• Church Life

    9 Steps to a Successful “Special Event”

    Nearly every congregation plans special events. These are usually things like Vacation Bible Schools, Gospel Meetings, youth rallies, or other events. Sometimes, we have these events “just because we always have,” and then we wonder why things don’t go the way we would like. Recently, I was listening to a lesson from Mike Winkler from this year’s Polishing the Pulpit on planning a successful Gospel Meeting. While most of what he said were things that I knew, hearing them in one lesson was very helpful, and a much-needed reminder. His thoughts are reflected in much of today’s list, too. Here are some things you can implement, no matter the size…

  • Uncategorized

    It Can't Compare

    SeveralĀ  years ago, we had a class at a youth rally at 9th Avenue taught by my friend Larry Davenport. His topic was “Can the Bible Compare with Hollywood?” As always, Larry did a great job, but it was the way he started the class that will forever hold a place in my mind. Larry started by retelling some of the awesome accounts in the Bible (the parting of the Red Sea, creation, Noah’s ark, etc.). He then reminded these young people that all these were real events, not done with trick photography or computer technology. After that brief introduction, Larry renamed the class: “Why Hollywood Can’t Compare with the…