Let me start by saying that I am not a Roman Catholic, and so I don’t want to be overly critical. Baptists, too, make serious mistakes, and we should be called out—lovingly, I hope—when we do. I hope you take this word in a loving way, for I have something...
I am pro-life. Completely. Totally. Absolutely. I believe abortion is wrong. Period. I state that right up front because I want you to know where I stand. I am occasionally criticized for not preaching on it often enough or for not “observing” Sanctity of Life Sunday in my message on the...
Let me start with a disclosure: I have been vaccinated, and I encourage others to be vaccinated. If you’re looking for an anti-vaccination statement, you won’t find it here. I know that you can find many of my fellow evangelicals and conservatives who disagree with me. But as I’ve said...
I don’t want to overstate my frustration. I’m not thinking about giving up on the ministry. I’m not facing burnout. I’m not mad at anyone. I don’t plan on going on a rant. And I’m not picking on Avondale Baptist Church. Honestly, on this issue, we are better than most....
Sexual harassment. Flirtation. Inappropriate touching. Obscene comments. Questionable remarks. Improper advances. Suggestive compliments. The news has been full—repeatedly—of stories in which men in positions of power and leadership have treated women inappropriately. Some of the stories detail conduct that can—and should—lead to criminal charges. Some of the stories detail conduct...
I’ve been inundated with questions from members and friends on, “Why didn’t you endorse a candidate last year?” and “Who did you vote for?” To the frustration of many, I didn’t endorse a candidate or a party, nor have I announced who I voted for in the presidential, senatorial, and...
Many churches have used their church parking lots as a drive-in worship service. The concept is pretty simple. People drive to church, stay in their cars, and listen to the worship service over loudspeakers or on their FM radios. It is one way of doing church while trying to maintain...
Like most churches (but, unfortunately, not all), we have decided to close our doors through at least April 30 or until the stay-at-home order by Arizona Governor Doug Ducey expires. We are not holding any classes or services and none of our groups are meeting—except for various online settings. Our...
“”I don’t know if this is true or not.” I know it’s not true, but I wanted to get people’s reaction.” “I just reposted it. It’s not my job to verify it.” “I know it’s not true, but it’s funny!” “I’m not sure whether it’s true or not, but this...
We trace the history of Thanksgiving in the United States of America to 1621, when the Pilgrims celebrated their first harvest in the New world. It was a three-day feast attended by 90 Native Americans and 53 Pilgrims. It was celebrated by our nation on-and-off from 1789, when President Washington...
