|
|
SI-SM PEOPLE-FILES
|
|
SI-SM |
Jayme Sideras |
Pat Sieler |
Daniel Silliman |
Marina Silva |
Kevin Singer |
Ted Sisk |
Caley Sivils |
Skjulte Skatter |
Mark Sledge |
Michael Smethurst |
Bob Smietana |
Christian Smith |
Gary Smith |
Leroy Smith |
- |
Michael W Smith |
Robert Smith |
Tim Smith |
Travis D Smith |
- |
Jed Smock |
- |
Steve Smothermon |
==jaymz sideras======
Jaymz Sideras
Dr. Jaymz Sideras (also known as Dr. James Sideras) is an evangelist, Christian author, Electronic Dance Music (EDM) artist, and revivalist who serves as a Senior Pastor and leader in the Christian ministry. He is the primary leader and founder of ReviveBoston, a ministry focused on bringing a spiritual awakening and revival to the Boston, Massachusetts region. He hosts regular ministry gatherings, open-air events, and Boston's official "March for Jesus". Alongside his wife, Pascale Sideras, he serves as a Senior Pastor at 12D Church. Together, they have over 30 years of ministry experience, preaching the Christian gospel across more than 20 countries. His platform heavily emphasizes spiritual warfare, deliverance ministry (such as casting out demons), intercessory prayer, and healing. He earned his doctorate degree in healthcare management from the University of Hertfordshire in England. He is originally from London, England, before relocating to the United States to base his ministry work out of the New England area. Operating as an EDM artist, he utilizes electronic music as a contemporary medium to share Christian messages and reach global audiences. His music and videos are distributed across platforms like Spotify and his Dr Jaymz Official YouTube Channel. He hosts the ReviveBoston Podcast on Spotify, where he discusses themes of biblical prophecy, revelation knowledge, and keys to spiritual revival
Worshipers gather on Boston Common for Revive Boston ‘celebration of faith’
With their palms to the sky and shouts of joy erupting from their mouths, hundreds of Christians gathered to worship, hear the Gospel, and experience live baptisms at Boston Common on Sunday, but some beliefs voiced at the evangelical outreach event were far outside mainstream Christianity. “It’s a celebration of faith,” said Demetri “Jaymz” Sideras, president of Revive Boston, the organization leading the nondenominational event. “We are here to celebrate the redemption we have in Christ Jesus that’s available to everybody. People are discovering it here for the first time.” Sideras said Revive Boston wrote to 700 churches asking them to attend the event, and he plans to make the celebration an annual occurrence. But some local advocates rebuked Sideras for views about Islam and the LGBTQ+ community attributed to him and published on Revive Boston’s website. Among them: Sideras said Islam is not tolerant of other religions. And people are not born homosexual, he said, but can be born with a “homosexual demon.”
(Boston Globe8.26.24(READMORE>>>>>>
With their palms to the sky and shouts of joy erupting from their mouths, hundreds of Christians gathered to worship, hear the Gospel, and experience live baptisms at Boston Common on Sunday, but some beliefs voiced at the evangelical outreach event were far outside mainstream Christianity. “It’s a celebration of faith,” said Demetri “Jaymz” Sideras, president of Revive Boston, the organization leading the nondenominational event. “We are here to celebrate the redemption we have in Christ Jesus that’s available to everybody. People are discovering it here for the first time.” Sideras said Revive Boston wrote to 700 churches asking them to attend the event, and he plans to make the celebration an annual occurrence. But some local advocates rebuked Sideras for views about Islam and the LGBTQ+ community attributed to him and published on Revive Boston’s website. Among them: Sideras said Islam is not tolerant of other religions. And people are not born homosexual, he said, but can be born with a “homosexual demon.”
