By: Rev. Dr. Paul Raybon I am blessed to serve in a congregation that has developed healthy attitudes and perceptions over the last 50 years of our 200+ year history. Both pastors during those years*, in very different ways, reminded us that “we’re going to do the right thing, the Jesus thing.” Pastors and lay […]
Do the Right Thing or…?, Read More »
By: Rev. Dr. Paul Raybon In the days when we were still numb in the midst of the devastation of Hurricane Helene, I was in a Zoom meeting with Baptist pastors from across Western North Carolina and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina (CBFNC). A seasoned pastor from East Carolina, David Elks, was there
Do the Right Thing, Right in Front of You Read More »
By: Rev. Steve Zimmerman 2024 has been an eventful year for us! We have had activity in all three areas of ministry that we concentrate on helping local churches. As we enter our 15th year in the partnership, we are grateful to God for these opportunities to serve. One way we help congregations is Encouragement.
Looking Back – Going Forward Read More »
By: Rev. Steve Zimmerman As the holiday song goes, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” Of course, if you are in the ministry your tune may be a bit different! Yet this season is coming whether we like it or not. In preparation for Advent this year, I am a bit like my
Advent Risk-taking Read More »
By: Rev. Jerry Chiles As a child, what were you afraid of? Did you have monsters under your bed or in your closet? Did you have imaginary people who bothered you or did you have imaginary friends to comfort you? Did you have a fear of falling or were you a daredevil? When did you
Do Not Be Afraid – Part 2 Read More »
By: Rev. Jerry Chiles How many times have we heard the phrase, “Do not be afraid” or have we said this to a family member, a friend, or a church member? Athletes at the 2024 Olympics were told to “shake it off”! Even Taylor Swift has a song about “Shaking it Off!” To be afraid
By Rev. Dr. Rick Jordan “I’m not sure how to ask this,” said my friend, “but how did you learn to pray like that? Did you have a class in seminary?” This was about an offertory prayer I’d said recently at our church. He continued, “I only ask because your prayers are deeper than most
Deeper and Wider Prayers Read More »
By Rev. Dr. Rick Jordan In a small group prayer meeting, I facilitated a discussion on what “in Jesus’ name” means, based on John 14:13-14, when Jesus said, “I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my
Perfunctory or Passionate? Read More »
By: Rev. Dr Paul Raybon In my recent article I pointed to the radical days of Pentecost as a model for the church to navigate uncertain times. There is another option found in Acts 5.Do you remember old Rabbi Gamaliel? Rabbi and mentor of Saul before he was Paul? He speaks out at the trial
The Gamaliel Option Read More »
By: Rev. Dr Paul Raybon We live in crazy times. Not just for each of us as individuals, but for the church. And you know the old definition of insanity? “To do the same thing you’ve always done and expect different results.” The way of doing church that was perfected in the mid-20th century does
