Campus Ministries, has been arrested in Houston on sex abuse charges involving minors.
Daniel Savala, who’s accused of sexually abusing multiple men in the Assemblies of God’s Chi Alpha Campus Ministries, has been arrested in Houston on sex abuse charges involving minors.
vladimir savchuk
Vlad Savchuk
As Christians, we do not go on hunger strikes to manipulate God. Instead, when fasting, we allow God to refine our desires according to His will.
1. Fasting Helps in Humbling Us – The life of Ezra and the people of Israel (Ezra 8:21-23) and King Ahab (1 Kings 21:27-29) demonstrate a direct link between humility and fasting. They humbled themselves before the Lord with fasting and God answered their prayers.
Humility has little to do with starving yourself, but instead with surrendering to the acknowledgment of God as your King by abstaining from the pleasure of food for an allotted time and dedicating time to be in His presence.
2. Fasting Restores Our Hunger for God – If you feel like you have lost your hunger for God, choose to experience physical hunger for spiritual reasons. You’ll notice that God will reset your spiritual appetite for godly things.
3. Fasting Increases Our Holiness – Jesus died on the cross for our spirit to be sanctified, but our soul is undergoing sanctification until His return. Abstaining from food is the intentional act of setting ourselves apart in preparation for God to use us. Read 2 Timothy 2:20-21.
When you fast, you are aiding the Holy Spirit in your process of separation and holiness. God will expose areas of your life that are unholy, and He will draw you closer to Him.
-Vlad Savchuk; Charisma; 3 Spiritual Benefits of Fasting 1.24.23
1. Fasting Helps in Humbling Us – The life of Ezra and the people of Israel (Ezra 8:21-23) and King Ahab (1 Kings 21:27-29) demonstrate a direct link between humility and fasting. They humbled themselves before the Lord with fasting and God answered their prayers.
Humility has little to do with starving yourself, but instead with surrendering to the acknowledgment of God as your King by abstaining from the pleasure of food for an allotted time and dedicating time to be in His presence.
2. Fasting Restores Our Hunger for God – If you feel like you have lost your hunger for God, choose to experience physical hunger for spiritual reasons. You’ll notice that God will reset your spiritual appetite for godly things.
3. Fasting Increases Our Holiness – Jesus died on the cross for our spirit to be sanctified, but our soul is undergoing sanctification until His return. Abstaining from food is the intentional act of setting ourselves apart in preparation for God to use us. Read 2 Timothy 2:20-21.
When you fast, you are aiding the Holy Spirit in your process of separation and holiness. God will expose areas of your life that are unholy, and He will draw you closer to Him.
-Vlad Savchuk; Charisma; 3 Spiritual Benefits of Fasting 1.24.23
Feb 26, 2022: Charisma: Join Native Ukrainian Pastor, Russian Wife in Spirit-Filled Prayer for Their 2 Countries
Pastor Vladimir Savchuk, born in the Ukraine, immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 13. Today, he leads HungryGen Church in Pasco, Washington, and hosts the Vlad Savchuk Podcast on the Charisma Podcast Network.
He and his wife, Lana, a native of Russia, hosted a special prayer time for their two countries this week. Their local paper once referred to the couple as "a house divided," but in Jesus, they are one.
Pastor Vladimir Savchuk, born in the Ukraine, immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 13. Today, he leads HungryGen Church in Pasco, Washington, and hosts the Vlad Savchuk Podcast on the Charisma Podcast Network.
He and his wife, Lana, a native of Russia, hosted a special prayer time for their two countries this week. Their local paper once referred to the couple as "a house divided," but in Jesus, they are one.
JERRY SAVELLE
Dr. Jerry Savelle was an average, blue-collar man who was struggling and needed God’s help. While he considered himself a “nobody,” when he became a believer God told him not to worry about it because He was a master at making champions out of nobodies. God has since taken Dr. Savelle from being a constant quitter to a man who knows how to stand on the Word of God until victory is experienced. Because of the life-changing combination of God’s faithfulness and Dr. Savelle’s “no quit” attitude, his life is totally different today. Since 1969, Dr. Savelle has been traveling the world teaching people how to win in life. Dr. Savelle has ministered in more than three thousand churches in twenty-six nations, and has overseas offices in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Tanzania, Africa. God has used Dr. Savelle to impact people who are burned out on religion and who have backslidden in their walk with God, as well as Christians who have a need to hear the Word of God presented in terms applicable to their lives, dreams, and destinies. He is the host of the Jerry Savelle Ministries television broadcast which airs in two hundred countries worldwide. Dr. Savelle is the author of more than forty books, including his bestsellers, If Satan Can’t Steal Your Joy, He Can’t Keep Your Goods and Called to Battle, Destined To Win. He and his wife, Carolyn, also serve as founding Pastors of Heritage of Faith Christian Center in Crowley, Texas.
“I love what it says in Psalm 62:5: “My soul, wait thou only upon God: for my expectation is from Him.” THE MESSAGE puts it this way: “God, the one and only—I’ll wait as long as he says. Everything I hope for comes from him, so why not?” Isn’t that awesome? Everything you hope for comes from God. Everything!”
― Jerry Savelle, Prayer of Petition: Breaking Through the Impossible
“I love what it says in Psalm 62:5: “My soul, wait thou only upon God: for my expectation is from Him.” THE MESSAGE puts it this way: “God, the one and only—I’ll wait as long as he says. Everything I hope for comes from him, so why not?” Isn’t that awesome? Everything you hope for comes from God. Everything!”
― Jerry Savelle, Prayer of Petition: Breaking Through the Impossible
“When it becomes a deep rooted revelation of what Jesus Christ
did for you at Calvary, you will never walk away!”
— Jerry Savelle
“When it becomes a deep rooted revelation of what Jesus Christ
did for you at Calvary, you will never walk away!”
— Jerry Savelle
Mar 17, 2021: Los Angeles Sentinel: Faith Icon and Trailblazer Frederick K.C. Price Remembered
As part of the remembrance, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti sent a touching video tribute. Also, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn and L.A. Council President Emeritus Herb Wesson attended to address the in-person and virtual audience. In addition, remarks were given by Angela M. Evans, Price’s eldest daughter and president/CEO of Crenshaw Christian Center; Dr. William M. Wilson, president of Oral Roberts University where Mrs. Evans serves as a board member; martial artist Billy Blanks, Dr. Kenneth W. Hagin, Jr., Dr. Jerry Savelle, Dr. Creflo A. Dollar and Apostle Michael A. Freeman, who gave the eulogy.
Mar 12, 2015: Youtube: Jerry Savelle. Petitioning God for prosperity.
Jerry Savelle Ministries, march 2015. Petitioning God for prosperity. When God's people pray, they want answers. Yet many Christians don't know how to pray both effectively - in a way that gets results.Learn how to get results by many examples.
June 11, 2013: Youtube: Dr. Jerry Savelle - 'The Favour Of God'
Recorded live at CornerstoneTheChurch, in Esher, Surrey
As part of the remembrance, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti sent a touching video tribute. Also, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn and L.A. Council President Emeritus Herb Wesson attended to address the in-person and virtual audience. In addition, remarks were given by Angela M. Evans, Price’s eldest daughter and president/CEO of Crenshaw Christian Center; Dr. William M. Wilson, president of Oral Roberts University where Mrs. Evans serves as a board member; martial artist Billy Blanks, Dr. Kenneth W. Hagin, Jr., Dr. Jerry Savelle, Dr. Creflo A. Dollar and Apostle Michael A. Freeman, who gave the eulogy.
Mar 12, 2015: Youtube: Jerry Savelle. Petitioning God for prosperity.
Jerry Savelle Ministries, march 2015. Petitioning God for prosperity. When God's people pray, they want answers. Yet many Christians don't know how to pray both effectively - in a way that gets results.Learn how to get results by many examples.
June 11, 2013: Youtube: Dr. Jerry Savelle - 'The Favour Of God'
Recorded live at CornerstoneTheChurch, in Esher, Surrey
Ann Scalfaro
July 8, 2021: Baptist News Global: Where’s the line between finding inspiration in another pastor’s sermon and plagiarizing it?
A sense of community in preaching is important to Anne Scalfaro, senior pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Denver, who calls preaching a “shared vocation.”
A sense of community in preaching is important to Anne Scalfaro, senior pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Denver, who calls preaching a “shared vocation.”
PETER SCAZZERO
Pete Scazzero is the Founder of New Life Fellowship Church in Queens, NYC, a large, multiracial, international church with seventy countries represented. After serving as Senior Pastor for twenty-six years, Pete now serves as a Teaching Pastor/Pastor at Large. He is the author of two best-selling books: Emotionally Healthy Spirituality (Nelson, 2006) and The Emotionally Healthy Church (Zondervan, 2010). He is also the author of The EHS Course (Thomas Nelson, 2014) and Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (Zondervan, 2013). Pete and his wife Geri are the founders of Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, a groundbreaking ministry that equips churches in a deep, beneath-the-surface spiritual formation paradigm that integrates emotional health and contemplative spirituality.
Dec 8, 2020: Christianity Today: The Celebrity Pastor Problem Is Every Church’s Struggle
When I became a pastor at New Life Fellowship, my predecessor, Pete Scazzero, told me, “Congratulations, you can’t park in the church parking lot anymore!”
Sept 20, 2014: Apprising Minsitries: “STAGE MANAGED” ECUMENICISM VIA CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER
Peter Scazzero, senior pastor of New Life Fellowship Church in Queens NYC, is an evangelical and graduate of Gordon-Conwell Seminary, who is a leading teacher among those evangelicals introducing this long neglected spirituality to mainstream evangelicalism. But Scazzero doesn’t mention Roman Catholicism; however, he quotes favorably—and often—in his books and teachings from the Contemplative trinity noted above. He also attends a Trappist monastery in Massachusetts each year.
When I became a pastor at New Life Fellowship, my predecessor, Pete Scazzero, told me, “Congratulations, you can’t park in the church parking lot anymore!”
Sept 20, 2014: Apprising Minsitries: “STAGE MANAGED” ECUMENICISM VIA CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER
Peter Scazzero, senior pastor of New Life Fellowship Church in Queens NYC, is an evangelical and graduate of Gordon-Conwell Seminary, who is a leading teacher among those evangelicals introducing this long neglected spirituality to mainstream evangelicalism. But Scazzero doesn’t mention Roman Catholicism; however, he quotes favorably—and often—in his books and teachings from the Contemplative trinity noted above. He also attends a Trappist monastery in Massachusetts each year.
dale schaeffer
Mar 31, 2023: Baptist News Global: Evangelical leaders beg DeSantis and Florida Legislature not to make them criminals for transporting immigrants to church
The bill as written presents a violation of the First Amendment right to the free exercise of religion, said Dale Schaeffer, district superintendent for the Church of the Nazarene in Central and Northern Florida.
The bill as written presents a violation of the First Amendment right to the free exercise of religion, said Dale Schaeffer, district superintendent for the Church of the Nazarene in Central and Northern Florida.
Steve scheffler
May 7, 2023: Des Moines Register: GOP presidential candidates woo Iowa's pivotal evangelicals to pry them away from Trump
“Most pastors are not very political, but he's meeting with some of those that have a lot of influence,” said Steve Scheffler, president of the Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition. “Not that that's the only piece of the puzzle, but that's a smart move on his part.”
“Most pastors are not very political, but he's meeting with some of those that have a lot of influence,” said Steve Scheffler, president of the Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition. “Not that that's the only piece of the puzzle, but that's a smart move on his part.”
rob schenck
July 7, 2023: Aljazeera: An ex-anti-abortion evangelist on life as a pro-choice ‘traitor’
American Reverend Rob Schenck made a name for himself denouncing ‘baby killers’. Then he changed his mind.
American Reverend Rob Schenck made a name for himself denouncing ‘baby killers’. Then he changed his mind.
Dec 8, 2022: NPR: Former evangelical activist says he 'pushed the boundaries' in Supreme Court dealings
Right-wing Christian activists sought to work their way into the social circles of conservative-leaning U.S. Supreme Court justices — offering prayers, meals, "warm personal greetings," and occasionally even travel — in an effort to "embolden" the justices to advance their policy agenda, the former leader of an evangelical nonprofit told members of Congress on Thursday.
"Throughout this ordeal, I've had to look deeply at what my cohorts and I did at the Supreme Court," Rev. Rob Schenck testified during a House Judiciary Committee hearing. "I believe we pushed the boundaries of Christian ethics and compromised the high court's promise to administer equal justice."
Right-wing Christian activists sought to work their way into the social circles of conservative-leaning U.S. Supreme Court justices — offering prayers, meals, "warm personal greetings," and occasionally even travel — in an effort to "embolden" the justices to advance their policy agenda, the former leader of an evangelical nonprofit told members of Congress on Thursday.
"Throughout this ordeal, I've had to look deeply at what my cohorts and I did at the Supreme Court," Rev. Rob Schenck testified during a House Judiciary Committee hearing. "I believe we pushed the boundaries of Christian ethics and compromised the high court's promise to administer equal justice."
Aug 6, 2019: Religion News Service: Clergy protest outside Mitch McConnell’s office, demand action on gun violence
Helping lead the event was the Rev. Rob Schenck, who serves as president of the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Institute, a nonprofit organization that addresses social issues from a Christian perspective. He listed a number of possible policies lawmakers could pass to address gun violence, such as universal background checks or “extreme vetting” for citizens wishing to purchase an assault rifle, but stressed the issue is a moral one.
“As a Christian … we are required to rescue those who are perishing, to come to their aid, and the Bible says if you fail to do it God will hold you to account,” Schenck, who is also a founding signer of an evangelical Christian pledge to take action on gun violence, told Religion News Service. “That’s our message to the senator today. Maybe he fears the NRA more than God. He shouldn’t.”