(Boston Globe8.26.24(READMORE>>>>>>
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======
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
==daniel silliman======
David A Hollinger
We now have a formidable body of scholarship that establishes the depth and extent of these features of the American evangelical tradition, confirming and expanding on Richard Hofstadter’s legendary analysis in his 1964 book, Anti-intellectualism in American Life. This new body of scholarship is the work of a remarkable generation of young historians who have yet to receive the credit they’re due, so I name some of them here: Darren Dochuk, Matthew Sutton, Anthea Butler, Timothy Gloege, Jesse Curtis, Lerone Martin, J. Russell Hawkins, Stephen Young, Daniel Hummel, Daniel Silliman, and—the only one in this cohort to gain wide media recognition--Kristin Kobes Du Mez, author of the justly famous and marvelously titled, Jesus and John Wayne. Sadly, while the majority of these scholars have written for Religion Dispatches, the conclusions of these bold and creative scholars have been largely ignored in the discussion of religion and politics found in the pages of The Atlantic, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and other media of comparable reach and influence.
--David Hollinger; Religion Dispatches; The Critiques of Evangelical Writers Opposing Christian Nationalism Fail to Recognize Evangelicalism’s Troubling History 6/18/24
--David Hollinger; Religion Dispatches; The Critiques of Evangelical Writers Opposing Christian Nationalism Fail to Recognize Evangelicalism’s Troubling History 6/18/24
==marina silva======
Brazil's environment minister fights fellow evangelicals on Amazon protection
As in the United States, Brazil's public life has become deeply polarized along political and religious divides, with many evangelical Christians aligning with conservatives opposing progressive policies about minority rights, the role of the state in providing social services and — after former President Jair Bolsonaro's push for aggressive development in the Amazon — protecting the environment. The prominent exception among Brazil's evangelical political class is Marina Silva, a vocal environmentalist with deep Pentecostal faith who is minister for environment and climate change in the left-leaning administration of current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Breaking that mold has come at the cost of savage treatment by her fellow Christian politicians. (Earthbeat 7/18/25) READMORE>>>>>
As in the United States, Brazil's public life has become deeply polarized along political and religious divides, with many evangelical Christians aligning with conservatives opposing progressive policies about minority rights, the role of the state in providing social services and — after former President Jair Bolsonaro's push for aggressive development in the Amazon — protecting the environment. The prominent exception among Brazil's evangelical political class is Marina Silva, a vocal environmentalist with deep Pentecostal faith who is minister for environment and climate change in the left-leaning administration of current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Breaking that mold has come at the cost of savage treatment by her fellow Christian politicians. (Earthbeat 7/18/25) READMORE>>>>>
==kevin singer======
New study finds Christian nationalists to be more complex than media portrayals
Kevin Singer, Neighborly Faith’s president, said its study showed that Christian nationalists often “romanticize Christianity’s influence on America’s development” and believe the U.S. benefits from “God’s special favor.”But Singer noted that the Neighborly Faith study revealed adherents of Christian nationalism show surprising levels of support for some pluralistic ideals. While adherents were less likely overall to support the idea that the U.S. should take in refugees “even if I do not share the same beliefs as them,” for instance, more than half (51%) nonetheless supported welcoming refugees at some level. (Jack Jenkins/Religion News Service 12/18/23)
Read More>>>>>
Kevin Singer, Neighborly Faith’s president, said its study showed that Christian nationalists often “romanticize Christianity’s influence on America’s development” and believe the U.S. benefits from “God’s special favor.”But Singer noted that the Neighborly Faith study revealed adherents of Christian nationalism show surprising levels of support for some pluralistic ideals. While adherents were less likely overall to support the idea that the U.S. should take in refugees “even if I do not share the same beliefs as them,” for instance, more than half (51%) nonetheless supported welcoming refugees at some level. (Jack Jenkins/Religion News Service 12/18/23)
Read More>>>>>
==ted sisk======
Christianity has variety, quirks and complexity
Back when I was religion reporter for the Lexington Herald-Leader, I was writing one of my periodic roundup stories. I don't remember the topic -- it could have been anything from trends in church attendance to tenets regarding divorce -- but I was calling clergy from various denominations and faiths to sample their groups' views. I asked Ted Sisk, then the senior pastor of Lexington's Immanuel Baptist Church, what Baptists thought about the subject at hand. (Sisk passed away in 2017.) It was difficult to generalize, he replied. He could tell me his opinion, but he couldn't speak on behalf of his brothers and sisters. (Arkansas Democrat Gazette; 1.24.26) READMORE>>>>>
Back when I was religion reporter for the Lexington Herald-Leader, I was writing one of my periodic roundup stories. I don't remember the topic -- it could have been anything from trends in church attendance to tenets regarding divorce -- but I was calling clergy from various denominations and faiths to sample their groups' views. I asked Ted Sisk, then the senior pastor of Lexington's Immanuel Baptist Church, what Baptists thought about the subject at hand. (Sisk passed away in 2017.) It was difficult to generalize, he replied. He could tell me his opinion, but he couldn't speak on behalf of his brothers and sisters. (Arkansas Democrat Gazette; 1.24.26) READMORE>>>>>
==Calley Sivils======
Calley Sivils
"......the release of Fifty Shades Freed is not only a cause for lament. It’s also an opportunity to acknowledge that sexual fetishes, like the ones on the big screen and the ones in bestselling books, also dwell in the flesh of Christians.
