Today I had a chance to explore the natural parkland area at the end of Base Line Rd in the City of Highland. Skies were overcast, weather was a pleasant 60 degrees, and flowers were in bloom everywhere. This is definitely the crowned jewel of trails in the immediate Highland/San Bernardino area. Here are some photos from today’s hike.
“O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all” (Psalm 104:24 NLT). The Book of Genesis lays out a historical account of God’s beautiful creation, followed by a terrible curse, then a worldwide flood. Together, these three events explain the world we see today. In this series, we are learning how science actually confirms this biblical record. Last night in class, I shared…
Here’s the full audio recording:
Thanks for listening to week two of our study, “Is Genesis History?” For more information about Immanuel Baptist Church, please visit our website. For more info and viewing options for the full length documentary, “Is Genesis History?” click here.
A pastor friend recently shared an interesting article: “Post-COVID Perspective: Pandemic Catalyzes Churches to Cast Evangelistic Net With Online Services.”
I enjoyed reading about various church experiences over the last three years as livestreams, chat rooms, and other online services were added to churches’ more traditional options.
At Crossview Bible Church, COVID catapulted us into the 21st century. Within just a few weeks we scrambled to add a Facebook livestream, and for a time had hundreds watching online, whereas before we didn’t even offer an online option. We had little budget or manpower to dedicate to this, but a couple of dedicated volunteers, the grace of God, and COVID helped us to think outside the box and make some quick adjustments. I think it was a step forward for many churches.
At Immanuel, online services were already well underway. COVID simply brought more attention and traffic to these platforms. There was also experimentation and growth with new hybrid options, pre-recorded classes, RightNow Media virtual studies, Zoom gatherings, and more. One of the lingering benefits is we still have some members who attend Bible Studies and prayer meetings via Zoom — some who now live in completely different states!
Some believe there is a strong outreach benefit. One pastor in the article remarked, “We have people who have never set foot on our campus and that is their church service. We weren’t thinking about that before COVID. Now, we’re constantly trying to figure out ways to make it better.” I wonder, to what degree can we call such people actual church members? Are these people being shepherded? Is there accountability? Is there a discipleship strategy? How are they participating in the ordinances? How are they practicing the “one anothers“?
On the other hand, I knew of some churches who never offered online services at all, or shut down them down as soon as possible as a way to emphasize the importance of in person worship and not use online ministry as a substitute.
I do think there’s a benefit in online ministry. Some members are physically incapable of attending, and online has been a tremendous blessing. It can also be a helpful first impression for those just starting to check out churches. But in the end, we do need to be thinking of ways to engage online viewers and bringing them back in person. Families have admitted to me it’s a temptation to enjoy that extra sleep, not worry about getting the whole family ready, and just watch online rather than in person. Some have finally recognized in-person is better, but others still need the encouragement.
What has been your own experience and thought process for online ministry? How have you leveraged it for discipleship, and what have you noticed are its pitfalls?
This morning was our monthly all ministerial staff meeting, and the main item on the agenda was to talk month by month through the remainder of our 2023 ministry calendar. There’s a lot going on at Immanuel, and it felt fitting that not 24 hours after Easter, we were already talking about the next big opportunity to invite neighbors on campus and tell them about Jesus. July 4th Fireworks, August Movie Nights, Harvest Festival, and Christmas Tree-lighting Celebration. All of these are already in the early stages of prayer and preparation.
As we looked ahead, I reminded staff what we’ve been seeing lately in the book of James. That it’s good to make plans, but we will only carry them out “if the Lord wills” (James 4:15). I also challenged them we could put on a lot of great events and activities, but they need to be done in a spirit of love. This is our greatest witness to a watching world. If we have not love, our biggest event is still just a “noisy gong and clanging cymbal” (1 Cor. 13:1). Love is like a good marinade. It needs to soak in deeply to add flavor and enjoyment to every bite.
Here’s a great quote from Mack Stiles on the importance of love in our evangelism and event planning:
“If you are a part of a healthy church that has a culture of evangelism, you are a part of the greatest way of evangelism ever known…We are dealing with a deeply spiritual, biblical concept. Jesus said, ‘By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another’ (Jn. 13:35). A little later, during the same time with his disciples, he prayed that they would be unified, ‘so that the world may believe that you have sent me’ (Jn. 17:20-21) Jesus says the love we have for one another in the church is a statement that we are truly converted. And when we are unified in the church, we show to the world that Jesus is the Son of God. Love confirms our discipleship. Unity confirms Christ’s deity. What a powerful witness!” (Evangelism, p. 63).
This is equally important for both church leaders and church members. So as we look back and give thanks for what God did on Easter weekend, and as we look forward and make plans for the rest of 2023, let us remember our greatest witness is doing all things in love to the glory of God!
Last night, I began a new teaching series on the Book of Genesis. It’s something I’ve wanted to do since returning from my Grand Canyon trip last summer. We’re watching together the documentary “Is Genesis History?” as well as the accompanying Bible Study, plus some personal stories and lessons from my time in the Grand Canyon. Last night was our first night together, and it was a pleasant surprise to have 33 people show up!
The Book of Genesis teaches that God created the world in six days. How then do we respond to scientists, textbooks, and museums that tell us the universe is billions of years old? The purpose of this Wednesday night study is to look at both biblical and scientific evidence for a young earth, the importance of Noah’s flood, and how to talk with those who still favor evolution. Last night, we began by…
You can listen to my opening talk here:
The handout is also available to view or print here.
After these introductory comments, we watched the first 30 minutes of Is Genesis History? produced by Compass video and hosted by Del Tackett. You can watch this video on major streaming services or purchase on DVD or download. It is an excellent documentary on scientific evidence that supports the biblical record of history. Highly recommended for every Christian.
If you missed our first night, don’t worry! You are still welcome to join us, or you can get a Bible Study guide, follow along at home, and listen to my weekly lectures online. I will try to post new audio each week that captures the teaching and discussion.
Pinch Of Clay 