Pastor Matt

It seems that in the last 30 or so years our churches have taken on a whole new look and atmosphere. As these changes were being made to attract more people to church, more and more people are having a hard time finding a church to call home?
Recently, I attended the Baptist Church that I grew up in. While growing up, this church was a very conservative church. Never would they have entertained the thought of having anything other than a piano or organ on the stage. Upon this visit, I noticed that everything has changed the last 30 years. No longer did the church look like a place of worship, but rather an entertainment center. Ironically, the crowds were smaller now than 30 years ago.
So what happened to my church? As I reflect back, I now see some signs that was there that started the shift of entertainment rather than worship. What has divided the church?
It seems that is almost always starts with music. Not many churches minds some guitars to help accomplay the music, but not too long ago ear plugs were being handed out as one enters the into some church sanctuaries.  
Some churches now open with a secular song, dim the lights, add in fog machines, and have an atmosphere that represents a local rock concert. All of this is to enhance repetitive choruses that will be sung over and over by church members that seem hypnotized.
In an effort to attract unchurched people, the “Seeker Sensitive” movement suggested that churches should cater to the comforts of the “seeker”.  Bill Hybels admitted that he came up with the term but later confessed it didn't work.
Hybels states: “We made a mistake. What we should have done when people crossed the line of faith and become Christians, we should have started telling people and teaching people that they have to take responsibility to become ‘self feeders.’ We should have gotten people, taught people, how to read their bible between services, how to do the spiritual practices much more aggressively on their own.”
The founder of the “Seeker Sensitive” movement now states that he should have taught people to read their Bibles and take responsibility for their own spiritual walk. This church that I grew up in, used to teach me how to read the Bible on my own.
Acts 2:42 “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
When this music shift took place, Some churches catered to the older crowd with an early a.m. traditional service for those with gray heads. That trend began "the great divide" between generations.
Preachers started preaching only about love and tolerance. Everything and everyone must be accepted. Sin must be accepted. People loved having their ears tickled. The goal was to leave church with that "feel good" feeling and have their self-esteem built up. Sound doctrine was being set aside and ignored.
Issues like marriage, abortion, and hell apparently divide so the preaching ceased on those things, although rock music in the church apparently was not a dividing issue.
Having said all of that, the gates of hell are trying like crazy to penetrate the church,change its message, change its purpose, and to distort the gospel.
Matthew 16:18 “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
If anyone else has seen that music has changed your church, please let us know and comment below.
What happened to your church?

Maybe you have the daunting task of putting together your church bulletin, or just maybe you have read the church bulletin on a Sunday Morning and got a little chuckle on how a sentence was worded or the wrong placement of a comma. Here is a list of some of my favorite things that have somehow made its way into our church bulletin. Reminds us that we all need proofreaders at times. Enjoy.
For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery down stairs. The eighth graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the church basement on Friday at 7 pm. The congregation is invited to attend the tragedy. This being Easter Sunday, we will ask Mrs. Lewis to come forward and lay an egg on the altar. Thursday night: Potluck Supper - Prayer and medication will follow. Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles, and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children. Weight Watchers meeting has been moved to 6pm. Please use the double doors when entering. Evening massage - 7 p.m. Next Sunday we have a soloist for the morning service. The pastor will then preach on "It's a Terrible Experience." Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community. Don't let worry kill you off - let the church help. A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow. At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be "What is hell?" Come early and listen to our choir practice. The choir invites any member of the congregation who enjoys sinning to join the choir. You have a funny blooper from your church bulletin? Please comment it below.

