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6 ways pastors can lead to a more Gospel-focused church culture
A pastor recently called me seeking advice on how to create a culture of evangelism in his church. This young man was concerned about the lack of Gospel outreach among his congregants, and though he has extensive knowledge of the Bible and pastoral training, he wasn’t sure how to activate his church members to share the Gospel. This pastor is not alone. A 2023 Barna study revealed that only 12% of pastors reported they felt their church’s evangelism was “very effective,” whi
Jay Lowder
May 30
How God Saved This Man From Suicide And Transformed His Life
“Because I was battling an alcohol addiction, my life had really just got put into quicksand,” he said on an episode of the “Jesus Calling”
Movieguide Contributor
Mar 21
I am fascinated by a compelling true story.
There are many ways to communicate information, but I have found that some truths are most easily grasped in the context of a parable.
Jun 6, 2024
May 9, 2024
Apr 10, 2024
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Jay Lowder
Jun 6, 2024
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Danger Zones to Avoid in a Relationship
In over two decades of itinerant ministry, I have connected with diverse groups of people from a smorgasbord of backgrounds facing some of the most difficult aspects of life. I have been extremely fortunate to meet, counsel or publicly address both students and adults alike. Of all the questions I have been asked, none has been more prevalent than the topic of relationships. A majority of these inquisitions mostly arise from younger people who are wanting to be aware of po
May 9, 2024
Failure
Her look, a combination of Palomino colored hair and glitzy aquamarine eyes made her stand out from others like a lighthouse. I didn’t...
Aug 4, 2013
Tragedy in Boston
In much of life there is no question more impossible to answer than “WHY?” The how, what and when will eventually be revealed but the “why” of Boston, New York, Aurora and Sandy Hook may never truly be discovered. Unanswered questions are usually the most haunting. I can rack my brain with possible reasons for the suffering but I’ve given up such thoughts, because I know they exceed any logical reasoning. I would rather spend my energy whispering prayers for those affected. I
Apr 18, 2013
Windows of Opportunity
On Jan. 1, the kids, Missy and I held our traditional New Year’s family devotion. This is not some sappy time of making resolutions we...
Jan 3, 2013
The power of prayer
I believe in the power of prayer because I have seen God move in a mighty way because of the prayers of his people. I’ve seen men who...
May 2, 2012
True Beauty
Television today includes numerous reality shows revolving around wedding nuptials, which stress importance in physical appearance and...
Nov 8, 2011
Stepping out of your comfort zone
I've learned that sometimes my plans aren't always God's plans. Through many years of ministry, He has shown me that He works in mysterious ways, and often He wants me to step out of my comfort zone in order to do His will. Last Sunday was one of those times. I traveled to Oklahoma to preach at First Baptist Church of Broken Arrow . As with anytime before I preach, I was praying for God to reveal the message He would have me to give. At 1 a.m., I felt God calling me to preach
Oct 24, 2011
Nothing new under the sun
"What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun." - Ecclesiastes 1:9 Last...
Oct 19, 2011
Creativity + Biblical truth
In my years of parenting, I have learned that it is essential to teach children spiritual Truths at home. Sure, they will learn things from Sunday School, VBS or even Christian schooling, but it is our responsibility as parents not to let the spiritual development of our children lie in the hands of others. Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." I have tried to practice this with my own children. I believe it
Oct 17, 2011
Questioning God
Sometimes life is hard. Matter of fact, sometimes life just stinks. The question, "why do bad things happen to good people?" is one that...
Oct 12, 2011
Not a Christian nation
Many believe that our nation is known for Christianity. I find this rather interesting considering every time I turn on the news or read...
Sep 21, 2011
Quit looking for a job
I’m hoping you had a great Labor Day weekend. I don’t know about you, but yesterday I couldn’t help but think of the millions of Americans who are currently unemployed. My heart breaks for these individuals, but my prayer is not that they will just “find a job.” No, my prayer is much more. If you think about it, “finding a job” is not the American dream. “Jobs” are boring, monotonous and tedious. Students don’t go to college to “find a job.” They go because they have a passio
Sep 5, 2011
Sex, Drugs, and Rock 'n Roll
I think by now most students have started another year of school. I know my three kiddos have. It was strange to see my son leave for his...
Aug 31, 2011
Coming down off the mountain
It’s hard to believe summer is over, but as I helped my kids get off to their first day of school last week, I was reminded of this reality. I don’t know about you, but one of my favorite things about summer is camp. I have a heart for sharing Jesus with young people and helping them make wise choices in their teen years, so I often spend my summers preaching and teaching at summer camps around the nation. Camp is such a life-changing experience because students are able to g
Aug 29, 2011
What's in a name?
Earlier this week there was a debate going in the media surrounding the word “dominionism” and how it relates to Christians, specifically...
Aug 25, 2011
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