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Moral Accountability
We recently became aware that one of our staff members was using a ministry computer to visit pornographic web-sites. What type of accountability systems do other churches and ministries have to help keep their staff members on “the straight and narrow?” What type of guidelines and education do churches provide to help staff members avoid inappropriate moral and sexual behavior, and finally, how do churches deal with it when a staff member or leader has behaved inappropriately in moral and sexual matters (not just on the internet, but also by inappropriate conduct with other individuals)? Read the responses.
Pure Religion
Tony Cooke
“Some who decline being labeled as ‘religious’ have a profound love for God and dedication to His people. They may simply be distancing themselves from certain dead, ritualistic practices or legalistic beliefs that they found to produce bondage and to be unscriptural. But I wonder if others who deny being religious are simply refusing to be submitted to any proper biblical authority, choosing instead to do everything on their own terms while embracing a hodge podge of beliefs based merely on personal preferences.” Read this article by Tony Cooke.
Pre-Release Offer on the “In Search of Timothy Complete Leadership Training Course”
The Curriculum Includes: • 14 Video Lessons on 5 DVDs • 14 Audio Lessons on 7 CDs • Trade Paperback • Workbook • Leader’s Guide • Advertising Poster
This leadership training course is ideal for training volunteers and staff. Each DVD and CD lesson is approximately 29 minutes long, making the program excellent for class, small group, or individual study.
Click here for more details on the “In Search of Timothy Complete Leadership Training Course”
Pictorial Travelogue from Ukraine & Russia
Tony and Lisa enjoyed a fruitful and productive trip this past month to Ukraine (Kiev) and Russia (Moscow and St. Petersburg). Pastors Rick and Denise Renner were their hosts. View the slideshow of the trip to Ukraine and Russia.
What is Christian Counseling?
Dr. Dale Doty
“The dictionary defines counseling as the active exchange of opinions or ideas, or the process of advising or giving guidance solicited from a knowledgeable person. The field of counseling today has a very mixed history. Counseling has been taking place for thousands of years. We know in ancient times from biblical history counseling was conducted by spiritual and religious leaders. Christian churches practiced what we came to call counseling. The Bible teaches us to ‘admonish the unruly, encourage the timid, help the weak, and be patient with all men’ (1 Thessalonians 5:14).” Read this article by Dr. Dale Doty.
Pastoring Your Community: How Positive Community Relations Brings Favor
Pastor Scott Porter
“We’ve gone after the unchurched. Transfer growth is okay, but it’s not where it’s at. 30-35% of people in America go to church. Why are we fishing out of a 30-35% bathtub, when there is a 65-70% ocean out there? I’m not a carnal Christian, but I’ve seen too many Christians that are so ‘separatist’ in their thinking that their local church congregation turns into a ‘bless me club.’ One of the first things that our church did after I became the pastor was to...” Read this article by Pastor Scott Porter.
The House of Destiny Orphanage: The Dream that Teamwork Brought to Pass
Pastor Norm Dubois & Friends
“Strong relationships were already established in our life with other pastors and friends. The most natural thing to do was to call them and share what was in my heart. Amazingly, God had already ministered some things to their hearts. At that point, I, along with a team of pastors decided to take equal ownership of a plan that would help shape a nation for God. It was no longer just my vision or their vision alone but it became ‘our vision.’” Read this article by Pastor Norm Dubois.
To Opt Out or Not to Opt Out
(Part 2 of 2)
By Mark Helland, CPA
“In my last article, I addressed the very controversial issue of whether or not pastors should make the election to opt out of the social security system and I explained what exactly this election entails and what the long-term consequences tend to be from my experience. While I attempted to present both sides of this issue, my bias against opting out of the social security system probably came through loud and clear. In this article, I want to accomplish two things...” Read this article by Mark Helland, CPA.
Father's Day Quotes, Humor, and Stories
Billy Graham said, "A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society.”
Also for Father’s Day:
Thoughts Regarding Fathers and Sons
Joseph – A Father's Day Message
"Un Nuovo Articolo in Italiano".
"Stiamo ritornando alle indulgenze?"
Read all of our quotes by visiting our Quotes Page.
DISCRETION
“If you wouldn’t write it and sign it, don’t say it.”
- Earl Wilson
THOUGHT
“Your own mind is a sacred enclosure into which nothing harmful can enter except by your permission.”
- Arnold Bennett
ACTION
“Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility.”
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer
SELF-DECEPTION
“The man is deceived who thinks he can somehow steward his gift without first and continually stewarding his life. A man’s life—his thoughts, attitudes, actions, and relationships—must be affected, influenced, and permeated by the Word he preaches, or else he preaches for the benefit of others while he himself stagnates and atrophies in a pool of self-deception.”
- Tony Cooke
BELIEF
“Belief is a wise wager. Granted that faith cannot be proved, what harm will come to you if you gamble on its truth and it proves false? If you gain, you gain all; if you lose, you lose nothing. Wager, then, without hesitation, that He exists.”
- Blaise Pascal