The technological revolution we’ve seen in our Baptist churches over the past 20 or so years is astounding. What’s even more remarkable is the speed at which technology in the church continues to improve and change the way some worship. 
A few years back having one projector screen was a revolutionary way to change worship. Now many worship services include multiple screens, concert-style stage lighting, websites, apps, live streaming, Computerized Child Check-In, Video Announcements, video-based curriculum, podcasts, and more.  Of course, many churches do not use some (or any) of these technologies in their worship service.  And, honestly, neither your church nor mine really need any of them to function as a church. There are countless churches all over the world with little to no technology that are fulfilling the great commission in ways that would put to shame some of the most technologically-driven Baptist churches.
The shift that has taken place with technology is that it has been placed ahead of everything else. Technology should enhance worship, not replace it. Gone seems the days when Bibles are carried into church, the Bible is being replaced by phones and computers. However, technology can be useful and serve a function in our churches. Here are a few ways that technology can be used in our Baptist churches without compromising to the world. Of course, the use of technology and which ones we use,  is dependent on the area that we are located in.
Church Website: Long are the days when people look at the Yellow Pages for church. Before anyone steps into a church, there is a high probability that they looked you up online. Projectors & TV's:  Video announcements, Bible Verses, Hymnal lyrics are a few ways where projectors/tv's can be used.  Live Streaming: It's often been said that if you live stream people will stay home instead of coming to church. I've found the opposite to happen. Folks in the community seems to watch a service online before attending. With wachy churches out there it is a way of folks to screen the church. Social Media: The use of facebook and/or Instagram is a great way to get your community engaged. Proper use of Hashtags can help get folks in your community to learn about your church that never would have drove by or looked you up online. Getting your church on Google maps is another way where your church will show up on their phones as they use their gps to head to a location.  The important thing is that the use of technology does not take priority over worship. The Word of God is the main focus. It seems that technology may be hindering spiritual growth in our Baptist churches.
Whenever there is change there always is opposition. I've often wondered how much opposition was there when the piano was first brought into the church, or electricity. Probably the only modern thing that did not receive opposition was indoor plumbing. 
Please comment below what ways your church uses technology without compromise worship. 

It seems that in the last 30 or so years our churches have taken on a whole new look and atmosphere. As these changes were being made to attract more people to church, more and more people are having a hard time finding a church to call home?
Recently, I attended the Baptist Church that I grew up in. While growing up, this church was a very conservative church. Never would they have entertained the thought of having anything other than a piano or organ on the stage. Upon this visit, I noticed that everything has changed the last 30 years. No longer did the church look like a place of worship, but rather an entertainment center. Ironically, the crowds were smaller now than 30 years ago.
So what happened to my church? As I reflect back, I now see some signs that was there that started the shift of entertainment rather than worship. What has divided the church?
It seems that is almost always starts with music. Not many churches minds some guitars to help accomplay the music, but not too long ago ear plugs were being handed out as one enters the into some church sanctuaries.  
Some churches now open with a secular song, dim the lights, add in fog machines, and have an atmosphere that represents a local rock concert. All of this is to enhance repetitive choruses that will be sung over and over by church members that seem hypnotized.
In an effort to attract unchurched people, the “Seeker Sensitive” movement suggested that churches should cater to the comforts of the “seeker”.  Bill Hybels admitted that he came up with the term but later confessed it didn't work.
Hybels states: “We made a mistake. What we should have done when people crossed the line of faith and become Christians, we should have started telling people and teaching people that they have to take responsibility to become ‘self feeders.’ We should have gotten people, taught people, how to read their bible between services, how to do the spiritual practices much more aggressively on their own.”
The founder of the “Seeker Sensitive” movement now states that he should have taught people to read their Bibles and take responsibility for their own spiritual walk. This church that I grew up in, used to teach me how to read the Bible on my own.
Acts 2:42 “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
When this music shift took place, Some churches catered to the older crowd with an early a.m. traditional service for those with gray heads. That trend began "the great divide" between generations.
Preachers started preaching only about love and tolerance. Everything and everyone must be accepted. Sin must be accepted. People loved having their ears tickled. The goal was to leave church with that "feel good" feeling and have their self-esteem built up. Sound doctrine was being set aside and ignored.
Issues like marriage, abortion, and hell apparently divide so the preaching ceased on those things, although rock music in the church apparently was not a dividing issue.
Having said all of that, the gates of hell are trying like crazy to penetrate the church,change its message, change its purpose, and to distort the gospel.
Matthew 16:18 “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
If anyone else has seen that music has changed your church, please let us know and comment below.
What happened to your church?

Unfortunately my church does not have the luxury of being able to put up a sign with interchangeable messages, but I love it when I drive by a church and I see a clever saying on the sign. The following is a few of my favorites that I have come across. 
 
1) This one here is good one for this time of year. "Come in and Let us prepare you for your finals"
 
2) Ouch. A direct message for the thieves from Clays Mill Rd.

 
3) This one hit the heart.

 
4) This one is straight to the point

 
5) This one is clever. Well done 

If your church has a funny sign or if you have seen one, feel free to post it in the comments below.