Helping lead the event was the Rev. Rob Schenck, who serves as president of the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Institute, a nonprofit organization that addresses social issues from a Christian perspective. He listed a number of possible policies lawmakers could pass to address gun violence, such as universal background checks or “extreme vetting” for citizens wishing to purchase an assault rifle, but stressed the issue is a moral one.
“As a Christian … we are required to rescue those who are perishing, to come to their aid, and the Bible says if you fail to do it God will hold you to account,” Schenck, who is also a founding signer of an evangelical Christian pledge to take action on gun violence, told Religion News Service. “That’s our message to the senator today. Maybe he fears the NRA more than God. He shouldn’t.”
justin schoolcraft
Justin Schoolcraft grew up in West Virginia and root passionately for the Mountaineers (which comes with plenty of ups and downs). I’ve attended Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville and the Candler School of Theology in Atlanta. Justin is a Deacon serving as the director of small group and young adult ministries. Justin is a Provisional Deacon in the United Methodist Church and serves at the Leawood location.
Justin Schoolcraft Files
“There’s something about somebody joining on Zoom or digitally, being in their space, being in the space that they call home, where they are familiar, and they are comfortable, that it interestingly makes it a little easier to open up about the movement of God in our lives,” Schoolcraft explained.
“When they’re on Zoom, there’s something about the space that they’re in where they were much more inclined to talk about the person of God and what God was doing in their lives. So I think that’s one of the things that is easier with digital, is the openness and vulnerability.”
--Justin Schoolcraft; Provisional Deacon in the United Methodist Church; Leawood location. 2.2.22
“When they’re on Zoom, there’s something about the space that they’re in where they were much more inclined to talk about the person of God and what God was doing in their lives. So I think that’s one of the things that is easier with digital, is the openness and vulnerability.”
--Justin Schoolcraft; Provisional Deacon in the United Methodist Church; Leawood location. 2.2.22
brian seagraves
Brian Seagraves is a software developer and Christian apologist. He lives in Tallahassee, Florida, with his wife Patti, where he is part of City Church.
Brian Seagraves
We need to make sure we are not self deceived. We are blind to our blind spots. That’s why they call them blind spots because you’re blind to them. You can’t see them. So we need the power of the spirit of God and the power of the word of God to remove the scales from our eyes in certain areas of our life so we can determine where we’re believing the lies of the world and believing things are wise that are actually foolish in God’s eyes. And that’s where we need to repent and we need to change our mind and become a fool in the world so that we will be wise in the kingdom of Heaven.
Paul tells us why this is, he shows us there’s no middle ground. In verse 19, ”For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.”
So it’s not just that the gospel is foolishness to the world, it’s also that what is wise in the world is foolish with God. There’s no middle ground here. And I think there are many examples of this. I mean, consider the world’s importance that it places on wealth. Or the primacy that it puts on personal autonomy or the prize of place it puts on comfort and security and safety. Or the way it prizes power. All of those are believed to be wise ends in the world. And biblically speaking, they’re not a prime importance at all and often many of them are foolish and directly lead to ruin and shipwreck. The world considers them to be wise, but God does not. And for this reason, the gospel isn’t viewed as foolishness. -Brian Seagraves; Sermon: 1 Corinthians 3:18-23 – If You Think Yourself To Be Wise, Become A Fool 3.19.20
Paul tells us why this is, he shows us there’s no middle ground. In verse 19, ”For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.”
So it’s not just that the gospel is foolishness to the world, it’s also that what is wise in the world is foolish with God. There’s no middle ground here. And I think there are many examples of this. I mean, consider the world’s importance that it places on wealth. Or the primacy that it puts on personal autonomy or the prize of place it puts on comfort and security and safety. Or the way it prizes power. All of those are believed to be wise ends in the world. And biblically speaking, they’re not a prime importance at all and often many of them are foolish and directly lead to ruin and shipwreck. The world considers them to be wise, but God does not. And for this reason, the gospel isn’t viewed as foolishness. -Brian Seagraves; Sermon: 1 Corinthians 3:18-23 – If You Think Yourself To Be Wise, Become A Fool 3.19.20
martin g selbrede
Martin G. Selbrede is the senior researcher for Chalcedon’s ongoing work of Christian scholarship, along with being the senior editor for Chalcedon’s publications, Arise & Build and The Chalcedon Report. He is considered a foremost expert in the thinking of R.J. Rushdoony. A sought-after speaker, Martin travels extensively and lectures on behalf of Christian Reconstruction and the Chalcedon Foundation. He is also an accomplished musician and composer.
Martin G Selbrede
Normally, we try to say, “Well, the reason that the conspiracy might be effective is because these are powerful men,” and because they’re doing all this in secret—where we can’t see it—chances are, it’s going to be effective, because we can’t find out what they’re doing. The mystery of it is what seems to cloud our judgment, because we have ruled their act—they’re conspiring together—as more powerful than God. Therefore, what God has to say about conspiracies is set aside, and the fear of man becomes the thing.
The conspiracy would not get any traction if it weren’t already for the fact that the human heart was prepared in advance to sit in these ways, to deviate from God’s law, because when we don’t have the anchor of God’s law, we can be moved in various directions....if your God is big, then conspiracies are small and laughable. But if your God is small, then the conspiracies loom large, and what’s the appeal of that?....what we have here is an excuse to be irresponsible. If these big forces are at work—these conspiracies operating behind the scenes—then I can’t be responsible. Therefore, my actions aren’t going to make a difference in light of how powerful the conspiracies are, so it’s a ticket for irresponsibility. The other reason that people like to think in terms of conspiracy and against Providence is what Dr. Rushdoony called the doctrine of selective depravity, where we can say that the evil in the system is in the conspirators but not in our hearts. Therefore, by dislocating the source of our problems from us to outside us—to them—we’ve identified this particular group as the evil group, and therefore the evil is not in us. We’re the good guys, but we’re put upon because we’re weak and ineffective, and that’s just the way it is. This can naturally lead to a theology of escape; and some have an eschatology of escape, but that’s not the calling.
-Martin G Selbrede; Chalcedon Foundation; Conspiracy Thinking 8.14.23
The conspiracy would not get any traction if it weren’t already for the fact that the human heart was prepared in advance to sit in these ways, to deviate from God’s law, because when we don’t have the anchor of God’s law, we can be moved in various directions....if your God is big, then conspiracies are small and laughable. But if your God is small, then the conspiracies loom large, and what’s the appeal of that?....what we have here is an excuse to be irresponsible. If these big forces are at work—these conspiracies operating behind the scenes—then I can’t be responsible. Therefore, my actions aren’t going to make a difference in light of how powerful the conspiracies are, so it’s a ticket for irresponsibility. The other reason that people like to think in terms of conspiracy and against Providence is what Dr. Rushdoony called the doctrine of selective depravity, where we can say that the evil in the system is in the conspirators but not in our hearts. Therefore, by dislocating the source of our problems from us to outside us—to them—we’ve identified this particular group as the evil group, and therefore the evil is not in us. We’re the good guys, but we’re put upon because we’re weak and ineffective, and that’s just the way it is. This can naturally lead to a theology of escape; and some have an eschatology of escape, but that’s not the calling.
-Martin G Selbrede; Chalcedon Foundation; Conspiracy Thinking 8.14.23
dutch sheets
July 11, 2023: Bucks County Beacon: Pennsylvania’s Prayer Warrior: Abby Abildness And Her Dominionist Crusade In The CommonwealthWe initially reported on the NAR in August last year. As stated in that report, some of the NAR’s most prominent leaders include:
- Cindy Jacobs
- John Benefiel
- Lance Wallnau
- Abby Abildness
- Dutch Sheets
- Chuck Pierce
- Ché Ahn
- Lou Engle
- Jim Garlow
- Steve Strang (Charisma News)
- Steve Shultz (Elijah List).
June 2, 2023: Media Matters: Fox’s Jeanine Pirro appears on Christian nationalist program FlashPoint to warn of “takedown of religion” in America
Pirro was also recently announced as a guest for an in-person FlashPoint Live “tent revival” event next week. Past FlashPoint Live events have made headlines for their overt Christian nationalism and for appearances by high-profile Republican politicians such as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA). One of FlashPoint’s regular guests, right-wing apostle Dutch Sheets, prayed over Greene at one such event and insisted she was “covered in the blood of Jesus.”
Pirro was also recently announced as a guest for an in-person FlashPoint Live “tent revival” event next week. Past FlashPoint Live events have made headlines for their overt Christian nationalism and for appearances by high-profile Republican politicians such as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA). One of FlashPoint’s regular guests, right-wing apostle Dutch Sheets, prayed over Greene at one such event and insisted she was “covered in the blood of Jesus.”
Jan 10, 2023: Baptist News Global: The New Apostolic Reformation drove the January 6 riots, so why was it overlooked by the House Select Committee?
Other self-proclaimed modern-day apostles include Bill Johnson of Bethel Church, Mike Bickle of the International House of Prayer, Dutch Sheets, Cindy Jacobs, Che Ahn and Don Finto.
Other self-proclaimed modern-day apostles include Bill Johnson of Bethel Church, Mike Bickle of the International House of Prayer, Dutch Sheets, Cindy Jacobs, Che Ahn and Don Finto.
Sunny Shell
Sunny Shell
But love to God is this: That we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? (1 Jn 5:3-5) God, as always, does all the heavy lifting because He alone is the Almighty. We are not. Our only duty as His faithful and loving children is to demonstrate our love for Him, not with mere words, but with deeds and truth (1 Jn 3:18). And we can, because Christ our God suffered, died, and resurrected so that we may suffer for Christ, die to self, and rise in the newness of eternal life—the holy and righteous life of Christ the Father has generously poured out to us. God is kind. And God is good. He never commands us to obey anything He hasn’t already and abundantly provided us with the means and ways to obey Him wholeheartedly. --Sunny Shell; Abandoned to Christ; Bemoaning God's Kindness 7.22.23
don shenk
“Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.” Romans 6:6.
Paul writes as if this was something that was commonly known and believed: that the old man was crucified. Nowadays, this is quite unknown among Christians. Perhaps they know about it as dead knowledge, but they do not believe it, so it does not benefit them.
Recently someone testified that he now believed he was crucified with Christ, that it was an act of faith. He was overjoyed. It was wonderful to hear, because it was completely different from the old understanding: commit sin and receive grace to be forgiven. It is appropriate for a beginner to be excited about forgiveness, but when a person should have become a teacher in Christ and still continues to sin, that is lazy and deplorable. At some point we have to come to victory over all that we know to be sin, because conscious sin is of the old man. Then we gradually discover the sin which has been unconscious. As we receive light over unconscious sin, we will also crucify it. The body of sin will thereby be destroyed, and we will no longer serve sin.
By faith we keep sin in death where it belongs. We reckon ourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Sin must not reign in our mortal bodies, that we obey it in its lusts. (Romans 6:11-12)
We have lusts in our mortal body, but we must not obey them. In other words, we are dead to our lusts. We have received power to do this by taking this stand of faith: dead with Christ, crucified with Christ.
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” Galatians 2:20. If Paul could believe that he was crucified with Christ, it must be possible for us too. That is why it is written as a fact: “And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Galatians 5:24
Why live without victory then? Whining and complaining about continuous defeat sounds so humble, but the root of it is only sin and unbelief. The same spring cannot bring forth both fresh and bitter water. (James 3:10-11)
Standing at the foot of the cross is no help; it was not down at the foot of the cross that Jesus overcame. We have to get up on the cross. That is where Jesus overcame principalities and powers and all the hosts of hell. That is where we overcome too.
Priests and preachers should start teaching this to their disciples as soon as possible because it is a fact that only a very few believers have faith and a clear understanding of this matter—and it is a matter of life.
--“Crucified with Christ”; “Skjulte Skatter”; September 1935.
Paul writes as if this was something that was commonly known and believed: that the old man was crucified. Nowadays, this is quite unknown among Christians. Perhaps they know about it as dead knowledge, but they do not believe it, so it does not benefit them.
Recently someone testified that he now believed he was crucified with Christ, that it was an act of faith. He was overjoyed. It was wonderful to hear, because it was completely different from the old understanding: commit sin and receive grace to be forgiven. It is appropriate for a beginner to be excited about forgiveness, but when a person should have become a teacher in Christ and still continues to sin, that is lazy and deplorable. At some point we have to come to victory over all that we know to be sin, because conscious sin is of the old man. Then we gradually discover the sin which has been unconscious. As we receive light over unconscious sin, we will also crucify it. The body of sin will thereby be destroyed, and we will no longer serve sin.
By faith we keep sin in death where it belongs. We reckon ourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Sin must not reign in our mortal bodies, that we obey it in its lusts. (Romans 6:11-12)
We have lusts in our mortal body, but we must not obey them. In other words, we are dead to our lusts. We have received power to do this by taking this stand of faith: dead with Christ, crucified with Christ.
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” Galatians 2:20. If Paul could believe that he was crucified with Christ, it must be possible for us too. That is why it is written as a fact: “And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Galatians 5:24
Why live without victory then? Whining and complaining about continuous defeat sounds so humble, but the root of it is only sin and unbelief. The same spring cannot bring forth both fresh and bitter water. (James 3:10-11)
Standing at the foot of the cross is no help; it was not down at the foot of the cross that Jesus overcame. We have to get up on the cross. That is where Jesus overcame principalities and powers and all the hosts of hell. That is where we overcome too.
Priests and preachers should start teaching this to their disciples as soon as possible because it is a fact that only a very few believers have faith and a clear understanding of this matter—and it is a matter of life.
--“Crucified with Christ”; “Skjulte Skatter”; September 1935.
