After weeks of closed churches, we’re starting to get back together. It feels great, too. I preached at one of our churches last Sunday. The spirit in the building was electric. The worship was strong. Afterward, nobody wanted to leave. People are ready to fellowship and worship together again. On the other hand, everything isn’t quite open, yet, is it? … Read More
Faith, Wisdom, and Coronavirus
I don’t know what to think about the coronavirus situation. On one hand, I’ve seen plenty of instances in the past when both social and corporate media have blown things way out of proportion and created overreactions. I also deeply believe that some in media are happily using this moment to destroy the president. On the other hand, there is … Read More
Equipped to Serve
Jesus called His disciples to a lifetime of service to others. He spent three years teaching them that the greatest among them would be the one who served others the most selflessly. We are the heirs of those lessons. It falls to us to become the servants of all. In this day, that can be especially difficult. The needs around … Read More
Are You Comfortable?
One of the most dangerous situations any church can face is comfort. When we’re comfortable, we can lose sight of reality. Someone riding on a raft on the Niagara River could be enjoying the ride for a while, but eventually, that is going to come to an abrupt end. Similarly, too many churches are riding along feeling very satisfied and … Read More
Opportunities Abound!
I thought Refresh was great! The spirit throughout the meeting was upbeat and encouraging. Our MTSBC President Chad Scarborough and Canada National Baptist Convention Ministry Leader Gerry Taillon spoke powerfully and effectively into our lives and ministries. We were also challenged to consider new ministry opportunities. Of all that we experienced at Refresh, it was the challenge to look around … Read More
On-ramps to Church
I am becoming increasingly concerned about the chasm that is growing between evangelical Christians and the culture around us. American culture has changed radically in recent years. Christian values are giving way rapidly to something pagan and humanistic. We see this all around us. Christian organizations are being labeled as hate groups merely because they adhere to basic biblical teaching … Read More
I’m Ready for Some Refreshing
Our Fall meeting is aptly named Refresh. I’m ready for some of that. My guess is that you are, too. The summers in Montana are loaded with activity. Our families are busy, and our churches are busier all summer long. Soon, we’ll be gearing up for the holidays. In between the summer crush and the holiday busyness, we have opportunity … Read More
Crossover Kalispell is Coming
On Saturday, October 5, we will hold our second Crossover event. This time we’ll be reaching people in the Kalispell area. Named after the same event the Southern Baptist Convention has been holding for years now, Crossover reminds us of the vision the Apostle Paul had one night. Luke tells us: During the night Paul had a vision in which … Read More
Making Our Churches Safer Places
The report of the SBC Sexual Abuse Advisory Group was recently released. Every church should be concerned about the findings of the report. For starters, just consider the incidence of sexual abuse in society: The Center for Disease and Prevention cites that 1 out of 3 women and 1 out of 4 men have experienced sexual violence involving physical contact … Read More
Montana Churches on the Go
If you’ve been keeping up with the Go Montana Forum, you are getting a glimpse of what some of our churches are doing to reach people with the gospel. The LoveLoudly initiative at Valley Baptist Church in Huntley is a perfect example of what can happen when a church decides it isn’t too small or too isolated to make a … Read More