I would like to recommend IFB churches to prayerfully consider taking on Brother Jordan & Alicia for support. Jordan has been a part of Online Baptist for a few years now and just last week I was able to meet him in person for the first time. When Brother Jordan contact me about coming to our church to present his ministry, I talk him we are a small church and that we are not in a position to take on new missionaries at this point. That usually discouraged missionaries, but Jordan said, they will come.
Brother Jordan and his wife Alicia did a wonderful job singing for us, and our hearts were blessed after watching his video presentation and hearing him preach. This young man has a big passion for the Nubi people and you can tell he and his wife can't wait to get there to start their ministry. 
All I ask is two things for the pastors that read this.
Pray for the Kurecki family!!! Pray about financially supporting them Our church has a missions conference in March and we will be praying about adding them to our missionary family at that point. Thank you and God bless.
 

I would like to recommend IFB churches to prayerfully consider taking on Brother Jordan & Alicia for support. Jordan has been a part of Online Baptist for a few years now and just last week I was able to meet him in person for the first time. When Brother Jordan contact me about coming to our church to present his ministry, I talk him we are a small church and that we are not in a position to take on new missionaries at this point. That usually discouraged missionaries, but Jordan said, they will come.
Brother Jordan and his wife Alicia did a wonderful job singing for us, and our hearts were blessed after watching his video presentation and hearing him preach. This young man has a big passion for the Nubi people and you can tell he and his wife can't wait to get there to start their ministry. 
All I ask is two things for the pastors that read this.
Pray for the Kurecki family!!! Pray about financially supporting them Our church has a missions conference in March and we will be praying about adding them to our missionary family at that point. Thank you and God bless.
 

Maybe you have the daunting task of putting together your church bulletin, or just maybe you have read the church bulletin on a Sunday Morning and got a little chuckle on how a sentence was worded or the wrong placement of a comma. Here is a list of some of my favorite things that have somehow made its way into our church bulletin. Reminds us that we all need proofreaders at times. Enjoy.
For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery down stairs. The eighth graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the church basement on Friday at 7 pm. The congregation is invited to attend the tragedy. This being Easter Sunday, we will ask Mrs. Lewis to come forward and lay an egg on the altar. Thursday night: Potluck Supper - Prayer and medication will follow. Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles, and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children. Weight Watchers meeting has been moved to 6pm. Please use the double doors when entering. Evening massage - 7 p.m. Next Sunday we have a soloist for the morning service. The pastor will then preach on "It's a Terrible Experience." Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community. Don't let worry kill you off - let the church help. A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow. At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be "What is hell?" Come early and listen to our choir practice. The choir invites any member of the congregation who enjoys sinning to join the choir. You have a funny blooper from your church bulletin? Please comment it below.

I would like to recommend IFB churches to prayerfully consider taking on Brother Jordan & Alicia for support. Jordan has been a part of Online Baptist for a few years now and just last week I was able to meet him in person for the first time. When Brother Jordan contact me about coming to our church to present his ministry, I talk him we are a small church and that we are not in a position to take on new missionaries at this point. That usually discouraged missionaries, but Jordan said, they will come.
Brother Jordan and his wife Alicia did a wonderful job singing for us, and our hearts were blessed after watching his video presentation and hearing him preach. This young man has a big passion for the Nubi people and you can tell he and his wife can't wait to get there to start their ministry. 
All I ask is two things for the pastors that read this.
Pray for the Kurecki family!!! Pray about financially supporting them Our church has a missions conference in March and we will be praying about adding them to our missionary family at that point. Thank you and God bless.
 

Maybe you have the daunting task of putting together your church bulletin, or just maybe you have read the church bulletin on a Sunday Morning and got a little chuckle on how a sentence was worded or the wrong placement of a comma. Here is a list of some of my favorite things that have somehow made its way into our church bulletin. Reminds us that we all need proofreaders at times. Enjoy.
For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery down stairs. The eighth graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the church basement on Friday at 7 pm. The congregation is invited to attend the tragedy. This being Easter Sunday, we will ask Mrs. Lewis to come forward and lay an egg on the altar. Thursday night: Potluck Supper - Prayer and medication will follow. Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles, and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children. Weight Watchers meeting has been moved to 6pm. Please use the double doors when entering. Evening massage - 7 p.m. Next Sunday we have a soloist for the morning service. The pastor will then preach on "It's a Terrible Experience." Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community. Don't let worry kill you off - let the church help. A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow. At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be "What is hell?" Come early and listen to our choir practice. The choir invites any member of the congregation who enjoys sinning to join the choir. You have a funny blooper from your church bulletin? Please comment it below.

