Church Life
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10 Ways Every Congregation Can Utilize Periscope [Video]
Recently, I recorded a short video about Periscope. This free online tool is one that I think congregations need to be using more and more. In this short video, I shared 10 quick ideas for how every congregation–no matter their size or budget–can utilize Periscope. One additional note: I got a phone call later in the day from someone who had watched. She had a great reminder that I failed to mention in the video. She mentioned that, when you stream events–especially involving children–you need to have permission from parents. At the very least, you need to have your location setting turned off. Just a simple online safety tip, and…
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Spring has Sprung!
It’s here! It’s finally here! My favorite season of the year is upon us: spring. I love all four seasons but there is something about spring that just makes me happy. The warm days after the biting cold of winter … The beautiful display of fresh colors as redbud trees, weeping willow trees, daffodils, and hyacinths bloom and bud … The freedom of my toes as they enjoy open air sandals … These all make me happy. I think one of the reasons I love spring so much is the realization of hope. While I love snow days with the most hopeful of students, there comes a point where the…
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Why We Need to be Careful When We’re “Just Kidding”
Anybody who knows me is aware of the fact that I like to laugh. In fact, I agree with a preacher friend of mine who told me years ago that those who might be critical of him because they think he uses too much humor when he preaches might be very proud of him if they knew how much humor he stifles when he preaches! I often seem to find humor in situations that are not seen as humorous by anybody else. That can cause some real problems at times. I’ve had to apologize more than once for that. I’ve also had to apologize for something else. I’m wondering how many others have had…
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A Great Faith Quote for Your Weekend
Ever worry about the future? Ever wonder what tomorrow will hold? Then take this simple quotation to heart. May it bless you today…and beyond.
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When Your Children Ask about Baptism
The conversations have started, but they are still very sporadic. With a 10-year-old and a soon-to-be 9-year-old, we are not surprised that our children have started asking questions from time-to-time about baptism. If you raise your children going to church and Bible classes, the questions are going to start, and likely, they are going to start quite early in life. After all, they hear preachers extend the invitation constantly. Hopefully, they have been present to see people put Christ on in baptism. And probably, they have studied God’s plan of salvation in Bible school, at least a time or two. Their classrooms may even have a chart that is always…
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A Trophy
Have you heard the new definition of the word “trophy?” I had not until I attended a meeting for an advisory council on which I serve for one of our local high schools. During the meeting, the discussion turned to a program designed to discourage sexual activity among the students. During that discussion, I learned about something that takes place on a regular basis among high school students today. A girl is asked by a friend if she is planning to give her boyfriend (or any other boy, for that matter) a trophy. I’m old enough (and out of touch enough) to remember when a trophy was something a high school student received…
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Episode 51: How OpenDNS Can Help Protect Your Family or Your Church Online (guest Chad Landman) [Podcast]
https://media.blubrry.com/faughnfamily/content.blubrry.com/faughnfamily/Legacy_Podcast_051.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadSubscribe: RSS(Player not working? Click here to listen.) On last week’s episode of the podcast, we began a two-part series on managing media in the home. Today, as a follow-up, we are joined by Chad Landman. Chad shares how OpenDNS can help families manage the internet in their home, and it doesn’t have to cost a dime. Also, anyone of any technical level can set this up. Resources OpenDNS [homepage] use.opendns.com [This page walks you through setting up OpenDNS on virtually any device in a simple, straightforward manner.] Home Security [The three “tiers” Chad and Adam discuss on the site. Remember, tiers 1 and…
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Take Heart
Do you ever have the feeling like you are being hindered in every good thing you’re trying to do? It can be so frustrating to be trying to do your best, and still feel like you are lagging behind in your spiritual life. Since this world is ruled by the devil, he can and will use anything in this world to hinder our walk with God, and he hurls so many obstacles along our path in walking with God. It shouldn’t surprise us when we face these obstacles. Every day in this world we will have them. Every day we will try to overcome them, and I hate to bear the…
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7 Be-Attitudes of Church Bulletins
I will admit at the outset: I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with church bulletins. I love them when they truly serve a purpose and are done well. I hate them when it is obvious that a congregation has a church bulletin because…well…they’ve always had a church bulletin (and it shows). I will also make this disclaimer: I do not claim to always be part of producing a perfect bulletin. I do try to help make our “Family Newsletter” at 9th Avenue the best it can be, but I see things virtually every week that can be improved. 7 Suggestions It is in that spirit that I offer…
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Prisoners are Listening
When Paul and Silas were arrested and unmercifully beaten with rods for preaching the gospel, they were found doing something that was by no means typical. Having their hands and feet fastened in stocks in the inner prison of Philippi, and still suffering from the terrible torture they had received, the Bible says, “But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God” (Acts 16:25). Have you ever wondered about the content of their prayers? Were they prayers of thanksgiving that they were counted worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus (Acts 5:41)? Were they prayers for boldness to continue to preach the word of God…