We would be naïve to think Christians do not struggle with sexual fetishes — if not in practice, then in their secret porn searches or in the unspoken fantasies of their hearts. The popularity of the movies reminds us that these lurid desires are more common than we imagine, even within the imaginations of people seeking to follow Christ.
Brother or sister, I do not loom above you, condemning you for the dark lusts that entangle your good, God-given desire for sex. I am no stranger to this darkness. I am here beside you, with a broken past of my own, telling you that God has designed you for greater, God-glorifying outlets for your attractions.
I simply point you forward to him — to the Light................We must recognize that our sexual fetishes are not shades of grey, ambiguous desires that don’t really matter. They are black with sin, diametrically opposed to our nature as children of God (Galatians 5:17). They are hurting you and draining your walk with Christ. Our appetite for them must be starved if we’re to walk according to our blood-bought nature.
These fetishes are also damaging your regard for precious image bearers of God. Much of what defines “fetish” requires thinking of fellow humans as bodies to be hurt and controlled rather than as eternal souls who are to be selflessly served and loved. This mind-set spills over into our relationships with friends, spouses, and everyone else.
The preciousness of the marriage covenant as well as its purpose of reflecting Christ and his church begins to diminish in our eyes. We become like Adam and Eve, forsaking the presence and relationship with the eternal God for a moment of fleshly satisfaction. And the more we give in, the less precious our brothers and sisters will become in our eyes, which does not fit our call as brothers and sisters (Romans 14:18–19; 1 Timothy 5:1–2).
Sisters, Christian Grey is not the type of man God wants for you — not for your eyes, your heart, or the temple of your body. Brothers, Christian Grey is not the type of man God wants you to be — sex idols wanted only for your body or wealth, while degrading and dehumanizing others..............Confession must be done, even if you cry and tremble and nearly vomit while you do it. We should be disgusted by the cravings that have pushed us to seek arousal outside of God’s good design in marriage (Hebrews 13:4). But how can we confess such “unspeakable” struggles?
We need not dread with Christ as our righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Corinthians 1:30). With repentance in our hearts, we can name our sinful desires without fear (2 Timothy 1:7). Yes, even our sexual fetishes fall under God’s promise, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). That includes your fantasies about that thing, your lusts for even those. --Calley Sivils; Desiring God; Freed from Fifty Shades — and More 2.8.18
We would be naïve to think Christians do not struggle with sexual fetishes — if not in practice, then in their secret porn searches or in the unspoken fantasies of their hearts. The popularity of the movies reminds us that these lurid desires are more common than we imagine, even within the imaginations of people seeking to follow Christ.
Brother or sister, I do not loom above you, condemning you for the dark lusts that entangle your good, God-given desire for sex. I am no stranger to this darkness. I am here beside you, with a broken past of my own, telling you that God has designed you for greater, God-glorifying outlets for your attractions.
I simply point you forward to him — to the Light................We must recognize that our sexual fetishes are not shades of grey, ambiguous desires that don’t really matter. They are black with sin, diametrically opposed to our nature as children of God (Galatians 5:17). They are hurting you and draining your walk with Christ. Our appetite for them must be starved if we’re to walk according to our blood-bought nature.
These fetishes are also damaging your regard for precious image bearers of God. Much of what defines “fetish” requires thinking of fellow humans as bodies to be hurt and controlled rather than as eternal souls who are to be selflessly served and loved. This mind-set spills over into our relationships with friends, spouses, and everyone else.