It seems that in the last 30 or so years our churches have taken on a whole new look and atmosphere. As these changes were being made to attract more people to church, more and more people are having a hard time finding a church to call home?
Recently, I attended the Baptist Church that I grew up in. While growing up, this church was a very conservative church. Never would they have entertained the thought of having anything other than a piano or organ on the stage. Upon this visit, I noticed that everything has changed the last 30 years. No longer did the church look like a place of worship, but rather an entertainment center. Ironically, the crowds were smaller now than 30 years ago.
So what happened to my church? As I reflect back, I now see some signs that was there that started the shift of entertainment rather than worship. What has divided the church?
It seems that is almost always starts with music. Not many churches minds some guitars to help accomplay the music, but not too long ago ear plugs were being handed out as one enters the into some church sanctuaries.  
Some churches now open with a secular song, dim the lights, add in fog machines, and have an atmosphere that represents a local rock concert. All of this is to enhance repetitive choruses that will be sung over and over by church members that seem hypnotized.
In an effort to attract unchurched people, the “Seeker Sensitive” movement suggested that churches should cater to the comforts of the “seeker”.  Bill Hybels admitted that he came up with the term but later confessed it didn't work.
Hybels states: “We made a mistake. What we should have done when people crossed the line of faith and become Christians, we should have started telling people and teaching people that they have to take responsibility to become ‘self feeders.’ We should have gotten people, taught people, how to read their bible between services, how to do the spiritual practices much more aggressively on their own.”
The founder of the “Seeker Sensitive” movement now states that he should have taught people to read their Bibles and take responsibility for their own spiritual walk. This church that I grew up in, used to teach me how to read the Bible on my own.
Acts 2:42 “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
When this music shift took place, Some churches catered to the older crowd with an early a.m. traditional service for those with gray heads. That trend began "the great divide" between generations.
Preachers started preaching only about love and tolerance. Everything and everyone must be accepted. Sin must be accepted. People loved having their ears tickled. The goal was to leave church with that "feel good" feeling and have their self-esteem built up. Sound doctrine was being set aside and ignored.
Issues like marriage, abortion, and hell apparently divide so the preaching ceased on those things, although rock music in the church apparently was not a dividing issue.
Having said all of that, the gates of hell are trying like crazy to penetrate the church,change its message, change its purpose, and to distort the gospel.
Matthew 16:18 “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
If anyone else has seen that music has changed your church, please let us know and comment below.
What happened to your church?

Unfortunately my church does not have the luxury of being able to put up a sign with interchangeable messages, but I love it when I drive by a church and I see a clever saying on the sign. The following is a few of my favorites that I have come across. 
 
1) This one here is good one for this time of year. "Come in and Let us prepare you for your finals"
 
2) Ouch. A direct message for the thieves from Clays Mill Rd.

 
3) This one hit the heart.

 
4) This one is straight to the point

 
5) This one is clever. Well done 

If your church has a funny sign or if you have seen one, feel free to post it in the comments below.

Unfortunately my church does not have the luxury of being able to put up a sign with interchangeable messages, but I love it when I drive by a church and I see a clever saying on the sign. The following is a few of my favorites that I have come across. 
 
1) This one here is good one for this time of year. "Come in and Let us prepare you for your finals"
 
2) Ouch. A direct message for the thieves from Clays Mill Rd.

 
3) This one hit the heart.

 
4) This one is straight to the point

 
5) This one is clever. Well done 

If your church has a funny sign or if you have seen one, feel free to post it in the comments below.