May 14, 2023: Fox News: Example set by persecuted Christians is both 'inspiring' and 'convicting,' says Pennsylvania evangelist
All believers today need to model what life in the spirit of Christ is like, says evangelist Don Shenk
All believers today need to model what life in the spirit of Christ is like, says evangelist Don Shenk
andrew sheppard
Immediately, in verse 1, we see themes of justice and righteousness as the ground upon which the Lord’s salvation will stand, and the prophet is clearly making the observance of justice and righteousness a crucial element to the life to which the nations have been invited. Of course, this is not unfamiliar territory for the prophetic office, or for Israel’s ears for that matter. The priority of the “works of mercy” in the ordering of communal life is well established for the people of God. As we see elsewhere, Israel is not always quick to observe this priority, despite its centrality to the scheme of God’s community. If the nations do succeed in this careful and counter-cultural prioritization, their worship, unlike those seen elsewhere (e.g. Amos 5), will be acceptable, fostering the kind of joy envisioned by those originally bound to the covenant. Life together, correctly ordered, leads to worship that is also correctly ordered.
Another key element of this invitation is Sabbath honoring and covenant keeping. It seems to be the case that God is not just inviting the nations as an afterthought, as a periphery addition to extend the greatness of God’s name. Rather, the invitation is to a life fully engaged and involved in the strange, upside-down living of the people of Israel. Whether or not Israel has done well to keep up with these distinctive ways of living, God has no qualms about saying the joy of life together is only possible if all are on equal footing with each other. In other words, the prophet’s speech here serves not to destroy what has already been established in Israel, though that may have been the more efficient or logical option. Rather, God’s invitation transcends the short-sightedness of zero-sum belonging to God, of the markings of an inner circle verses a fringe contingent. With this invitation, the One Lord is making possible the inception of new life together. --Andrew Sheppard; Ekklesia Project; Whose Land? Whose Community?
Another key element of this invitation is Sabbath honoring and covenant keeping. It seems to be the case that God is not just inviting the nations as an afterthought, as a periphery addition to extend the greatness of God’s name. Rather, the invitation is to a life fully engaged and involved in the strange, upside-down living of the people of Israel. Whether or not Israel has done well to keep up with these distinctive ways of living, God has no qualms about saying the joy of life together is only possible if all are on equal footing with each other. In other words, the prophet’s speech here serves not to destroy what has already been established in Israel, though that may have been the more efficient or logical option. Rather, God’s invitation transcends the short-sightedness of zero-sum belonging to God, of the markings of an inner circle verses a fringe contingent. With this invitation, the One Lord is making possible the inception of new life together. --Andrew Sheppard; Ekklesia Project; Whose Land? Whose Community?
bill shiell
May 12, 2023: Baptist News Global: The hidden battle in Christian higher education: A conversation with Scott Okamoto
Northern Seminary joined the fray when accusations of bullying were brought against President Bill Shiell, which led to a third of the students signing a letter to express no confidence in the board, the resignation of Shiell and the acting chair of the board, and one of the first whistleblowers being fired by the board.
Northern Seminary joined the fray when accusations of bullying were brought against President Bill Shiell, which led to a third of the students signing a letter to express no confidence in the board, the resignation of Shiell and the acting chair of the board, and one of the first whistleblowers being fired by the board.
laurie schlegel
Feb 17, 2023: Guardian: Republicans take aim at risque jokes and romance novels with anti-sex bills
Laurie Schlegel, a Republican state senator who drafted the Louisiana law, is a sex-addiction therapist educated at Baptist seminary, who opposed transgender students from being on sports teams that align with their gender. Schlegel’s anti-LGBTQ+ views fit with the broader goal of the laws, according to Carolyn Bronstein, a professor of media studies at DePaul University.
“These laws are really not about controlling minors’ access to violent pornography … In the conservative world view, pornography is information about LGBTQ identity, abortion, gay marriage,” said Bronstein.Eight states have justified their actions by saying that porn is “creating a public health crisis”. Louisiana’s bill claims that pornography “may lead to low self-esteem, body image disorders, an increase in problematic sexual activity at younger ages … impact brain development … shape deviant sexual arousal, and lead to difficulty in forming or maintaining positive, intimate relationships, as well as promoting problematic or harmful sexual behaviors and addiction.”
Laurie Schlegel, a Republican state senator who drafted the Louisiana law, is a sex-addiction therapist educated at Baptist seminary, who opposed transgender students from being on sports teams that align with their gender. Schlegel’s anti-LGBTQ+ views fit with the broader goal of the laws, according to Carolyn Bronstein, a professor of media studies at DePaul University.
“These laws are really not about controlling minors’ access to violent pornography … In the conservative world view, pornography is information about LGBTQ identity, abortion, gay marriage,” said Bronstein.Eight states have justified their actions by saying that porn is “creating a public health crisis”. Louisiana’s bill claims that pornography “may lead to low self-esteem, body image disorders, an increase in problematic sexual activity at younger ages … impact brain development … shape deviant sexual arousal, and lead to difficulty in forming or maintaining positive, intimate relationships, as well as promoting problematic or harmful sexual behaviors and addiction.”
thomas schreiner
Thomas Schreiner
The parable of the lost sheep recounts a story from a man's world (vv. 3–7). If a shepherd loses one sheep out of one hundred, he pursues it until he finds it. Upon finding the lost sheep, "he calls together his friends and his neighbors," summoning them to rejoice with him (v. 6). The earthly joy over finding a lost sheep reflects the joy in heaven over a sinner who repents. Since the Pharisees and scribes were not rejoicing but grumbling over Jesus' table fellowship with sinners, they were not mirroring God's attitude toward those who repent. -Thomas Schreiner: Ligoniers
don schmierer
March 19, 2023: Foreign Policy: How U.S. Evangelicals Helped Homophobia Flourish in Africa
On that same trip and speaking at the same conference as Lively were evangelicals Caleb Lee Brundidge, who said he was formerly gay, and Exodus International board member Don Schmierer. Schmierer spoke on a lack of good upbringing as a cause of homosexuality and was quoted as saying that 56 percent of homosexuals experienced abuse as children, which turned them into homosexuals.
On that same trip and speaking at the same conference as Lively were evangelicals Caleb Lee Brundidge, who said he was formerly gay, and Exodus International board member Don Schmierer. Schmierer spoke on a lack of good upbringing as a cause of homosexuality and was quoted as saying that 56 percent of homosexuals experienced abuse as children, which turned them into homosexuals.
jeff schreve
April 25, 2023: AFA: Reprove, Rebuke, and Exhort
Listeners to Dr. Jeff Schreve’s AFR shows (Real Truth for Today and From His Heart) will appreciate that his straightforward examination of timely cultural issues through the infallible lens of Scripture are not for the meek or mild – or the woke. But rest assured, Schreve’s passionate and unwavering message of God’s truth continually offers the redemption and grace America so desperately needs.
Listeners to Dr. Jeff Schreve’s AFR shows (Real Truth for Today and From His Heart) will appreciate that his straightforward examination of timely cultural issues through the infallible lens of Scripture are not for the meek or mild – or the woke. But rest assured, Schreve’s passionate and unwavering message of God’s truth continually offers the redemption and grace America so desperately needs.
mark scott
Mark Scott, longtime professor of preaching and New Testament with Ozark Christian College concluded his full-time service with the school on May 31, 2021, so he could focus on ministry with Park Plaza Christian Church in Joplin, Mo.
Mark Scott Files
God had given Judah “the way” to follow. But their persistent sinful behavior, evident in verses 16-20, caused God to say, “Don’t even pray to me about this.” It was wasted breath. The way of God is obedience. The people thought the key was jumping through all the hoops of their religion (e.g., burnt offerings, sacrifices, etc.). But they had their priorities in the wrong order. The formula from Egypt forward was deliverance, obedience, and sacrifices. God gave them deliverance (out of Egypt), then called for their obedience (the Ten Commandments), and finally gave them the rules about sacrifices (Leviticus 1–7). All the sacrifices in the world could not atone for a disobedient heart. If they obeyed God, then it would go well with them. Misplaced trust does not bode well with God. False hope will not get us home. -Mark Scott; The Lookout; June 2023
nick scotton
Feb 23, 2023: News Dakota: FAITH BASED ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PLANNED FOR VALLEY CITY
A group of pastors are working on opening a new faith based elementary school in Valley City.
Pastor Terry Detwiler said three area pastors have been working on a plan to open a Christian School in Valley City.
Pastor Nick Scotton talked about the concept of this new school.
A group of pastors are working on opening a new faith based elementary school in Valley City.
Pastor Terry Detwiler said three area pastors have been working on a plan to open a Christian School in Valley City.
Pastor Nick Scotton talked about the concept of this new school.
mike scruggs
Aug 27, 2019: Cincinnatti Enquirer: 56 named to Chamber's latest Leadership Cincinnati class
Aug 3, 2015: All Christian News: Pastor Uses Stripper Pole In Sermon To Encourage More Intimacy Between Married Couples
Jacque Reid of Majic 102.3 recently hosted Mike Scruggs, the pastor and founder of Light of the World Ministries out of Cincinnati, OH. Pastor Scruggs caused quite a stir when his congregant showed up to church one Sunday to find that he had placed a stripper pole on the stage. The stunt was a part of a sermon that challenged married couples to start having more s*x.
- Todd Schild, partner, Thompson Hine LLP; Beth Schwartz, president and CEO, Cincinnati Union Bethel; Mike Scruggs, pastor, Light of the World Church; Megan Shaffer, senior director of operations, Kroger Co.; Kristin Smith Shrimplin, president/CEO, Women Helping Women; John Sieg, retail executive, Fifth Third Bank Cincinnati; Jaipal Singh, principal architect and owner, Chaatrik Architecture; and Stephanie A. Smith, chief inclusion and diversity officer, Fifth Third Bank.
Aug 3, 2015: All Christian News: Pastor Uses Stripper Pole In Sermon To Encourage More Intimacy Between Married Couples
Jacque Reid of Majic 102.3 recently hosted Mike Scruggs, the pastor and founder of Light of the World Ministries out of Cincinnati, OH. Pastor Scruggs caused quite a stir when his congregant showed up to church one Sunday to find that he had placed a stripper pole on the stage. The stunt was a part of a sermon that challenged married couples to start having more s*x.
jasmine sculark
Dec 8, 2019: Premium Times: Pastor Fatoyinbo To Host Matthew Ashimolowo, Mensa Otabil, Tudor Bismark, Others at 12DG 2020
12DG 2020 will feature impactful sessions from prominent speakers such as Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, Dr Mensa Otabil, Dr Bill Winston, Bishop Tudor Bismark, Dr Jasmin Sculark and Reverend Marissa Farrow.
12DG 2020 will feature impactful sessions from prominent speakers such as Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, Dr Mensa Otabil, Dr Bill Winston, Bishop Tudor Bismark, Dr Jasmin Sculark and Reverend Marissa Farrow.
Oct 13, 2014: Obnoxioustv's Blog: Open Letter to Pastor Dr. Jasmin Sculark–Bishop T.D. Jakes Might Have Installed Her Prematurely
Obnoxious Media has heard rumors that the deceased pastors will may have been changed while she was on her death bed and unaware of what she was signing. Joel was removed from the church by the police, but it is not over. Now Dr. Jazz was installed as pastor by Bishop T.D. Jakes, but they may have acted prematurely!
Sept 5, 2014: Washington Post: Rev. Jasmin Sculark to be installed as permanent minister at Jericho City of Praise
For nearly four years, Jericho City of Praise, one of the largest churches in the Washington area, has been the object of a power struggle between the son of the sanctuary’s late founders and elders who took control of the church after the second of the two founders died in 2010.
Dr. Jazz, The Daughter of Thunder is a native of the Island of Trinidad and Tobago. Dr. Jazz is the Senior Pastor of Jericho City of Praise in Landover, MD and the Founder and President of Dr. Jazz Ministries. She is a nationally and internationally known as Pastor, Teacher, Author and Evangelist. Dr. Jazz’s life goal and mission is to encourage, equip and empower the world through the written and spoken Word. True to her name sake, “Daughter of Thunder,” Dr. Jazz’s preaching and teaching ministry makes a thunderous sound in the earth and in the mind and hearts of those who come in contact with her ministry.
God has chosen to use this humble vessel to do a mighty work in this 21st Century. In the summer of 2013 she was invited to be a speaker for Bishop TD Jakes world renowned Mega Fest Conference. On March 31, 2014 her new broadcast, “This is your best day yet” was launched on The Word Network and as God saw fit on April 1st, 2014 Dr. Jazz was appointed the Senior Pastor of Jericho City of Praise in Landover, MD. Dr. Jazz has published her first book, Dancing with Broken Bones and is looking forward to all that God has in store for the ministry that lies within her. Only Dr. Jazz as Esther: a woman for such a time as this!
Obnoxious Media has heard rumors that the deceased pastors will may have been changed while she was on her death bed and unaware of what she was signing. Joel was removed from the church by the police, but it is not over. Now Dr. Jazz was installed as pastor by Bishop T.D. Jakes, but they may have acted prematurely!
Sept 5, 2014: Washington Post: Rev. Jasmin Sculark to be installed as permanent minister at Jericho City of Praise
For nearly four years, Jericho City of Praise, one of the largest churches in the Washington area, has been the object of a power struggle between the son of the sanctuary’s late founders and elders who took control of the church after the second of the two founders died in 2010.
Dr. Jazz, The Daughter of Thunder is a native of the Island of Trinidad and Tobago. Dr. Jazz is the Senior Pastor of Jericho City of Praise in Landover, MD and the Founder and President of Dr. Jazz Ministries. She is a nationally and internationally known as Pastor, Teacher, Author and Evangelist. Dr. Jazz’s life goal and mission is to encourage, equip and empower the world through the written and spoken Word. True to her name sake, “Daughter of Thunder,” Dr. Jazz’s preaching and teaching ministry makes a thunderous sound in the earth and in the mind and hearts of those who come in contact with her ministry.