The preciousness of the marriage covenant as well as its purpose of reflecting Christ and his church begins to diminish in our eyes. We become like Adam and Eve, forsaking the presence and relationship with the eternal God for a moment of fleshly satisfaction. And the more we give in, the less precious our brothers and sisters will become in our eyes, which does not fit our call as brothers and sisters (Romans 14:18–19; 1 Timothy 5:1–2).
Sisters, Christian Grey is not the type of man God wants for you — not for your eyes, your heart, or the temple of your body. Brothers, Christian Grey is not the type of man God wants you to be — sex idols wanted only for your body or wealth, while degrading and dehumanizing others..............Confession must be done, even if you cry and tremble and nearly vomit while you do it. We should be disgusted by the cravings that have pushed us to seek arousal outside of God’s good design in marriage (Hebrews 13:4). But how can we confess such “unspeakable” struggles?
We need not dread with Christ as our righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Corinthians 1:30). With repentance in our hearts, we can name our sinful desires without fear (2 Timothy 1:7). Yes, even our sexual fetishes fall under God’s promise, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). That includes your fantasies about that thing, your lusts for even those. --Calley Sivils; Desiring God; Freed from Fifty Shades — and More 2.8.18
==Skjulte Skatter======
“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.
==mark sledge======
Black and white Louisiana churches split over $250B Meta data center
“Folks live from Sunday to Sunday,” explained Mark Sledge, the lead pastor at Macedonia Baptist Church, a Black church founded in 1879 in Rayville, the largest town in the parish. As such, nothing moves without the church behind it. “We consider our church the heart of the community. Even if people drift, that seed stays inside them as they make decisions,” said Consuela Hunter, a lifelong member of Macedonia and Rayville town alderperson. But just like those who once worked those cotton fields, the benefits of today’s economic growth differ along racial lines as Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, scrambles to build a $250 billion data center, the largest in the Western Hemisphere, in this rural pocket. In mostly white evangelical Baptist churches, congregants have praised the project as providence, a divine engine for jobs, evangelism, and serving as the “hands and feet of Jesus.” Some have even organized monthly feedings and prayer drives for the more than 7,000 construction workers now flooding into the parish of 20,000.
(The Lens 7.17.26)READMORE>>>>>>
“Folks live from Sunday to Sunday,” explained Mark Sledge, the lead pastor at Macedonia Baptist Church, a Black church founded in 1879 in Rayville, the largest town in the parish. As such, nothing moves without the church behind it. “We consider our church the heart of the community. Even if people drift, that seed stays inside them as they make decisions,” said Consuela Hunter, a lifelong member of Macedonia and Rayville town alderperson. But just like those who once worked those cotton fields, the benefits of today’s economic growth differ along racial lines as Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, scrambles to build a $250 billion data center, the largest in the Western Hemisphere, in this rural pocket. In mostly white evangelical Baptist churches, congregants have praised the project as providence, a divine engine for jobs, evangelism, and serving as the “hands and feet of Jesus.” Some have even organized monthly feedings and prayer drives for the more than 7,000 construction workers now flooding into the parish of 20,000.
(The Lens 7.17.26)READMORE>>>>>>
==matt smethurst======
The Unique Joys of Ministry
The ordinary demands of ministry mean that we have to see hard things. You know, you have people come into your office who have been married for years and they are on the verge of breaking a marriage, suicides. I lost count of the number of funerals that I preached.
Matt Smethurst It’s a really easy time right now for pastors to feel distracted, discouraged, beleaguered, in an age of suspicion, in an age of distraction, in an age of polarization, I just would love to explore for a few minutes some of the joys of ministry, because I think it’s easy Amid the hardships, to lose sight of the joys.
(Gospel Coalition 10/21/24) READMORE>>>>>
The ordinary demands of ministry mean that we have to see hard things. You know, you have people come into your office who have been married for years and they are on the verge of breaking a marriage, suicides. I lost count of the number of funerals that I preached.
Matt Smethurst It’s a really easy time right now for pastors to feel distracted, discouraged, beleaguered, in an age of suspicion, in an age of distraction, in an age of polarization, I just would love to explore for a few minutes some of the joys of ministry, because I think it’s easy Amid the hardships, to lose sight of the joys.