This topic has been in the news as of late and it seems that churсhеѕ have become a bееn a ѕоft target for сrіmіnаlѕ. Church used to be a safe place, but that all seems to be changing. There is money аnd rеtrасtаblе gооdѕ, there are people whо аrе dіѕtrасtеd, thеrе are cars left unаttеndеd, the properties not рrоtесtеd. The biggest things that we used to have to worry about was theft and vandalism. Now, it seems that armed security is become a necessity in our churches as more and more church shootings are taking place. Sometimes the churches are randomly chosen, while other times it may be a disgruntled member or a someone who just got angry at the pastor or church.
Since churches are open to the public in worship the crіmіnаlѕ can dо their "casing" of сhurсhеѕ just as thеу do that of houses, tо ѕее іf thеrе аrе obvious оbѕtасlеѕ оn thе wау. The оnlу difference in a church іѕ that thеу juѕt gо іn аnd look around. Thеу could nеvеr dо thаt аt hоmе. 
Prоtесtіng thе church from аll fоrm оf security threats keeps the church safe tо worship. Some of the following is from some things I’ve seen in churches, while others are some things that we have implemented in our church. Our churches needs to be protected from violence, child abuse, sexual predators, thieves, vandalism, and more.
 
 Have a Security Plan: This plan should include all issues of security, from active shooters to child abuse. Contact your local law enforcement as they are usually willing to work with churches and to make recommendations. Don’t be in denial that this will not happen in your church. Look at security as a ministry not an expense. It is our responsibility as leaders in the church to provide a safe environment for those that choose to worship.
  Report illegal activity to the Police: Churches seem to find it easier to call the police for burglary or vandalism, but some fail to report abuse when it comes to a staff member and underage child. ALL reports of abuse needs to be reported to authorities. Before a church hires a staff members they need to do background checks, and that will only show if reported.
  Organize a church security ministry team: Thеn рrоtесt thе. Theft аnd burglаrу аrе thе crime оf сноісе for сhurсhеѕ. Churches uѕuаllу have ѕоund systems, sound еԛuірmеnt, соmрutеrѕ, еtс.. Thеѕе іtеmѕ аrе еаѕу to fеnсе іn аnd easy tо ѕtеаl. Mаrk thеm for easy іdеntіfісаtіоn and keep thеm іn a lосkеd storage room when not in uѕе. Just one visit to your church will show the thieves what your inventory is.
  Gеt a ѕесurіtу ѕurvеу: Your lосаl police саn do that, аnd іnѕurаnсе соmраnу сlаіmѕ managers will bе hарру to help. It is аlѕо their interest thаt your facility іѕ ѕаfе аnd ѕесurе. Remind Church mеmbеrѕ nоt to lеаvе vаluаblеѕ in ѕіght whenever thеіr cars аrе parked, аnd thеу should аѕ wеll lock thеіr cars. Hаvіng ѕоmеоnе реrіоdісаllу mоnіtоr the lot іѕ аlѕо a gооd dеtеrrеnt. It may also help if you have some abuse happen in your church, as it may be caught on camera.
  Armed members:  Many churches can’t afford to hire an outside security team, but also many churches are blessed to have members serving on their security teams who are active duty law enforcement or those who are legally permitted to carry a concealed firearm. Make sure you follow all local laws and use wisdom when assembling your armed security team.
  You MUST train: Although you may be blessed to have members in you church who can legally carry a concealed weapon, or those with law enforcement and military experience, you should never assume that they will all perform at the same level during an emergency. Chances are, they won’t. This is why conducting firearms drills is so critical and should become a required component of your annual training.  Please let me know in the comments below what do you do in your church to help in church security. 
 

The Most Spiritual Churches in America

I have always been a part of the most spiritual Independent Baptist churches in America. God has been so good to me. Some may think that this is a very proud statement. You may ask why do you think that the churches that you have attended are so spiritual. Let me explain.

We all consider that being spiritual is submitting to the leading of the Holy Spirit. We all know that the Holy Spirit enables us to do his work in the church. He also imparts to us the ability to perform special tasks in the church that no one else can do as well as we can. What a blessing to have a part in the Lord’s ministry.

Now, I think that the reason that I have attended the most spiritual churches in America is because even the most carnal, worldly, hateful, people in these churches have been given special gifts of a spirit and they exercise them regularly. Only in the best churches in America can you find carnal people exercising their gifts in the church.