God has chosen to use this humble vessel to do a mighty work in this 21st Century. In the summer of 2013 she was invited to be a speaker for Bishop TD Jakes world renowned Mega Fest Conference. On March 31, 2014 her new broadcast, “This is your best day yet” was launched on The Word Network and as God saw fit on April 1st, 2014 Dr. Jazz was appointed the Senior Pastor of Jericho City of Praise in Landover, MD. Dr. Jazz has published her first book, Dancing with Broken Bones and is looking forward to all that God has in store for the ministry that lies within her. Only Dr. Jazz as Esther: a woman for such a time as this!
steve seamands
Feb 13, 2023: Christianity Today: Asbury Professor: We’re Witnessing a ‘Surprising Work of God’
My colleague Steve Seamands, a retired theologian from the seminary, told me that what is happening resembles the famous Asbury Revival of 1970 he experienced when he was a student. That revival shut down classes for a week, then went on for two more weeks with nightly services. Hundreds of students went out to share what happened with other schools
My colleague Steve Seamands, a retired theologian from the seminary, told me that what is happening resembles the famous Asbury Revival of 1970 he experienced when he was a student. That revival shut down classes for a week, then went on for two more weeks with nightly services. Hundreds of students went out to share what happened with other schools
john seibeling
July 27, 2023: Christian Post: Church of the Highlands founder Chris Hodges denies ‘engineering’ takeover of Celebration Church
ARC, one of North America's largest church-planting organizations, and Hodges were named in a federal lawsuit filed in Jacksonville, Florida, on July 12 by the Weemses. Other defendants include Church of the Highlands Associate Pastor Dino Rizzo and John Seibeling of The Life Church.
ARC, one of North America's largest church-planting organizations, and Hodges were named in a federal lawsuit filed in Jacksonville, Florida, on July 12 by the Weemses. Other defendants include Church of the Highlands Associate Pastor Dino Rizzo and John Seibeling of The Life Church.
scott sekulow
Jan 15, 2023: CBN: Messianic Rabbi Joins Vigil for Pastor Saeed
Rabbi Scott Sekulow said it's time for believers of all backgrounds to believe for Pastor Saeed's release.
"I really thought as a Jewish believer praying for a(n) Arab believer, that's really what it's all about," he said. "Our theme for our congregation is Jew and Gentile worshipping together and when we bring that kind of promise together we will move mountains."
Rabbi Scott Sekulow said it's time for believers of all backgrounds to believe for Pastor Saeed's release.
"I really thought as a Jewish believer praying for a(n) Arab believer, that's really what it's all about," he said. "Our theme for our congregation is Jew and Gentile worshipping together and when we bring that kind of promise together we will move mountains."
charles sell
"If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent us an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent us an entertainer. But our greatest need was forgiveness, so God sent us a Savior." --Charles Sell
jim shaddix
June 28, 2021: Biblical Recorder: Jordon Willard recommended to serve as 2023 N.C. Pastors’ Conference president
Willard served as director of discipleship at the North Roanoke Baptist Association from 2013-16 and as a member of the church strengthening team at the South Roanoke Baptist Association in 2018. He helped organize church strengthening and revitalization conferences in 2018 and 2019, featuring speakers such as well-known author and speaker Richard Blackaby, seminary president Danny Akin and preaching professor Jim Shaddix.
Willard served as director of discipleship at the North Roanoke Baptist Association from 2013-16 and as a member of the church strengthening team at the South Roanoke Baptist Association in 2018. He helped organize church strengthening and revitalization conferences in 2018 and 2019, featuring speakers such as well-known author and speaker Richard Blackaby, seminary president Danny Akin and preaching professor Jim Shaddix.
isaac sharp
May 2, 2023: Religion News Service: Can evangelicalism survive its white, straight, conservative victory?
This straightening of the movement is the subject of “The Other Evangelicals,” a new alternative history by Union Theological Seminary professor Isaac Sharp, who writes, “The big tent of evangelicalism has historically been much bigger than we’ve been led to believe.”
This straightening of the movement is the subject of “The Other Evangelicals,” a new alternative history by Union Theological Seminary professor Isaac Sharp, who writes, “The big tent of evangelicalism has historically been much bigger than we’ve been led to believe.”
al sharpton
May 9, 2023:
👉MSNBC host Joe Scarborough predicted on Tuesday that the “bill will come due” for Evangelical churches who support Donald Trump and Christian Nationalism. “The bill will come due for a church that embraces Christian nationalism, and embraces a guy who says it may be a good thing that stars can rape women in 2023,” Scarborough said |
Rev. Al Sharpton also weighed in that, unlike in the past, when religious leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. urged John F. Kennedy to support the civil rights movement, no one in the evangelical camp is calling for Trump to “do the right thing”: “The people that ought to be putting the Donald Trumps in check, are checking off the box to vote for Donald Trump,” he said. “Where is their moral barometer?” 5.9.23 |
Feb 27, 2023: 1819 News: Dothan pastor, Al Sharpton half-brother Kenneth Glasgow facing up to 20 years after pleading guilty to tax evasion, mail fraud, drug conspiracy
Reverend Al Sharpton's half-brother Kenneth Glasgow is facing up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to tax evasion, mail fraud and drug conspiracy charges on Friday.
Glasgow, a pastor and founder of two non-profits in Dothan, entered a plea deal in Montgomery federal court to avoid a trial that was set to start in March.
Reverend Al Sharpton's half-brother Kenneth Glasgow is facing up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to tax evasion, mail fraud and drug conspiracy charges on Friday.
Glasgow, a pastor and founder of two non-profits in Dothan, entered a plea deal in Montgomery federal court to avoid a trial that was set to start in March.
matt shea
Feb 22, 2023: Religion News Service: How big Christian nationalism has come courting in North Idaho
A Spokane, Washington-based pastor long associated with the Redoubt is Matt Shea, a former Washington state legislator who has advocated for a “Holy Army.” Shea was expelled from his state’s GOP caucus in 2019 after an investigation concluded he had engaged in domestic terrorism in connection with the 2016 armed takeover of the Malheur Wildlife Refuge in Oregon. He was on hand last June protesting a Pride in the Park celebration organized by LGBTQ rights advocates (including Abbott) in Coeur D’Alene, when police arrested 31 members of Patriot Front — a white supremacist group — in the back of a U-Haul truck, alleging they were planning to riot.
Shea insisted the militia members were actually members of the leftist group antifa, but there was no evidence to support that claim. In fact, at least two of those arrested had connections to Shea’s own church.
A Spokane, Washington-based pastor long associated with the Redoubt is Matt Shea, a former Washington state legislator who has advocated for a “Holy Army.” Shea was expelled from his state’s GOP caucus in 2019 after an investigation concluded he had engaged in domestic terrorism in connection with the 2016 armed takeover of the Malheur Wildlife Refuge in Oregon. He was on hand last June protesting a Pride in the Park celebration organized by LGBTQ rights advocates (including Abbott) in Coeur D’Alene, when police arrested 31 members of Patriot Front — a white supremacist group — in the back of a U-Haul truck, alleging they were planning to riot.
Shea insisted the militia members were actually members of the leftist group antifa, but there was no evidence to support that claim. In fact, at least two of those arrested had connections to Shea’s own church.
nina shea
Oct 18, 2021: NTD: LIVE: China’s War on Religion
Join Nina Shea, director of Hudson Institute’s Center for Religious Freedom, Senior Fellow Nury Turkel, and experts Xiaoxu Sean Lin and Robert A. Destro for a discussion on the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) war on religious freedom.
Feb 6, 2015: Baptist Press: Obama draws pushback on ISIS, Crusades, slavery
Nina Shea, director of the Hudson Institute's Center for Religious Freedom, told Baptist Press that the president's comments "seem to say that he is more worried about possible feelings of Islamophobia from American Christians than the grotesquely brutal religious cleansing against their brethren that is actually taking place by jihadists in various countries." Shea is a former member of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.
Join Nina Shea, director of Hudson Institute’s Center for Religious Freedom, Senior Fellow Nury Turkel, and experts Xiaoxu Sean Lin and Robert A. Destro for a discussion on the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) war on religious freedom.
Feb 6, 2015: Baptist Press: Obama draws pushback on ISIS, Crusades, slavery
Nina Shea, director of the Hudson Institute's Center for Religious Freedom, told Baptist Press that the president's comments "seem to say that he is more worried about possible feelings of Islamophobia from American Christians than the grotesquely brutal religious cleansing against their brethren that is actually taking place by jihadists in various countries." Shea is a former member of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.
tim sheets
Jan 10, 2023: Baptist News Global: The New Apostolic Reformation drove the January 6 riots, so why was it overlooked by the House Select Committee?
But some who were there spoke openly about it. Tim Sheets, the brother of Dutch, told his congregation, “We had a two hour time to pray at the White House and make some decrees that God had given to us. A strategy was given to us from people in the know around there that I cannot really talk about.”
But some who were there spoke openly about it. Tim Sheets, the brother of Dutch, told his congregation, “We had a two hour time to pray at the White House and make some decrees that God had given to us. A strategy was given to us from people in the know around there that I cannot really talk about.”
wes sheley
|
Feb 25, 2023: Oregon Public Broadcasting: The Christian case for fighting climate change is being tested in Eastern Oregon
It’s a conversation pastor Wes Sheley was willing to participate in, if not exactly make his top priority Sheley has preached all around the country for the past 26 years and is now the associate pastor at Pendleton First Assembly of God. He said his congregation has a diverse set of political beliefs and ways of worshiping, but explicit discussions about the environment aren’t common. “I wouldn’t say that we have a lot of conversations about the environment, but we do talk about creation and how God created everything,” he said. |
Science and religion are often depicted as opposing forces in the debate over climate change, but Fargo isn’t afraid to make an explicitly Christian argument for environmentalism that he believes can capture hearts and minds. In conservative Eastern Oregon, which has been battered by wildfires, floods and decades of drought, he’s counting on his message being especially relevant. And researchers are watching Oregon, and rural America at-large, to see if these types of arguments will break through in communities where these issues can sometimes carry political baggage. 2.25.23 |
brad sherman
April 12, 2023: Bharat Times: Trump and Iowa evangelicals: A bond that is hard to break
“President Trump has stood up for values that we hold dear,” said Brad Sherman, a pastor from Williamsburg and Republican state representative who plans to endorse Trump in caucus. “Then we need to pray for him that his personal life is in line with that.”
“President Trump has stood up for values that we hold dear,” said Brad Sherman, a pastor from Williamsburg and Republican state representative who plans to endorse Trump in caucus. “Then we need to pray for him that his personal life is in line with that.”
ken shigematsu
Sept 2, 2016: Baptist Gobal News: Pastors oppose Franklin Graham crusade in Canada
Joining the Baptist pastors in objecting to the event were Marjeta Bobnar, coordinator of ecumenical and interfaith religions at the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver; Tom Cooper, president of the local charity City in Focus; and Ken Shigematsu, senior pastor of Tenth Church, a congregation affiliated with the Christian and Missionary Alliance.
Joining the Baptist pastors in objecting to the event were Marjeta Bobnar, coordinator of ecumenical and interfaith religions at the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver; Tom Cooper, president of the local charity City in Focus; and Ken Shigematsu, senior pastor of Tenth Church, a congregation affiliated with the Christian and Missionary Alliance.
elizabeth shockman
May 20, 2022: MPR: How evangelical Christians in Minnesota are responding to calls for racial justice
MPR News host Angela Davis talks about churches and racial justice, specifically how white evangelical Christians are responding to calls for racial equity.
She’s joined by two leaders in the evangelical church and MPR News education reporter Elizabeth Shockman, who is reporting on a group of Black students pushing for equity changes at the University of Northwestern, a small evangelical school in Minnesota.
MPR News host Angela Davis talks about churches and racial justice, specifically how white evangelical Christians are responding to calls for racial equity.
She’s joined by two leaders in the evangelical church and MPR News education reporter Elizabeth Shockman, who is reporting on a group of Black students pushing for equity changes at the University of Northwestern, a small evangelical school in Minnesota.
gary shultz jr
Mar 31, 2023: Baptist News Global: Evangelical leaders beg DeSantis and Florida Legislature not to make them criminals for transporting immigrants to church
That dilemma would be significant for Christians who take seriously the commandment to love their neighbors as themselves, said Gary Shultz Jr., senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Tallahassee.
“We are called to meet not only spiritual needs, but also physical needs such as food, clothing, health care, financial assistance and transportation. If this bill were enacted as currently drafted, it would place Florida’s Christians and churches in an untenable decision, having to decide between obeying biblical commands or facing criminal penalties for showing biblical compassion.”
That dilemma would be significant for Christians who take seriously the commandment to love their neighbors as themselves, said Gary Shultz Jr., senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Tallahassee.
“We are called to meet not only spiritual needs, but also physical needs such as food, clothing, health care, financial assistance and transportation. If this bill were enacted as currently drafted, it would place Florida’s Christians and churches in an untenable decision, having to decide between obeying biblical commands or facing criminal penalties for showing biblical compassion.”
steve shultz
July 11, 2023: Bucks County Beacon: Pennsylvania’s Prayer Warrior: Abby Abildness And Her Dominionist Crusade In The CommonwealthWe initially reported on the NAR in August last year. As stated in that report, some of the NAR’s most prominent leaders include:
- Cindy Jacobs
- John Benefiel
- Lance Wallnau
- Abby Abildness
- Dutch Sheets
- Chuck Pierce
- Ché Ahn
- Lou Engle
- Jim Garlow
- Steve Strang (Charisma News)
- Steve Shultz (Elijah List).
adam shutters
Feb 24, 2023: The Christian Index: Hundreds pray for revival across Georgia campuses on Collegiate Day of Prayer
Campus minister Adam Shutters explained that students at Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus wrote down their prayer requests, and then spent time praying over the requests. They also were able to pray with and encourage other students.