(Gospel Coalition 10/21/24) READMORE>>>>>
Matt Smethurst Files
After listing marks of eligibility for the office of pastor/elder in 1 Timothy 3:1–7, the apostle Paul turns his attention to the office of deacon:
Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. (vv. 8–13)
Fascinatingly, Paul doesn’t seem too interested in what potential deacons can do. His focus is squarely on who they must be. (Don’t miss this easy-to-forget lesson: God cares more about character than about gifting.)
---(Matt Smethurst; Gospel Coalition 7/6/24)
Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. (vv. 8–13)
Fascinatingly, Paul doesn’t seem too interested in what potential deacons can do. His focus is squarely on who they must be. (Don’t miss this easy-to-forget lesson: God cares more about character than about gifting.)
---(Matt Smethurst; Gospel Coalition 7/6/24)
==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
==christian Smith======
On My Shelf: Life and Books with Stephen O. Presley
While my formal academic training is in early Christian studies, my research and writing have expanded to include the broader questions of Christian cultural engagement. On my nightstand right now are a few books assessing the sobering state of the church. One is Christian Smith’s newest work, Why Religion Went Obsolete, a kind of state-of-the-union address for the modern church struggling with the turbulent cultural shifts of recent decades. Smith’s sociological analysis argues that traditional religion isn’t merely declining but increasingly irrelevant to public life. (Gospel Coalition; 1.11.26) READMORE>>>>>
While my formal academic training is in early Christian studies, my research and writing have expanded to include the broader questions of Christian cultural engagement. On my nightstand right now are a few books assessing the sobering state of the church. One is Christian Smith’s newest work, Why Religion Went Obsolete, a kind of state-of-the-union address for the modern church struggling with the turbulent cultural shifts of recent decades. Smith’s sociological analysis argues that traditional religion isn’t merely declining but increasingly irrelevant to public life. (Gospel Coalition; 1.11.26) READMORE>>>>>
==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.
==leroy smith======
Worshipers gather on Boston Common for Revive Boston ‘celebration of faith’
The Rev. Leroy Smith, pastor of The Faithful and True Witness Apostolic Church Ministries in Cambridge, attended the event with about two dozen members of his predominantly Jamaican congregation. “It’s just the unity of the people,” Smith said of the importance of the celebration. “We come from different backgrounds, different nationalities, different denominations, but we’re united for one cause.”
Smith said he agreed with Sideras’ beliefs on homosexuality, suggesting that being gay can be cured by casting out a demon.
(Boston Globe8.26.24(READMORE>>>>>>
The Rev. Leroy Smith, pastor of The Faithful and True Witness Apostolic Church Ministries in Cambridge, attended the event with about two dozen members of his predominantly Jamaican congregation. “It’s just the unity of the people,” Smith said of the importance of the celebration. “We come from different backgrounds, different nationalities, different denominations, but we’re united for one cause.”
Smith said he agreed with Sideras’ beliefs on homosexuality, suggesting that being gay can be cured by casting out a demon.
(Boston Globe8.26.24(READMORE>>>>>>
==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======
Dr. Tim S. Smith is the Director of Missions for the Floyd County Baptist Association in Rome, Georgia and has been in the position since March, 2021. At the end of 2020 Dr. Smith accepted the Voluntary Early Retirement Incentive from the Georgia Baptist Mission Board where he was on the Church Strengthening Team and served as the Discipleship Consultant for the Northwest Georgia region. Prior to his last position with the GBMB he had served the lead state missionary for Groups & Faith Development, specialist for Sunday School & Small Groups, team coordinator/leader for Sunday School & Open Groups and consultant for Bible Study Ministries. Dr. Smith started with the GBMB in 1999. Before going to the GBMB he served the following churches; Tabernacle Baptist Church in Cartersville, First Baptist Church in Dallas, Wake Crossroads Baptist Church in Raleigh, Bowdon Baptist Church in Bowdon, Midway Church in Villa Rica, First Baptist Church in Douglasville, New Holland Baptist Church in Gainesville and Glen Forest Baptist Church in Mableton. Dr. Smith earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He received the degree of Master of Divinity with Christian Education from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. He earned a degree of Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of West Georgia in Carrollton, Georgia and from Truett-McConnell University in Cleveland, Georgia he received an Associate in Arts degree in Religious Studies.
