Leaving A Legacy: Cathedrals and Oak Trees

A thousand years ago when Christians were building a cathedral, it would take most of a man’s lifetime to complete a cathedral. As part of the construction project, they would plant Oak trees. Why? It takes 200-400 years for an Oak tree to grow to maturity. Those building the cathedral knew that at some point … Continue reading Leaving A Legacy: Cathedrals and Oak Trees →

What Am I Thinking: Random Thoughts for April 18, 2020

Here are some random thoughts flying across my mind today: It’s the economy stupid.I can’t help but fear the long-term negative impact of this experience will be economical. Does this mean I’m more concerned about money than lives? That is a false dichotomy. The truth is poverty can cost as many lives as any virus, … Continue reading What Am I Thinking: Random Thoughts for April 18, 2020 →

The Church After Coronavirus

I just participated in a webinar by The Unstuck Group on the Church’s Response to Coronavirus. I found the information helpful as we consider the future. Tony Morgan expressed a lot of opinions during this webinar, and I am not sure where I land on some of these issues, but it is certainly worth having … Continue reading The Church After Coronavirus →

Managing Church Finances When Money Gets Tight

by Chris Eller | Associate Executive Direction, Baptist Convention of Iowa Dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way America lives for the immediate future. While many of us are adjusting to a new, much slower pace and a lot of time at home, businesses large and small are dealing with the immediate economic … Continue reading Managing Church Finances When Money Gets Tight →

Time To Rethink Church

by Chris Eller, Associate Executive Director, Baptist Convention of Iowa The mission of your church is bigger than a 75-minute weekly service. It seems like almost hourly, more and more of what we consider "normal life" is being shut down. As we all grapple with the new reality of this time, let me challenge you … Continue reading Time To Rethink Church →

Coronavirus: Should We Cancel Church This Sunday?

Several churches are discussing the recent flood of cancellations, suspensions, and closings due to the Coronavirus and asking themselves, “should we consider canceling services this Sunday?” This is a good question to ask, and worthy of discussion among your churches leadership. I have read several articles and listened to some podcasts on the issue, and … Continue reading Coronavirus: Should We Cancel Church This Sunday? →

The Death of Journalism

It has been over 20 years since Dennis McCallum published The Death of Truth: What's Wrong With Multiculturalism, the Rejection of Reason and the New Postmodern Diversity in 1996. We are witnessing the full impact of the death of truth in our culture today. Fake News is not a new reality for Americans, but it … Continue reading The Death of Journalism →

How the Mighty Have Fallen!

This has been a difficult month for the American Church. On Sunday, Feb. 10, the Houston Chronicle published part one of a three-part investigative series on sexual abuse within SBC churches over a 20-year period of time. Then, on Wednesday, Feb. 13, Harvest Bible Chapel announced Pastor James MacDonald had been fired after a recording … Continue reading How the Mighty Have Fallen! →

Learning Styles: How to Lose More Than Half Your Audience Before You Start

Think back for a moment to your high school or college days. What classes would you label your favorites? Why? Now think about how you enjoy learning today? Do you like to learn in a solitary environment where it is just you and a book and you can think deeply? Do you like to learn … Continue reading Learning Styles: How to Lose More Than Half Your Audience Before You Start →

Evaluating Your Sermon Series

Getting honest feedback about how you are doing as a teacher is invaluable. In a classroom environment, how your students are learning can provide feedback on how you are doing as a teacher. In a church setting, getting relevant feedback can be difficult, unless you ask for it. At First Family, we value input from … Continue reading Evaluating Your Sermon Series →