Campus minister Adam Shutters explained that students at Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus wrote down their prayer requests, and then spent time praying over the requests. They also were able to pray with and encourage other students.
jaymz sideras
May 2, 2023: CBN: Worship Evangelist Sean Feucht Says 98 SatanCon Attendees Gave Their Lives to Christ
As CBN News also reported, there were local ministers involved too. In what was described as a spiritual "counter-offensive" to SatanCon 2023, revivalist Dr. Jaymz Sideras, co-founder of ReviveBoston, and his wife Pascale scheduled a three-day revival in Boston the same weekend.
As CBN News also reported, there were local ministers involved too. In what was described as a spiritual "counter-offensive" to SatanCon 2023, revivalist Dr. Jaymz Sideras, co-founder of ReviveBoston, and his wife Pascale scheduled a three-day revival in Boston the same weekend.
Pat Sieler
The purpose of the book of Nahum is to show that in spite of God’s goodness and compassion, He will not leave the guilty unpunished. He is both an avenging God and a merciful God; He is slow to anger, but when He decides to execute judgment, His “wrath is poured out like fire” (Nahum 1:6). God is good, “a refuge in times of trouble” (Nahum 1:7), but for those who do not trust in Him, they will come to a troubled end and nothing they do will succeed (Nahum 1:9). For the city that has been the source of violence and pride, violence will be visited back upon it (Nahum 2). Although Nineveh is strong, God is stronger.
--Pat Sieler; Calvary Talk; Book of Nahum Summary
--Pat Sieler; Calvary Talk; Book of Nahum Summary
“A true leader would sacrifice the numbers to save the people- not sacrifice the people for the sake of the numbers.” -Simon Sinek
bob smietana
Bob Smietana
Bob Smietana is an award-winning reporter and Pulitzer grantee who has become one of the most respected and well-known religion reporters in the country, with more than two decades experience in covering religion, spirituality, and ethics. He has served as a senior writer for Facts & Trends, senior editor of Christianity Today, and the religion writer at The Tennessean. He is currently a national reporter for Religion News Service, where his wire service stories -- which attract wide readership from lay people, pastors and scholars -- have appeared in both secular and religious publications, such at the Washington Post, USA Today, Christianity Today, and the Associated Press. His reporting on a small Episcopal church saved by refugees inspired the 2017 Affirm Films feature "All Saints," while his reporting on young serpent handlers inspired the 2013 National Geographic television series Snake Salvation. In April 2021, his reporting on Beth Moore's breakup with the Southern Baptists was a top story at Christianity Today and the second most read story at the Washington Post. On the day it was published, it was cited on the front page of the New York Times and prompted a national conversation about women in the Southern Baptist Convention. Bob has also reported on the troubles of Christian finance guru Dave Ramsey, the challenges facing megachurches like Willow Creek, end-times cat worshippers, and even a Nashville cult funded by "How Great is Our God," one of the five most popular worship songs in the country, which attracted millions of page views and readers.
Bob Smietana
Russell Moore has a bit of advice for his fellow American Christians in his new book, “Losing Our Religion.” Don’t lie.
A simple principle, based on the Ninth Commandment’s ban on bearing false witness, and one many Christian leaders are tempted to break by repeating claims that are popular but untrue, argues Moore.“I’m not really talking to the people who are intending to deceive and destroy — yes, I would hope they stop lying too,” said Moore in a recent interview about the new book. “I’m talking more about the disconnect between what people really believe and what the expectations of the tribe demand. And that is what I see to be so dangerous and exhausting to people.”
Following Moore’s advice could come with consequences. The former Southern Baptist ethicist was a rising star in 2013, when he was elected president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission after the group’s former leader left amid scandal. Moore was known for his love of 1970s outlaw country stars Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson, his advocacy for immigration reform and his skepticism about the close ties between the Republican party and evangelicals.
Things went well until the rise of Donald Trump, which turned evangelical leaders into would-be contestants on a real-life version of “The Apprentice” — Trump’s reality television series— “all clamoring to make the cut on the next episode and fearful of hearing the words you’re fired,” he writes in “Losing Our Religion,” out Tuesday (July 25) from Sentinel, an imprint of Penguin Random House.
Moore’s criticism of Trump as a candidate and as president, along with his advocacy for survivors of abuse in the SBC, made him enemies and eventually cost him his job. In 2021, he resigned from the ERLC to take a new role at Christianity Today, where he is now the editor-in-chief.
--Bob Smietana; Religion News Service: In new book, Russell Moore urges evangelicals to stop lying and come back to Jesus; 7.25.23
A simple principle, based on the Ninth Commandment’s ban on bearing false witness, and one many Christian leaders are tempted to break by repeating claims that are popular but untrue, argues Moore.“I’m not really talking to the people who are intending to deceive and destroy — yes, I would hope they stop lying too,” said Moore in a recent interview about the new book. “I’m talking more about the disconnect between what people really believe and what the expectations of the tribe demand. And that is what I see to be so dangerous and exhausting to people.”
Following Moore’s advice could come with consequences. The former Southern Baptist ethicist was a rising star in 2013, when he was elected president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission after the group’s former leader left amid scandal. Moore was known for his love of 1970s outlaw country stars Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson, his advocacy for immigration reform and his skepticism about the close ties between the Republican party and evangelicals.
Things went well until the rise of Donald Trump, which turned evangelical leaders into would-be contestants on a real-life version of “The Apprentice” — Trump’s reality television series— “all clamoring to make the cut on the next episode and fearful of hearing the words you’re fired,” he writes in “Losing Our Religion,” out Tuesday (July 25) from Sentinel, an imprint of Penguin Random House.
Moore’s criticism of Trump as a candidate and as president, along with his advocacy for survivors of abuse in the SBC, made him enemies and eventually cost him his job. In 2021, he resigned from the ERLC to take a new role at Christianity Today, where he is now the editor-in-chief.
--Bob Smietana; Religion News Service: In new book, Russell Moore urges evangelicals to stop lying and come back to Jesus; 7.25.23
gary smith
April 4, 2014: Picayune Item: First Baptist Church of Carriere to honor pastor
For 110 years, First Baptist Church of Carriere has sat atop the hill on U.S. Highway 11 and for 50 of these years, Rev. Gary Smith has served its congregation. The church is currently planning a celebration to commemorate Smith’s 50 years at the church, said Jane Manuel, director of Angel Tree Project. Manuel, who has been with the church for more than 30 years, described Smith as a humble and dedicated man.
For 110 years, First Baptist Church of Carriere has sat atop the hill on U.S. Highway 11 and for 50 of these years, Rev. Gary Smith has served its congregation. The church is currently planning a celebration to commemorate Smith’s 50 years at the church, said Jane Manuel, director of Angel Tree Project. Manuel, who has been with the church for more than 30 years, described Smith as a humble and dedicated man.
michael w smith
Jan 10, 2023: Baptist News Global: The New Apostolic Reformation drove the January 6 riots, so why was it overlooked by the House Select Committee?
Finto is a very politically involved Christian Zionist who was Michael W. Smith’s pastor for 25 years. So what worship leader do we see leading worship at Engle’s big new event? Michael W. Smith. He would become a regular at these events over the next two decades.
Finto is a very politically involved Christian Zionist who was Michael W. Smith’s pastor for 25 years. So what worship leader do we see leading worship at Engle’s big new event? Michael W. Smith. He would become a regular at these events over the next two decades.
robert smith
2010: Preaching: The 25 Most Influential Pastors of the Past 25 Years
A quarter-century has brought great changes to the preaching landscape, and today’s list of contributing editors includes names that would have been unknown to most pastors 25 years ago: Rick Warren, Bryan Chapell, James MacDonald, Robert Smith, Dave Stone, James Emery White and Ed Young Jr. (though his pastor dad would have been a good candidate for the original list—and is now among our senior consulting editors).
A quarter-century has brought great changes to the preaching landscape, and today’s list of contributing editors includes names that would have been unknown to most pastors 25 years ago: Rick Warren, Bryan Chapell, James MacDonald, Robert Smith, Dave Stone, James Emery White and Ed Young Jr. (though his pastor dad would have been a good candidate for the original list—and is now among our senior consulting editors).
tim smith
Aug 24, 2023: Biblical Recorder: What’s working at Georgia church to bring salvations, changed lives
Before Diggs’ arrival, Floyd County Baptist Association Director Tim Smith met with members who were thinking of whether it was time to sell the building. Deciding the next steps involved a crucial process, Smith explained.
Before Diggs’ arrival, Floyd County Baptist Association Director Tim Smith met with members who were thinking of whether it was time to sell the building. Deciding the next steps involved a crucial process, Smith explained.
travis d smith
Travis D Smith
When the Syrians came to aid Hadadezer, David sorely defeated them. Israel slayed “of the Syrians two and twenty thousand men” (2 Samuel 8:5). The king then secured the land for Israel and placed “garrisons in Syria of Damascus: and the Syrians became servants to David, and brought gifts [paying Israel tribute]. And the Lord preserved David whithersoever he went” (2 Samuel 8:6). David brought the bounty of the spoils of war to Jerusalem, including “shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer” (2 Samuel 8:7), and “exceeding much brass” that would later be used by Solomon to make vessels for the Temple (2 Samuel 8:8; 1 Chronicles 18:8). --Travis D. Smith; Heart of a Shepherd Ministry A Path for Success
Jed Smock
July 8, 2021: Daily Eastern News: Sister Cindy is TikTok famous, but Eastern knew her before
Students at Eastern know Brother Jed Smock and his wife, Sister Cindy Smock, as campus preachers who make yearly appearances to spread their beliefs and converse with students, but Cindy has found recent, unexpected fame on the popular social media app TikTok.
Students at Eastern know Brother Jed Smock and his wife, Sister Cindy Smock, as campus preachers who make yearly appearances to spread their beliefs and converse with students, but Cindy has found recent, unexpected fame on the popular social media app TikTok.
Apr 10, 2015: Friendly Atheist: Missouri State University Students Respond with Humor to Christian Preacher Brother Jed
Brother Jed Smock, the notorious campus preacher, was at Missouri State University yesterday, but the Freethinkers & Skeptics group on campus was ready for him
George Edward "Jed" Smock, Jr (born January 4, 1943), better known as Brother Jed, is an American evangelist whose ministry is concentrated on college campuses. He has preached at major universities in all fifty states, as well as other countries. He usually only spends a few days on each campus hitting the northern campuses in the fall and spring and the southern campuses in the winter months. In 2004 he relocated to Columbia, Missouri however in the spring of 2013, he announced he would be relocating to his hometown of Terre Haute, Indiana, over the summer and headquartering his ministry from there. He often preaches in Speaker's Circle at the University of Missouri, and other colleges throughout the midwest.
Brother Jed Smock, the notorious campus preacher, was at Missouri State University yesterday, but the Freethinkers & Skeptics group on campus was ready for him
George Edward "Jed" Smock, Jr (born January 4, 1943), better known as Brother Jed, is an American evangelist whose ministry is concentrated on college campuses. He has preached at major universities in all fifty states, as well as other countries. He usually only spends a few days on each campus hitting the northern campuses in the fall and spring and the southern campuses in the winter months. In 2004 he relocated to Columbia, Missouri however in the spring of 2013, he announced he would be relocating to his hometown of Terre Haute, Indiana, over the summer and headquartering his ministry from there. He often preaches in Speaker's Circle at the University of Missouri, and other colleges throughout the midwest.
mike snow
Feb 24, 2023: Alabama Baptist News: Thomaston Baptist calls new pastor
Mike Snow is the new pastor of Thomaston Baptist Church. He previously served four years as associational mission strategist of Bethel Baptist Association. He also served as pastor of Sardis Baptist Church, Thomaston.
He is a graduate of New Orleans Seminary. He and his wife, Allison, have one adult son.
Mike Snow is the new pastor of Thomaston Baptist Church. He previously served four years as associational mission strategist of Bethel Baptist Association. He also served as pastor of Sardis Baptist Church, Thomaston.
He is a graduate of New Orleans Seminary. He and his wife, Allison, have one adult son.
matthew Soerens
June 1, 2023:
Women of Welcome is a collaborative partnership between the National Immigration Forum and World Relief, one of six faith-based agencies contracted with the US Government to resettle refugees in the country, aiming to help evangelical women understand immigration and refugee resettlement from a Biblical perspective.
As attention turns to the border with the end of Title 42 and with new policies restricting US entry for asylum-seekers, the head of the organisation says she believes those women are changing the conversation among evangelicals.
“This is why I am confident that this community of women is going to change the dynamic in the immigration space - I’m 100 per cent sure of it - because of the women who are in our community and the growth that has happened with the women in the community,” said Bri Stensrud, director of Women of Welcome.
The organisation was founded in 2017 after rhetoric around immigrants and refugees became “inflamed” and “dehumanising” during former President Donald Trump’s first campaign for office, Stensrud said. Previous polling by Lifeway Research showed evangelicals’ views about immigration were being shaped more by the media than by the Bible, she pointed out.
Research also showed evangelical women were more supportive than their male counterparts of policies impacting immigrants and refugees, said Matthew Soerens, US director of church mobilisation for World Relief. Women also expressed more ambiguity - voicing concerns about security alongside values like hospitality and compassion, Soerens said. More at Sight Magazine
Women of Welcome is a collaborative partnership between the National Immigration Forum and World Relief, one of six faith-based agencies contracted with the US Government to resettle refugees in the country, aiming to help evangelical women understand immigration and refugee resettlement from a Biblical perspective.