You may ask what gifts these people exercise. By and large, they all have the gift of tongues. Their tongue goes a mile a minute. They are very well-exercised in that gift. Most of them also have the gift of wisdom because they always know more than everyone else. If you ever have a problem in the church, they are so wise that they can solve all of the church’s problems in a matter of minutes. The gifts of wisdom and tongues are usually exercised simultaneously. Most of them have the gift of interpretation. They know how to interpret the passages that that the preacher preaches “falsely”. You know, like women wearing pants, carnal music, worldliness, and so on. It is sure a blessing to have these Bible scholars in our church. A few of them have the gift of governments. They really know how a church should be run. They are experts on each and every program that the church has. They are financial geniuses and know where and how all of the money of the church should be spent. The final gift that these people have is the wonderful gift of teaching. They are ready to teach the preacher how and what to preach. They are experts in the substance and delivery of each sermon. They can teach a preacher correct grammar in a matter of minutes right after the sermon. What a blessing to have these people in our church.

The next time you get down and depressed about the state of affairs in your church just remember. You still have it pretty good. The majority of your worldly, backslidden, hateful, carnal, once-a-week Christians exercise their gifts daily. What a blessing to be part of the best Independent Baptist churches in America.
 
 
6-14-03
Pastor Danny Vanhoose
http://www.graceindependentbaptist.org/

This topic has been in the news as of late and it seems that churсhеѕ have become a bееn a ѕоft target for сrіmіnаlѕ. Church used to be a safe place, but that all seems to be changing. There is money аnd rеtrасtаblе gооdѕ, there are people whо аrе dіѕtrасtеd, thеrе are cars left unаttеndеd, the properties not рrоtесtеd. The biggest things that we used to have to worry about was theft and vandalism. Now, it seems that armed security is become a necessity in our churches as more and more church shootings are taking place. Sometimes the churches are randomly chosen, while other times it may be a disgruntled member or a someone who just got angry at the pastor or church.
Since churches are open to the public in worship the crіmіnаlѕ can dо their "casing" of сhurсhеѕ just as thеу do that of houses, tо ѕее іf thеrе аrе obvious оbѕtасlеѕ оn thе wау. The оnlу difference in a church іѕ that thеу juѕt gо іn аnd look around. Thеу could nеvеr dо thаt аt hоmе. 
Prоtесtіng thе church from аll fоrm оf security threats keeps the church safe tо worship. Some of the following is from some things I’ve seen in churches, while others are some things that we have implemented in our church. Our churches needs to be protected from violence, child abuse, sexual predators, thieves, vandalism, and more.
 
 Have a Security Plan: This plan should include all issues of security, from active shooters to child abuse. Contact your local law enforcement as they are usually willing to work with churches and to make recommendations. Don’t be in denial that this will not happen in your church. Look at security as a ministry not an expense. It is our responsibility as leaders in the church to provide a safe environment for those that choose to worship.
  Report illegal activity to the Police: Churches seem to find it easier to call the police for burglary or vandalism, but some fail to report abuse when it comes to a staff member and underage child. ALL reports of abuse needs to be reported to authorities. Before a church hires a staff members they need to do background checks, and that will only show if reported.
  Organize a church security ministry team: Thеn рrоtесt thе. Theft аnd burglаrу аrе thе crime оf сноісе for сhurсhеѕ. Churches uѕuаllу have ѕоund systems, sound еԛuірmеnt, соmрutеrѕ, еtс.. Thеѕе іtеmѕ аrе еаѕу to fеnсе іn аnd easy tо ѕtеаl. Mаrk thеm for easy іdеntіfісаtіоn and keep thеm іn a lосkеd storage room when not in uѕе. Just one visit to your church will show the thieves what your inventory is.
  Gеt a ѕесurіtу ѕurvеу: Your lосаl police саn do that, аnd іnѕurаnсе соmраnу сlаіmѕ managers will bе hарру to help. It is аlѕо their interest thаt your facility іѕ ѕаfе аnd ѕесurе. Remind Church mеmbеrѕ nоt to lеаvе vаluаblеѕ in ѕіght whenever thеіr cars аrе parked, аnd thеу should аѕ wеll lock thеіr cars. Hаvіng ѕоmеоnе реrіоdісаllу mоnіtоr the lot іѕ аlѕо a gооd dеtеrrеnt. It may also help if you have some abuse happen in your church, as it may be caught on camera.
  Armed members:  Many churches can’t afford to hire an outside security team, but also many churches are blessed to have members serving on their security teams who are active duty law enforcement or those who are legally permitted to carry a concealed firearm. Make sure you follow all local laws and use wisdom when assembling your armed security team.
  You MUST train: Although you may be blessed to have members in you church who can legally carry a concealed weapon, or those with law enforcement and military experience, you should never assume that they will all perform at the same level during an emergency. Chances are, they won’t. This is why conducting firearms drills is so critical and should become a required component of your annual training.  Please let me know in the comments below what do you do in your church to help in church security. 
 