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
--Travis D. Smith; Heart of a Shepherd Ministry A Path for Success
==Jed Smock======
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.
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.
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.
Brother Jed Smock, the notorious campus preacher, was at Missouri State University yesterday, but the Freethinkers & Skeptics group on campus was ready for him.
==steve smothermon======
Steve Smothermon is senior pastor of Legacy Church, a large and growing church in Albuquerque, New Mexico (www.legacychurchnm.com). He earned a bachelor of theological studies degree from Vision International University and is the author of Large Large Living in a Small Small World. Steve and his wife, Cynthia, have been married for almost 30 years.
Albuquerque Legacy Church pastor maintains Ronchetti will ban abortion
Albuquerque Legacy Church Pastor Steve Smothermon said for a second time that GOP candidate for governor, Mark Ronchetti, told Smothermon he would ban abortion if elected. Ronchetti’s campaign denied the allegation when Smothermon initially said he and Ronchetti had talked “for hours” and that Ronchetti had told him during an earlier part of his campaign that he would ban abortion if elected. Smothermon announced this during a church sermon in July. Ronchetti’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment regarding Smothermon’s second allegation made before his congregation in October. But Smothermon insisted to his congregants, “I assure you, he told me exactly what I said.”
(Mew Mexico Political Reporty 12/2/22) READ MORE>>>>>
Albuquerque Legacy Church Pastor Steve Smothermon said for a second time that GOP candidate for governor, Mark Ronchetti, told Smothermon he would ban abortion if elected. Ronchetti’s campaign denied the allegation when Smothermon initially said he and Ronchetti had talked “for hours” and that Ronchetti had told him during an earlier part of his campaign that he would ban abortion if elected. Smothermon announced this during a church sermon in July. Ronchetti’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment regarding Smothermon’s second allegation made before his congregation in October. But Smothermon insisted to his congregants, “I assure you, he told me exactly what I said.”
(Mew Mexico Political Reporty 12/2/22) READ MORE>>>>>
Churches are breaking the law and endorsing in elections, experts say. The IRS looks the other way.
“We’re going to fast become the No. 1 abortion place in all of America,” a pastor, Steve Smothermon, said during a July 10 sermon at Legacy Church in Albuquerque, which has an average weekly attendance of more than 10,000 people. Smotherman said the governor was “wicked and evil” and called her “a narcissist.”
“And people think, ‘Why do you say that?’ Because I truly believe it. In fact, she’s beyond evil. It’s demonic,” Smothermon said. He later added: “Folks, when are we going to get appalled? When are we going to say, ‘Enough is enough’? When are we going to stop saying, ‘Well, you know, it’s a woman’s right to choose’? That’s such a lie.” Church attendees had a stark choice in the upcoming election, Smothermon said. “We have the Wicked Witch of the North. Or you have Mark Ronchetti.” The governor’s campaign declined to comment. Neither Legacy Church, Smothermon nor Ronchetti responded to requests for comment.
(Jeremy Schwartz/Texas Tribune 10/30/22) READ MORE>>>>>
“We’re going to fast become the No. 1 abortion place in all of America,” a pastor, Steve Smothermon, said during a July 10 sermon at Legacy Church in Albuquerque, which has an average weekly attendance of more than 10,000 people. Smotherman said the governor was “wicked and evil” and called her “a narcissist.”
“And people think, ‘Why do you say that?’ Because I truly believe it. In fact, she’s beyond evil. It’s demonic,” Smothermon said. He later added: “Folks, when are we going to get appalled? When are we going to say, ‘Enough is enough’? When are we going to stop saying, ‘Well, you know, it’s a woman’s right to choose’? That’s such a lie.” Church attendees had a stark choice in the upcoming election, Smothermon said. “We have the Wicked Witch of the North. Or you have Mark Ronchetti.” The governor’s campaign declined to comment. Neither Legacy Church, Smothermon nor Ronchetti responded to requests for comment.
(Jeremy Schwartz/Texas Tribune 10/30/22) READ MORE>>>>>