As attention turns to the border with the end of Title 42 and with new policies restricting US entry for asylum-seekers, the head of the organisation says she believes those women are changing the conversation among evangelicals.
“This is why I am confident that this community of women is going to change the dynamic in the immigration space - I’m 100 per cent sure of it - because of the women who are in our community and the growth that has happened with the women in the community,” said Bri Stensrud, director of Women of Welcome.
The organisation was founded in 2017 after rhetoric around immigrants and refugees became “inflamed” and “dehumanising” during former President Donald Trump’s first campaign for office, Stensrud said. Previous polling by Lifeway Research showed evangelicals’ views about immigration were being shaped more by the media than by the Bible, she pointed out.
Research also showed evangelical women were more supportive than their male counterparts of policies impacting immigrants and refugees, said Matthew Soerens, US director of church mobilisation for World Relief. Women also expressed more ambiguity - voicing concerns about security alongside values like hospitality and compassion, Soerens said. More at Sight Magazine
torben sondergaard
Aug 7, 2023: CBN: 'Persecuted' and 'Targeted': Evangelist Torben Søndergaard Faces Deportation
Danish evangelist Torben Søndergaard now faces possible deportation after the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals denied a "Petitioner's Motion for Stay of Removal" that could have freed Søndergaard from an ICE prison or led to a new trial in the immigration courts.
Danish evangelist Torben Søndergaard now faces possible deportation after the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals denied a "Petitioner's Motion for Stay of Removal" that could have freed Søndergaard from an ICE prison or led to a new trial in the immigration courts.
DAVID SONS
June 14, 2023: Religion News Service: Ouster of Saddleback and Fern Creek from SBC over women pastors is affirmed
The appeals that reached the convention floor on the first day of the two-day meeting marked a new juncture for Southern Baptists. When the Executive Committee announced in May this would occur, its chairman, David Sons, called it “the first time in SBC history for this particular item of business to come before the Convention.”
The appeals that reached the convention floor on the first day of the two-day meeting marked a new juncture for Southern Baptists. When the Executive Committee announced in May this would occur, its chairman, David Sons, called it “the first time in SBC history for this particular item of business to come before the Convention.”
jose soto
Reality According to the Scriptures by Jose Soto
What is the meaning of life, and how does it relate to the Gospel? Reality According to the Scriptures by José Soto seeks to answer this question and enlighten us on God’s grand plan. It provides a glimpse into Soto’s research on the nature of God’s creation and the true purpose of life. He draws on Scripture, reputable secondary sources, and personal life experiences to present the divine message of the Gospel and redemption. It covers topics on the meaning of blessings, the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, oneness with God, and love for one another. These lessons will open your eyes to a new dimension and understanding of Christian life and existence. This is one of the best-researched works I have ever read. José Soto did a great job of compiling all this data to create a masterpiece. Each chapter builds up from the previous one, giving the narrative a smooth flow and making it easier to understand. Soto includes well-researched references and organizes everything beautifully. Apart from its amazing format and structure, it also has a life-changing message. Everyone has their views on reality and the purpose of existence. Reality According to the Scriptures presents us with a message about the part we are to play in this world. The message of redemption is that of love, hope, and purpose. What we emit into the world will reflect who we are, and if we do the will of God, we present Him to the world through our work. He lives in all of us, and no matter how far you think you have gone astray, He is always there for each one of us. This is the first volume in the series by Soto and I can't wait to read more of his work." "
---------------------Reviewed By Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite; Apr 27, 2023
What is the meaning of life, and how does it relate to the Gospel? Reality According to the Scriptures by José Soto seeks to answer this question and enlighten us on God’s grand plan. It provides a glimpse into Soto’s research on the nature of God’s creation and the true purpose of life. He draws on Scripture, reputable secondary sources, and personal life experiences to present the divine message of the Gospel and redemption. It covers topics on the meaning of blessings, the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, oneness with God, and love for one another. These lessons will open your eyes to a new dimension and understanding of Christian life and existence. This is one of the best-researched works I have ever read. José Soto did a great job of compiling all this data to create a masterpiece. Each chapter builds up from the previous one, giving the narrative a smooth flow and making it easier to understand. Soto includes well-researched references and organizes everything beautifully. Apart from its amazing format and structure, it also has a life-changing message. Everyone has their views on reality and the purpose of existence. Reality According to the Scriptures presents us with a message about the part we are to play in this world. The message of redemption is that of love, hope, and purpose. What we emit into the world will reflect who we are, and if we do the will of God, we present Him to the world through our work. He lives in all of us, and no matter how far you think you have gone astray, He is always there for each one of us. This is the first volume in the series by Soto and I can't wait to read more of his work." "
---------------------Reviewed By Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite; Apr 27, 2023
maya spinler
Maya Spinler Files
“What is the glory? While glory sometimes means fame, honor or praise, in scripture, it also has another meaning. It is a name that is given to God’s manifest presence. God is everywhere all the time, or omnipresent, but there are some special times where He is more tangible. I am a faithful witness that when we ask God to draw near and reveal Himself, He most certainly does. As I have been working through the grieving process, I have had indescribable encounters with God that have built up my faith and restored peace. A peace that does not say everything is perfect or well, but one that hands God the hurt and inspires an attitude of praise." --Maya Spinler: Bethel Clarion
peggy fletcher stack
Oct 21, 2022: Religion News: Best In Religion Journalism: Religion News Association Presents Its Annual Awards
Among the highlights:
Other big winners included Jack Jenkins of Religion News Service for Excellence in Religion Reporting at Large Newspapers and Wire Services, Peggy Fletcher Stack of the Salt Lake Tribune for Excellence in Religion Reporting at Small-to-Mid-sized Newspapers and PJ Grisar of The Forward for Excellence in Religion Feature Writing.
Among the highlights:
Other big winners included Jack Jenkins of Religion News Service for Excellence in Religion Reporting at Large Newspapers and Wire Services, Peggy Fletcher Stack of the Salt Lake Tribune for Excellence in Religion Reporting at Small-to-Mid-sized Newspapers and PJ Grisar of The Forward for Excellence in Religion Feature Writing.
glenn t stanton
Aug 17, 2023:
Focus on the Family promotes panic about many cultural trends. Why no panic about evangelical church trends?One of Glenn T Stanton’s goals in writing the The Myth of the Dying Church was encouraging parents who hear too much bad news about their inability to pass on their faith to their children, he said in a 2019 interview. (He did not respond to requests for comments for this article.)
Examples of his encouraging tone can be found elsewhere in his book, as when he writes, “Raising our children to hold onto a living faith is nearly guaranteed. It’s relatively simple, and any parent can do it.” Focus also prides itself on owning the libs and countering mainstream media reports, including reports on evangelical church decline. Focus’s conservative news outlet, The Daily Citizen, “provides a faith-based perspective to counter the mainstream media’s anti-Christian bias.” -Baptist News Global; Focus on the Family falsely says only liberal churches are declining 8.16.23
Focus on the Family promotes panic about many cultural trends. Why no panic about evangelical church trends?One of Glenn T Stanton’s goals in writing the The Myth of the Dying Church was encouraging parents who hear too much bad news about their inability to pass on their faith to their children, he said in a 2019 interview. (He did not respond to requests for comments for this article.)
Examples of his encouraging tone can be found elsewhere in his book, as when he writes, “Raising our children to hold onto a living faith is nearly guaranteed. It’s relatively simple, and any parent can do it.” Focus also prides itself on owning the libs and countering mainstream media reports, including reports on evangelical church decline. Focus’s conservative news outlet, The Daily Citizen, “provides a faith-based perspective to counter the mainstream media’s anti-Christian bias.” -Baptist News Global; Focus on the Family falsely says only liberal churches are declining 8.16.23
joshua stanton
July 7, 2023: Washington Post: Born-again Christians are less Southern Baptist than they used to be
Jews have long resisted efforts at conversion, and some who learned about the fast were not enthusiastic about it.
“To pray for us to abandon a tradition that is beloved by so many is tone deaf,” said Rabbi Joshua Stanton, an interfaith leader who works with the evangelical community.
Jews have long resisted efforts at conversion, and some who learned about the fast were not enthusiastic about it.
“To pray for us to abandon a tradition that is beloved by so many is tone deaf,” said Rabbi Joshua Stanton, an interfaith leader who works with the evangelical community.
JOHN STARKE
July 19, 2021: Christianity Today: We Put Down Roots. Then Everything Around Us Shifted.
In reflecting on this, Pastor John Starke of New York City notes that “while the pandemic has surely exposed what is fragile in our world and in the church, it has also exposed what is in vain … [some] had been trying to build something that God had no intention of building. ”
June 10, 2014: John Starke: Gospel Coalition: What We’re Reading This Summer
In reflecting on this, Pastor John Starke of New York City notes that “while the pandemic has surely exposed what is fragile in our world and in the church, it has also exposed what is in vain … [some] had been trying to build something that God had no intention of building. ”
June 10, 2014: John Starke: Gospel Coalition: What We’re Reading This Summer
Dec 7, 2013: Huffington Post: Sally Lloyd-Jones, 'Jesus Storybook Bible' Author, Sells Over 1,000,000 Books
John Starke, pastor of New York’s All Souls Church, said he uses her children’s Bible with his four children because it gives a good overview of the Bible with quality writing and illustrations. “I think the main difference is that the book is both biblical and imaginative. Children’s books tend to err on one of those extremes,” he said. “But Sally’s book is strong on both ends.”
Dec 8, 2011: John Starke: Gospel Coalition: What’s Next for New York Churches
John Starke is the lead pastor of All Souls Church in the Upper West Side of Manhattan. He is also an editor at the Gospel Coalition, an organization committed to renewing faith in the gospel of Christ and to reforming the ministry practices of local churches to conform fully to the Scriptures. He is married to Jena and has three children.
John Starke, pastor of New York’s All Souls Church, said he uses her children’s Bible with his four children because it gives a good overview of the Bible with quality writing and illustrations. “I think the main difference is that the book is both biblical and imaginative. Children’s books tend to err on one of those extremes,” he said. “But Sally’s book is strong on both ends.”
Dec 8, 2011: John Starke: Gospel Coalition: What’s Next for New York Churches
John Starke is the lead pastor of All Souls Church in the Upper West Side of Manhattan. He is also an editor at the Gospel Coalition, an organization committed to renewing faith in the gospel of Christ and to reforming the ministry practices of local churches to conform fully to the Scriptures. He is married to Jena and has three children.
mat staver
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"I want to take away the fear that you may have regarding tax-exempt status and political intervention. No church has ever lost its tax-exempt status for lobbying or for political intervention. The lobbying restriction came into the IRS code in 1934 and no church has ever lost its exemption for supporting or opposing local, state or federal legislation......In 1954, the political intervention restriction came into the IRS Code. It says that churches may not support or oppose candidates for office. That's an absolute prohibition, but again, no church even for that has ever lost its tax-exempt status for supporting or opposing a candidate." Mat Staver; Charisma; 8.18.16
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Mathew D. "Mat" Staver, J.D., is an American lawyer and former Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) pastor who became a Southern Baptist. He is the founding member and Chairman of the Liberty Counsel law firm since 1989. |
charles steele jr
July 1, 2015: Hattiesburg American: Civil rights leader: Confederate emblems ‘treason’
Charles Steele Jr., head of the Atlanta-based Southern Christian Leadership Conference, said Wednesday at the Mississippi Capitol that Confederate names should disappear from streets and structures.
Charles Steele Jr., head of the Atlanta-based Southern Christian Leadership Conference, said Wednesday at the Mississippi Capitol that Confederate names should disappear from streets and structures.
bri stensrud
June 1, 2023:
Women of Welcome is a collaborative partnership between the National Immigration Forum and World Relief, one of six faith-based agencies contracted with the US Government to resettle refugees in the country, aiming to help evangelical women understand immigration and refugee resettlement from a Biblical perspective.
As attention turns to the border with the end of Title 42 and with new policies restricting US entry for asylum-seekers, the head of the organisation says she believes those women are changing the conversation among evangelicals.
“This is why I am confident that this community of women is going to change the dynamic in the immigration space - I’m 100 per cent sure of it - because of the women who are in our community and the growth that has happened with the women in the community,” said Bri Stensrud, director of Women of Welcome.
The organisation was founded in 2017 after rhetoric around immigrants and refugees became “inflamed” and “dehumanising” during former President Donald Trump’s first campaign for office, Stensrud said. Previous polling by Lifeway Research showed evangelicals’ views about immigration were being shaped more by the media than by the Bible, she pointed out.
Research also showed evangelical women were more supportive than their male counterparts of policies impacting immigrants and refugees, said Matthew Soerens, US director of church mobilisation for World Relief. Women also expressed more ambiguity - voicing concerns about security alongside values like hospitality and compassion, Soerens said. More at Sight Magazine
Women of Welcome is a collaborative partnership between the National Immigration Forum and World Relief, one of six faith-based agencies contracted with the US Government to resettle refugees in the country, aiming to help evangelical women understand immigration and refugee resettlement from a Biblical perspective.
As attention turns to the border with the end of Title 42 and with new policies restricting US entry for asylum-seekers, the head of the organisation says she believes those women are changing the conversation among evangelicals.
“This is why I am confident that this community of women is going to change the dynamic in the immigration space - I’m 100 per cent sure of it - because of the women who are in our community and the growth that has happened with the women in the community,” said Bri Stensrud, director of Women of Welcome.
