Michael Lukaszewski, CEO of The Rocket Company, recently shared a list of five ways to make church more fun. His list includes: let someone with a sense of humor write your bulletin, relax during the welcome, and involve fun people. So What? Worship should be serious, but it should also be engaging and have elements that many would label as "fun." When you think of the typical service of worship in your congregation, would you ever use the word "fun" to Read More …
Top Bible Verses of 2013 (#1295)
The most popular Bible app, YouVersion, recently released data about how people used the Bibles they provide in 2013. The top five Bible verses are Philippians 4:13 - I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Isaiah 40:31 - but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength… Matthew 6:13 - And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil Joshua 1:9 - …Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged… Philippians Read More …
Sermon: A United Church (#1294)
Sermon Text: I Corinthians 12:1, 4-12, 25-27 (The Message) Sermon Excerpt: Our culture teaches us the importance of starting well each New Year. People tend to take New Year’s resolutions very seriously – at first. If you need confirmation, simply visit the gym of your choice sometime this month. Those crowded gyms never last long. While most resolutions are truly good ideas, often our motivation is inadequate to sustain our efforts. One study found that after just one Read More …
Elements of a Great Blog Post (#1293)
Paul Steinbrueck, co-founder and CEO of OurChurch.Com, recently shared 7 must have elements for a great blog post: tantalizing title, hook in the opening paragraph, connecting image, unique style and perspective, new insight, formatted for easy reading, and conversation-starting question. So What? I have been blogging since 2009, and am always interested in learning how to be more effective. While many of my posts contain these seven elements, a good number contain a Read More …
Sermon Preferences (#1292)
According to the latest survey by LifeWay Research, most Americans prefer in person preaching to a video sermon when attending worship at a church. About a third (35%) indicated they will only visit churches with services of worship that feature live sermons. Strikingly, less than 1% prefer viewing a video sermon. So What? I have only attended one service of worship that featured a video recording of a pastor's sermon. Prior to that experience, I disliked the idea. Read More …
Debating Evolution and Creationism (#1291)
On February 4, 2014, the Creation Museum will host a debate between Ken Ham (CEO, Answers in Genesis) and Bill Nye (The Science Guy). This event is like nothing else that has even been offered at the museum, which holds to a position that the world was created in a few days around 6,000 years ago. So What? Since most visitors to the museum embrace a view that is anti-evolution, it seems reasonable that a similar demographic will attend the debate. Nonetheless, it is likely that by Read More …
What Impacts Your Mood? (#1290)
A new two minute viral video from BuzzFeed, "Everyday Things That Affect Your Mood," has been viewed nearly 1 million times. As you watch it, consider your own life experiences. So What? Among the "surprising" things that can affect your mood, the video lists disorganization, colors, smoking, Facebook, job promotions, and your bedside lamp. Mood matters. What additional factors do you find affect your mood? Do you try to control the variables on the video's list and Read More …
2014 = Year of the Bible? (#1289)
Jonathan Merritt, senior columnist for Religion News Service, recently suggested that 2014 may be known as the "Year of the Bible" thanks to five films: “Son of God” | 20th Century Fox (February 2014) “Noah” | Regency Enterprises (November 2014) “Heaven is For Real” | Sony Pictures (April 2014) “Exodus” | 20th Century Fox (December 2014) “Mary, Mother of Christ” | Lionsgate Films (December 2014) So What? The good book will certainly be represented on the big screen through Read More …
New Year’s Blessings (#1288)
The Huffington Post recently featured a collection of 2014 New Year's Blessings from a variety of religious voices. As we near the end of the first week of the year, I decided I would share two that resonated with me. Bishop Gene Robinson: O God of our many understandings, bless us with a steady resolve to fight discrimination, hatred and prejudice. Bless us with compassion for those who suffer, thirst for justice and seek a relief from crushing poverty, at home and abroad. Bless us Read More …
Pew Sitter Requests (#1287)
In their recent book, Why Nobody Wants to Go to Church Anymore: And How 4 Acts of Love Will Make Your Church Irresistible (2013), Thom and Joani Schultz' shared "10 Wishes of a Pew Sitter." They suggest that people attending worship really want their pastors to end the "meet and greet" time during worship, avoid preaching a 3 point sermon, invest time in their congregants - especially away from the church campus, invite their input, ensure that musical leaders don't Read More …