Why Does God Need a Birthday? (The Surprising Significance of December 25th)

Last updated on: December 19, 2016 at 9:23 am By Josh Daffern

It’s that time of year again, when we’ve launched full-fledged into the spirit of Christmas, which sounds noble but usually ends up being a gluttony of American consumerism. You’ve also got the upstart “War on Christmas,” which is fought from both sides. “Liberals” and “non-religious” argue that “Happy Holidays” is more politically correct and religiously sensitive than “Merry Christmas.” And then there’s the ultra-conservatives on the right, who argue that Christmas shouldn’t be celebrated at all because of its pagan... Read more

6 Types of Church Members That Will Destroy Your Church

Last updated on: December 15, 2016 at 9:47 am By Josh Daffern

Watch out for these six types of church members who can destroy your church from within if left unchecked. Read more

Church is Supposed to be Enjoyed, Not Endured

Last updated on: December 13, 2016 at 6:01 am By Josh Daffern

Do your church services feel more like a funeral service or a wedding celebration? Is church a duty or a delight, filled with obligation or anticipation? Read more

5 Worship Songs That Are Teaching Me About the Holy Spirit

Last updated on: December 8, 2016 at 9:40 am By Josh Daffern

I’m a born and raised Baptist, which means that the Holy Spirit seemed like a foreign entity for much of my life, someone reserved for my pentecostal and charismatic brethren. As I’ve grown in the faith, I’ve slowly began to learn what it means to walk in the Spirit and depend on the Spirt for daily guidance and power. I’m by no means an expert, but I’m making progress. I thought I’d share five worship songs that are constantly reminding... Read more

Why We’re That Church That’s Canceling Services on Christmas

Last updated on: January 1, 2017 at 3:09 pm By Josh Daffern

Hold off with the pitchforks and burning crosses for a moment. Let’s talk. Churches are in a quandary this year, as Christmas falls on a Sunday. Because of the high amount of travel and family nature of this special day, churches are asking themselves: do we still have Sunday services on Christmas Day? The few blog posts I’ve read so far unequivocally say ‘yes,’ and either subliminally or outrightly dare anyone else to cross this imaginary line of heresy. I guess... Read more

7 Practical Ways Your Church Helps Lower the Divorce Rate

Last updated on: December 5, 2016 at 6:05 am By Josh Daffern

A recent study by a Harvard University professor linked regular church attendance with a lower divorce rate, concluding that couples who attend church together have a 47% less chance of divorcing. Obviously Christians would attribute this to the transformative power of Jesus, who deserves the full credit. But there are also practical ways that a church helps lower the divorce rate of attending couples. Here are seven ways in particular: 1. A church removes the ‘easy’ options of adultery and divorce... Read more

7 Out-Of-The-Box Things Southern Baptists Must Do to Stop the Bleeding and Start Growing Again

Last updated on: November 29, 2016 at 7:19 am By Josh Daffern

Southern Baptists are on the decline, but this doesn't have to be the end of the story. Here are seven ways we can restart growth again. Read more

Why Theologically Conservative, Stylistically Modern Churches are Growing Faster than Everyone Else

Last updated on: November 28, 2016 at 5:53 am By Josh Daffern

Academic studies confirm that certain types of churches grow faster than everyone else. Why is that? Read more

5 Ways to Move Your Congregation From Sitting to Serving

Last updated on: December 5, 2016 at 6:09 am By Josh Daffern

Churches will extol the virtues of serving this holiday season while most of the congregation sits. How can you move a church from sitting to serving? Read more

The ‘Deplorables’ in the New Testament

Last updated on: November 14, 2016 at 5:45 am By Josh Daffern

As a pastor in a Southern state that voted deeply red, I guess I could be accurately described as a deplorable. But to be honest I'm okay with that description, because I see fellow deplorables in the New Testament. Read more