The organisation was founded in 2017 after rhetoric around immigrants and refugees became “inflamed” and “dehumanising” during former President Donald Trump’s first campaign for office, Stensrud said. Previous polling by Lifeway Research showed evangelicals’ views about immigration were being shaped more by the media than by the Bible, she pointed out.
Research also showed evangelical women were more supportive than their male counterparts of policies impacting immigrants and refugees, said Matthew Soerens, US director of church mobilisation for World Relief. Women also expressed more ambiguity - voicing concerns about security alongside values like hospitality and compassion, Soerens said. More at Sight Magazine
JERRY STEPHENSON
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.Feb 23, 2021: Bluegrass Institute: How Many Students Were Failing in JCPS in Fall 2020?
Pastor Jerry Stephenson, a good friend of BIPPS’, by the way, took part in a Let Them Learn press conference in Louisville this morning. Let Them Learn is a fast-growing group of parents. According to a Twitter comment, Stephenson said something like 20,000 to 30,000 students in the Jefferson County Public School District (JCPS) were not being engaged. The Tweet questioned his figures Apr 9, 2015: Christian Post: Pastor Who Introduced Rand Paul Thinks Obama Is 'Angry at Christianity' and 'May Evolve' From Tradition
Pastor Jerry Stephenson who introduced Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., on Tuesday for his presidential announcement also issued a statement about President Obama's religious views that left many questioning its meaning. Stephenson spoke with The Christian Post to elaborate on that initial statement and explained why he believes Obama's angry with Christianity and could evolve away from the religion. |
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john stevens
April 24, 2023: Premier Christianity: Forget the national emergency alert, Christians need to sound the alarm for God’s coming judgement
The government’s new emergency system is a reminder that Christians should be a clarion call for a lost world. There will be no second chances to escape judgement when Jesus returns, says John Stevens
The government’s new emergency system is a reminder that Christians should be a clarion call for a lost world. There will be no second chances to escape judgement when Jesus returns, says John Stevens
John Stevens
Abel is presented in Hebrews 11v4 as an example of faith, implicitly in contrast to Cain who is an example of unbelief. It is important to appreciate that Hebrews 11 is using faith in a very specific sense, rather than generically. In Hebrews 11 faith is trust and confidence in God’s promise of eternal reward for perseverance. The author is exhorting his readers to persevere in their faith in Jesus so as to enter the eternal inheritance he promises. Faith trusts in the unseen (and hence not presently experienced) future, and lives sacrificially on the basis of it.
Given this understanding of faith, the author says that Abel brought God a ‘better sacrifice.’ The sacrifice is not simply better because he had faith, although faithless sacrifice would not be pleasing to God (Hebrews 11v6). The phrase ‘better’ carries the sense of ‘greater’ or ‘more.’ The author is highlighting the superiority of the offering that Abel brought because he was sure that it would result in an eternal reward.
The author of Hebrews expands on the hints in the account of Genesis 4 that indicate the nature of Abel’s superior sacrifice. It is possible that the sacrifice was superior because it was animal rather than cereal. It required shed blood, which Hebrews maintains is essential for the forgiveness of sin. Abel’s sacrifice may thus have indicated his awareness of his need for cleansing before God.
However, the text seems to highlight two other differences ahead of this. First, Cain’s offering was singular, whereas Abel’s offering was plural. Second Abel’s offering is explicitly said to have been of the ‘firstborn’ whereas Cain is not said to have brought an offering of the ‘first fruits’ of the soil.
The text, therefore, indicates that Abel’s sacrifice was more valuable and more costly than that of Cain. He made multiple offerings (all the firstborn from the flock) and he put God’s rights ahead of his own profit. Cain appears to have given God what he thought he could get away with, rather than what God is worth. Abel gave far more because he knew that he would gain something far greater in the end.
The point Hebrews is making is that Abel was willing to make a more costly sacrifice because he had faith that his act of devotion would be rewarded. Hebrews 11v6 explains the faith of Abel and Enoch. They both earnestly sought God (which means more literally that they drew near to him) and they believed that he would reward them. Abel lost his life because of his persevering faith, but he gained God’s commendation and an eternal reward. The lesson that we need to learn is that persevering faith, which results in sacrificial and costly action (such as refusing to apostatise in the face of persecution), is made possible by confident trust in the promise of eternal reward. This is the message of Hebrews 11 illustrated from multiple examples. --John Stevens; Dissenting Opinion; Exegetical Thoughts: Hebrews 11v4 - Why Was Abel's Sacrifice Better Than Cain's 5.3.23
Given this understanding of faith, the author says that Abel brought God a ‘better sacrifice.’ The sacrifice is not simply better because he had faith, although faithless sacrifice would not be pleasing to God (Hebrews 11v6). The phrase ‘better’ carries the sense of ‘greater’ or ‘more.’ The author is highlighting the superiority of the offering that Abel brought because he was sure that it would result in an eternal reward.
The author of Hebrews expands on the hints in the account of Genesis 4 that indicate the nature of Abel’s superior sacrifice. It is possible that the sacrifice was superior because it was animal rather than cereal. It required shed blood, which Hebrews maintains is essential for the forgiveness of sin. Abel’s sacrifice may thus have indicated his awareness of his need for cleansing before God.
However, the text seems to highlight two other differences ahead of this. First, Cain’s offering was singular, whereas Abel’s offering was plural. Second Abel’s offering is explicitly said to have been of the ‘firstborn’ whereas Cain is not said to have brought an offering of the ‘first fruits’ of the soil.
The text, therefore, indicates that Abel’s sacrifice was more valuable and more costly than that of Cain. He made multiple offerings (all the firstborn from the flock) and he put God’s rights ahead of his own profit. Cain appears to have given God what he thought he could get away with, rather than what God is worth. Abel gave far more because he knew that he would gain something far greater in the end.
The point Hebrews is making is that Abel was willing to make a more costly sacrifice because he had faith that his act of devotion would be rewarded. Hebrews 11v6 explains the faith of Abel and Enoch. They both earnestly sought God (which means more literally that they drew near to him) and they believed that he would reward them. Abel lost his life because of his persevering faith, but he gained God’s commendation and an eternal reward. The lesson that we need to learn is that persevering faith, which results in sacrificial and costly action (such as refusing to apostatise in the face of persecution), is made possible by confident trust in the promise of eternal reward. This is the message of Hebrews 11 illustrated from multiple examples. --John Stevens; Dissenting Opinion; Exegetical Thoughts: Hebrews 11v4 - Why Was Abel's Sacrifice Better Than Cain's 5.3.23
donaLD STEWART
June 14, 2023: Religion News Service: Ouster of Saddleback and Fern Creek from SBC over women pastors is affirmed
Freedom Church also had its say in front of the delegates on Tuesday, with Donald Stewart, an elder of the Florida congregation, saying in his three-minute speech that the church’s former pastor resigned and is “no longer involved in the leadership of the church.”
But Executive Committee member Dean Inserra cast doubt on whether that pastor would remain resigned. He added that the state convention and a local association in Florida “provided Freedom Church with the confirmed and admitted sexual misconduct of the individual serving as the senior pastor, yet Freedom Church took zero action.”
Freedom Church also had its say in front of the delegates on Tuesday, with Donald Stewart, an elder of the Florida congregation, saying in his three-minute speech that the church’s former pastor resigned and is “no longer involved in the leadership of the church.”
But Executive Committee member Dean Inserra cast doubt on whether that pastor would remain resigned. He added that the state convention and a local association in Florida “provided Freedom Church with the confirmed and admitted sexual misconduct of the individual serving as the senior pastor, yet Freedom Church took zero action.”
katherine stewart
Greg Stiekes
Greg Stiekes grew up in a pastor’s home in southern Michigan. He accepted Christ at a young age, and by his junior year in high school he had committed his life to teaching and preaching the Word of God. After studying Bible and Speech at Bob Jones University, he went on to earn a Master’s degree in Speech, during which time he served as an associate pastor at Grace Baptist Church in Starr, SC for four years. Upon graduation, he joined the faculty at Northland Baptist Bible College in Dunbar, Wisconsin. While at Northland he married his wife, Rena. Together they served on a ministry team helping to plant Grace Baptist Church in Iron Mountain, Michigan. Greg teaches courses in New Testament, biblical exposition, and worship. He also serves as the coordinator of the Doctor of Ministry program and assists with administrative planning. In addition to teaching, Greg currently pastors Gateway Baptist Church in Greenville, SC. Greg.
Greg Stiekes
To be sure, the theology of the NT does not suggest that it is wrong for believers to find themselves in the majority, and to influence human government to the point where decisions of leaders and laws of the land reflect the will of God in the Scriptures. In fact, we celebrate that kind of heritage here in the US, where many of the men who hammered out our constitution were born again believers who desired to honor God. In fact, many of them gave their lives to offer us that kind of government. As Christians who pray, “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt 6:10b), of course we want to see righteousness flourish and evil diminished.
However, what I am saying is that the theology of the NT itself does not point us in a political direction that resembles Christian nationalism, but rather in the direction of impacting the world through the preaching the gospel. And if the church uses its time and energy and resources to steer a course toward a mission that the Lord never gave them, they are most likely neglecting or convoluting in some way their actual mission. What the Scriptures do is offer us confidence that we can love and serve the Lord and share his Great Commission strategy even in a political environment where we are outnumbered, where wickedness is unreasonable, and where we suffer for our faith. In fact, that is exactly why the Lord promises to go with us till the end.
The church in the world is better served if we revive and are faithful to what the Lord has definitely called us to do: preach the gospel, serve the church, pray for our governmental leaders, and show honor to them as much as we can while remaining faithful to God. And to do all of these things as we patiently wait for the Lord himself to return and to establish his righteous, visible rule over the earth. --Greg Stiekes; BJU Seminary; THE IDEOLOGY OF CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM AND THE THEOLOGY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT 7.20.23
However, what I am saying is that the theology of the NT itself does not point us in a political direction that resembles Christian nationalism, but rather in the direction of impacting the world through the preaching the gospel. And if the church uses its time and energy and resources to steer a course toward a mission that the Lord never gave them, they are most likely neglecting or convoluting in some way their actual mission. What the Scriptures do is offer us confidence that we can love and serve the Lord and share his Great Commission strategy even in a political environment where we are outnumbered, where wickedness is unreasonable, and where we suffer for our faith. In fact, that is exactly why the Lord promises to go with us till the end.
The church in the world is better served if we revive and are faithful to what the Lord has definitely called us to do: preach the gospel, serve the church, pray for our governmental leaders, and show honor to them as much as we can while remaining faithful to God. And to do all of these things as we patiently wait for the Lord himself to return and to establish his righteous, visible rule over the earth. --Greg Stiekes; BJU Seminary; THE IDEOLOGY OF CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM AND THE THEOLOGY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT 7.20.23
Lyndon stimeling
The new covenant brought with it the “age of grace.” We now live our lives to glorify our Heavenly Father through righteous living day by day. Not because we must, according to God’s law, but out of love and gratitude because of what Christ has done for us. And also, that we might attain a better resurrection, and our heavenly rewards will be greater.
-Lyndon Stimeling
-Lyndon Stimeling
david stocker
Mar 12, 2023: Daily Mail: When good pastors go bad: From disgraced Carl Lentz's multiple affairs in Hillsong scandal to NYC's 'bling bishop', these are the biggest falls from grace
David Stocker, 46, was fired from Brave Church in Miami's Westchester district in April 2022 for allegedly having steamy affairs with three women from his congregation.
The clergyman, who had preached at the church since 2014, was also accused of using the church's credit card to fund some of his illicit encounters, including paying for a flight to New York for one of his lovers.
The shocking allegations were contained in a 307-page complaint filed by the council that sued Stocker after he refused to step down and continued preaching despite being dismissed for breaching the church's bylaws.
The pastor was investigated after the scorned woman from his first alleged affair reported him to the council in a damning email, in which she supplied 'hundreds' of photographs, videos, and text messages cataloging his shame.
The middle-aged mother alleged she and Stocker had sex on their first date as part of their 'whirlwind romance' and later had each other's names tattooed on their necks with the day they met.
She also claimed the fired minister, whose position demanded he abstain totally from alcohol, was frequently drunk. One such incident was with a different alleged mistress at a Miami Heat basketball game, where police were called when the pair tried to walk on the court.
David Stocker, 46, was fired from Brave Church in Miami's Westchester district in April 2022 for allegedly having steamy affairs with three women from his congregation.
The clergyman, who had preached at the church since 2014, was also accused of using the church's credit card to fund some of his illicit encounters, including paying for a flight to New York for one of his lovers.
The shocking allegations were contained in a 307-page complaint filed by the council that sued Stocker after he refused to step down and continued preaching despite being dismissed for breaching the church's bylaws.
The pastor was investigated after the scorned woman from his first alleged affair reported him to the council in a damning email, in which she supplied 'hundreds' of photographs, videos, and text messages cataloging his shame.
The middle-aged mother alleged she and Stocker had sex on their first date as part of their 'whirlwind romance' and later had each other's names tattooed on their necks with the day they met.
She also claimed the fired minister, whose position demanded he abstain totally from alcohol, was frequently drunk. One such incident was with a different alleged mistress at a Miami Heat basketball game, where police were called when the pair tried to walk on the court.
mike stone
June 7, 2023: Washington Post: For many Southern Baptists, the only campaign question is which Republican candidate to support
Pastor Mike Stone of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Blackshear, Georgia — a candidate for SBC president from its more conservative wing — said he doesn’t use the pulpit to endorse candidates.
Pastor Mike Stone of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Blackshear, Georgia — a candidate for SBC president from its more conservative wing — said he doesn’t use the pulpit to endorse candidates.
June 4, 2023: Kentucky Today: SBC presidential candidates hold variety of views on looming issues
For Georgia pastor Mike Stone, his willingness to be nominated as Southern Baptist Convention president comes down to three key issues — evangelism, sexual abuse reform and the “unsustainable” economic trajectory of the SBC Executive Committee.
For Georgia pastor Mike Stone, his willingness to be nominated as Southern Baptist Convention president comes down to three key issues — evangelism, sexual abuse reform and the “unsustainable” economic trajectory of the SBC Executive Committee.
May 5, 2023: Baptist News Global: Paige Patterson praises independent Baptists for focus on evangelism
Patterson urged those who are so evangelistic minded to show up in New Orleans this June for the SBC annual meeting and “vote to return to a program of winning the lost.” He did not specify what particular program he had in mind, but SBC presidential challenger Mike Stone — a Georgia pastor supported by the most conservative wing of the SBC — has said if elected he would launch a national evangelistic campaign.
Patterson urged those who are so evangelistic minded to show up in New Orleans this June for the SBC annual meeting and “vote to return to a program of winning the lost.” He did not specify what particular program he had in mind, but SBC presidential challenger Mike Stone — a Georgia pastor supported by the most conservative wing of the SBC — has said if elected he would launch a national evangelistic campaign.
owen strachan
May 9, 2014: Baptist Press: HGTV cancels show; stars called 'anti-gay'
Owen Strachan, assistant professor of Christian theology and church history at Boyce College, tweeted, “The media is pummeling the Benham Brothers, Liberty grads, for being anti-gay.”
Owen Strachan, assistant professor of Christian theology and church history at Boyce College, tweeted, “The media is pummeling the Benham Brothers, Liberty grads, for being anti-gay.”
Stu Strachan
Sermon writing is a core skill for most worship leaders. Effective sermonists follow in the footsteps of celebrated faith leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Ozjasz Thon.
“The sermon has become the climactic element in a lot of denominations’ services. A sermon is not simply teaching. It sets a precedent for understanding scripture correctly. And there’s also this moment of exhortation, of asking what it says about our own lives,” says Stu Strachan, an ordained Presbyterian pastor and founder of The Pastor’s Workshop, a resource for Christian sermons and teachings.
“There’s also more value added to a sermon as culture becomes more secular. If churches want to grow, they have to connect their teachings to modern life and modern problems,” he adds.
In fact, sermons are so important that there is a thriving industry to provide tools to worship leaders to make the craft a little less taxing.
“The reality is, unless you’re a pastor you have no idea what it’s like to be a pastor,” Strachan tells CNN. “It sounds obnoxious, but it’s true, and it calls upon every aspect of who you are as a person. You are always on call, and more and more roles are foisted upon pastors. They’re not just studying God’s word, praying, visiting the congregation, they’re expected to be CEO, CFO types who cast vision, manage staff, create strategic partnerships. There is a lot of burnout.”
However, some methods of lessening the burdens can stretch the ethics of the position. Sermon ghostwriters aren’t uncommon, and things can get dicey when a preacher doesn’t disclose where they got their brilliant ideas.
“I think some traditions value originality more than others. That being said, if you get a ghost writer, I think most pastors would heavily frown on it,” Strachan says. “However, from a practical money perspective, that’s not something a lot of pastors can do. The average church congregation in the US is around 100 people, and the funds simply aren’t there to pay someone to do that work for you.”
--CNN; ChatGPT can write sermons. Religious leaders don’t know how to feel about it 4.11.23
“The sermon has become the climactic element in a lot of denominations’ services. A sermon is not simply teaching. It sets a precedent for understanding scripture correctly. And there’s also this moment of exhortation, of asking what it says about our own lives,” says Stu Strachan, an ordained Presbyterian pastor and founder of The Pastor’s Workshop, a resource for Christian sermons and teachings.
“There’s also more value added to a sermon as culture becomes more secular. If churches want to grow, they have to connect their teachings to modern life and modern problems,” he adds.
In fact, sermons are so important that there is a thriving industry to provide tools to worship leaders to make the craft a little less taxing.
“The reality is, unless you’re a pastor you have no idea what it’s like to be a pastor,” Strachan tells CNN. “It sounds obnoxious, but it’s true, and it calls upon every aspect of who you are as a person. You are always on call, and more and more roles are foisted upon pastors. They’re not just studying God’s word, praying, visiting the congregation, they’re expected to be CEO, CFO types who cast vision, manage staff, create strategic partnerships. There is a lot of burnout.”
However, some methods of lessening the burdens can stretch the ethics of the position. Sermon ghostwriters aren’t uncommon, and things can get dicey when a preacher doesn’t disclose where they got their brilliant ideas.
“I think some traditions value originality more than others. That being said, if you get a ghost writer, I think most pastors would heavily frown on it,” Strachan says. “However, from a practical money perspective, that’s not something a lot of pastors can do. The average church congregation in the US is around 100 people, and the funds simply aren’t there to pay someone to do that work for you.”
--CNN; ChatGPT can write sermons. Religious leaders don’t know how to feel about it 4.11.23
stephen e strang
July 11, 2023: Bucks County Beacon: Pennsylvania’s Prayer Warrior: Abby Abildness And Her Dominionist Crusade In The CommonwealthWe initially reported on the NAR in August last year. As stated in that report, some of the NAR’s most prominent leaders include:
- Cindy Jacobs
- John Benefiel
- Lance Wallnau
- Abby Abildness
- Dutch Sheets
- Chuck Pierce
- Ché Ahn
- Lou Engle
- Jim Garlow
- Steve Strang (Charisma News)
- Steve Shultz (Elijah List).
Prominent evangelist warns that Bud Light has triggered the End Times.......At least, it is according to Stephen E. Strang, an influential evangelical leader and author of "God and Donald Trump," who says Target, Kohl's, and Bud Light are part of a Satanic plot that will usher in the End Times, as prophesied in the Bible. In his essay, Strang calls for holy warriors to prepare for spiritual conflict by training like Navy SEALs. To bolster his argument that the end is nigh, he cites his good friend, Jim Bakker, a criminal fraudster and felon:
"My good friend, Jim Bakker, has studied the book of Revelation extensively, and has provided great warnings about what is heading our way in his book, "You Can Make It." He says Christians should stand up against the things of the world rather than conforming to them. "The key to our survival is threefold: remain in Christ, keep His commandments and remain in His body, the church. Escape is not an option. Endurance is our goal." --Boing Boing; 6.27.28
"My good friend, Jim Bakker, has studied the book of Revelation extensively, and has provided great warnings about what is heading our way in his book, "You Can Make It." He says Christians should stand up against the things of the world rather than conforming to them. "The key to our survival is threefold: remain in Christ, keep His commandments and remain in His body, the church. Escape is not an option. Endurance is our goal." --Boing Boing; 6.27.28
Lee Strobel
- January 28, 2022:
- Lee Strobel said the following in an announcement that he was headlining the 2022 Louisiana Baptist Evangelism Conference: “Evangelism is even more important today, but so is apologetics, or offering reasons for why we believe what we believe...My friend J. Warner Wallace, an atheist detective who came to Christ after his investigation of the Gospels, went so far as to say, ‘evangelism in the 21st Century is spelled apologetics.’ I think he’s on the right track. We need to help people know why we believe that Jesus is the unique Son of God. That’s going to be vitally important as we face a nation and world that are skeptical and sometimes even hostile toward our faith.” I agree and disagree with this. Apologetics is good to learn.. Sharpens the Bible knowledge. But, I believe every Christian has a testimony and a need to "testify" and give witness of why he or she believes what they do. But the commission in Acts 1:7–8 states Jesus said to the disciples, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Maybe conferences like the one Strobel mentions is helpful for some, but for the vast number of people who cannot attend such conferences...God has provided a way that keeps your testimony real that has no urgent need for conference. In 3 words: "Read Your Bible.": 2 Timothy 3:16–17: All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
dave stone
2010: Preaching: The 25 Most Influential Pastors of the Past 25 Years
A quarter-century has brought great changes to the preaching landscape, and today’s list of contributing editors includes names that would have been unknown to most pastors 25 years ago: Rick Warren, Bryan Chapell, James MacDonald, Robert Smith, Dave Stone, James Emery White and Ed Young Jr. (though his pastor dad would have been a good candidate for the original list—and is now among our senior consulting editors).
A quarter-century has brought great changes to the preaching landscape, and today’s list of contributing editors includes names that would have been unknown to most pastors 25 years ago: Rick Warren, Bryan Chapell, James MacDonald, Robert Smith, Dave Stone, James Emery White and Ed Young Jr. (though his pastor dad would have been a good candidate for the original list—and is now among our senior consulting editors).
meredith stone
March 24, 2023: Christian Post: Docs show churches paid up to $100K to be part of Hillsong Family, an alleged honorarium scheme
Meredith Stone, executive director of Baptist Women in Ministry, was among those responding.
“Publishing a list of this sort is the opposite of seeking unity. The purpose of this list and the proposed amendment is to threaten,” she said. “While there are women and churches on this list who may not have desired connection with the SBC for some time, I cannot help but think of the hundreds of thousands of women who remain in the SBC and what this communicates to them.
Meredith Stone, executive director of Baptist Women in Ministry, was among those responding.
“Publishing a list of this sort is the opposite of seeking unity. The purpose of this list and the proposed amendment is to threaten,” she said. “While there are women and churches on this list who may not have desired connection with the SBC for some time, I cannot help but think of the hundreds of thousands of women who remain in the SBC and what this communicates to them.
rachel marie stone
Apr 13, 2015: Rachel Marie Stone: Washington Post: What one of the anti-vaccination movement’s least favorite doctors discovered about Jesus
Mar 18, 2015: Christian Post: Christianity Today's Whitewashing of Margaret Sanger Does Not Value Women's Issues or Christian Values
She once wrote that birth control is "nothing more or less than the facilitation of the process of weeding out the unfit." It's stunning that guest author Rachel Marie Stone tried to "give the charge of 'eugenecist' a more complete background" by suggesting that Sanger wanted to help women "be good wives and good mothers." I appreciate that Christianity Today quickly recognized this error and corrected it.
Mar 13, 2015: Amy Julia Becker: Christianity Today: Questioning Margaret Sanger
A response to Rachel Stone's post about contraception and global health.
Mar 11, 2015: Rachel Marie Stone: Christianity Today: Contraception Saves Lives
Rachel Marie Stone (@Rachel_M_Stone) is a regular contributor to CT's her.meneutics blog and has written for Christianity Today, Books and Culture, Sojourners, and many other publications. She's the author of Eat With Joy: Redeeming God's Gift of Food and a book about Jesus for children, The Unexpected Way.
Mar 18, 2015: Christian Post: Christianity Today's Whitewashing of Margaret Sanger Does Not Value Women's Issues or Christian Values
She once wrote that birth control is "nothing more or less than the facilitation of the process of weeding out the unfit." It's stunning that guest author Rachel Marie Stone tried to "give the charge of 'eugenecist' a more complete background" by suggesting that Sanger wanted to help women "be good wives and good mothers." I appreciate that Christianity Today quickly recognized this error and corrected it.
Mar 13, 2015: Amy Julia Becker: Christianity Today: Questioning Margaret Sanger
A response to Rachel Stone's post about contraception and global health.
Mar 11, 2015: Rachel Marie Stone: Christianity Today: Contraception Saves Lives
Rachel Marie Stone (@Rachel_M_Stone) is a regular contributor to CT's her.meneutics blog and has written for Christianity Today, Books and Culture, Sojourners, and many other publications. She's the author of Eat With Joy: Redeeming God's Gift of Food and a book about Jesus for children, The Unexpected Way.
roger stone
Jan 23, 2023: New Republic: The Rise of Spirit Warriors on the Christian Right
You might also have noticed the many warnings about demons and spiritual battle on the campaign trail. In the runoff for the Georgia Senate, which he lost by a narrow margin, Herschel Walker—he of the vampires and werewolves—alerted us that the nation is entangled in “spiritual battle” and offered himself as a “warrior for God.” On Eric Metaxas’s radio show, where he interviews conservative politicians and cultural figures, repeat guest Roger Stone told Metaxas that a “demonic portal” had opened above the White House. At an Idaho stop on Mike Flynn’s ReAwaken America tour in September—a traveling road show of conspiracists, candidates for political office, and religious zealots—the Pentecostal pastor Mark Burns called out to the cheering crowd, “I’ve come here to declare war on every demonic, demon-possessed Democrat that comes from the gates of hell.” Sean Feucht, a preacher known for hosting large-scale public evangelism events and a repeat guest on the ReAwaken America tour circuit, cast Democratic initiatives as “schemes of the devil in the political realm.”
You might also have noticed the many warnings about demons and spiritual battle on the campaign trail. In the runoff for the Georgia Senate, which he lost by a narrow margin, Herschel Walker—he of the vampires and werewolves—alerted us that the nation is entangled in “spiritual battle” and offered himself as a “warrior for God.” On Eric Metaxas’s radio show, where he interviews conservative politicians and cultural figures, repeat guest Roger Stone told Metaxas that a “demonic portal” had opened above the White House. At an Idaho stop on Mike Flynn’s ReAwaken America tour in September—a traveling road show of conspiracists, candidates for political office, and religious zealots—the Pentecostal pastor Mark Burns called out to the cheering crowd, “I’ve come here to declare war on every demonic, demon-possessed Democrat that comes from the gates of hell.” Sean Feucht, a preacher known for hosting large-scale public evangelism events and a repeat guest on the ReAwaken America tour circuit, cast Democratic initiatives as “schemes of the devil in the political realm.”
tim stuen |
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August 4, 2016: KOTA: Neighbor wants city to sue Dove Christian Center
“We want our neighbors to know that we love them,” said Senior Pastor Tim Stuen of the Dove Christian Center. “And I think that's love for someone to be able to have a chance to come contact with Almighty God.” |
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