Unfortunately my church does not have the luxury of being able to put up a sign with interchangeable messages, but I love it when I drive by a church and I see a clever saying on the sign. The following is a few of my favorites that I have come across. 
 
1) This one here is good one for this time of year. "Come in and Let us prepare you for your finals"
 
2) Ouch. A direct message for the thieves from Clays Mill Rd.

 
3) This one hit the heart.

 
4) This one is straight to the point

 
5) This one is clever. Well done 

If your church has a funny sign or if you have seen one, feel free to post it in the comments below.

The Most Spiritual Churches in America

I have always been a part of the most spiritual Independent Baptist churches in America. God has been so good to me. Some may think that this is a very proud statement. You may ask why do you think that the churches that you have attended are so spiritual. Let me explain.

We all consider that being spiritual is submitting to the leading of the Holy Spirit. We all know that the Holy Spirit enables us to do his work in the church. He also imparts to us the ability to perform special tasks in the church that no one else can do as well as we can. What a blessing to have a part in the Lord’s ministry.

Now, I think that the reason that I have attended the most spiritual churches in America is because even the most carnal, worldly, hateful, people in these churches have been given special gifts of a spirit and they exercise them regularly. Only in the best churches in America can you find carnal people exercising their gifts in the church.

You may ask what gifts these people exercise. By and large, they all have the gift of tongues. Their tongue goes a mile a minute. They are very well-exercised in that gift. Most of them also have the gift of wisdom because they always know more than everyone else. If you ever have a problem in the church, they are so wise that they can solve all of the church’s problems in a matter of minutes. The gifts of wisdom and tongues are usually exercised simultaneously. Most of them have the gift of interpretation. They know how to interpret the passages that that the preacher preaches “falsely”. You know, like women wearing pants, carnal music, worldliness, and so on. It is sure a blessing to have these Bible scholars in our church. A few of them have the gift of governments. They really know how a church should be run. They are experts on each and every program that the church has. They are financial geniuses and know where and how all of the money of the church should be spent. The final gift that these people have is the wonderful gift of teaching. They are ready to teach the preacher how and what to preach. They are experts in the substance and delivery of each sermon. They can teach a preacher correct grammar in a matter of minutes right after the sermon. What a blessing to have these people in our church.

The next time you get down and depressed about the state of affairs in your church just remember. You still have it pretty good. The majority of your worldly, backslidden, hateful, carnal, once-a-week Christians exercise their gifts daily. What a blessing to be part of the best Independent Baptist churches in America.
 
 
6-14-03
Pastor Danny Vanhoose
http://www.graceindependentbaptist.org/

The Most Spiritual Churches in America

I have always been a part of the most spiritual Independent Baptist churches in America. God has been so good to me. Some may think that this is a very proud statement. You may ask why do you think that the churches that you have attended are so spiritual. Let me explain.

We all consider that being spiritual is submitting to the leading of the Holy Spirit. We all know that the Holy Spirit enables us to do his work in the church. He also imparts to us the ability to perform special tasks in the church that no one else can do as well as we can. What a blessing to have a part in the Lord’s ministry.

Now, I think that the reason that I have attended the most spiritual churches in America is because even the most carnal, worldly, hateful, people in these churches have been given special gifts of a spirit and they exercise them regularly. Only in the best churches in America can you find carnal people exercising their gifts in the church.

You may ask what gifts these people exercise. By and large, they all have the gift of tongues. Their tongue goes a mile a minute. They are very well-exercised in that gift. Most of them also have the gift of wisdom because they always know more than everyone else. If you ever have a problem in the church, they are so wise that they can solve all of the church’s problems in a matter of minutes. The gifts of wisdom and tongues are usually exercised simultaneously. Most of them have the gift of interpretation. They know how to interpret the passages that that the preacher preaches “falsely”. You know, like women wearing pants, carnal music, worldliness, and so on. It is sure a blessing to have these Bible scholars in our church. A few of them have the gift of governments. They really know how a church should be run. They are experts on each and every program that the church has. They are financial geniuses and know where and how all of the money of the church should be spent. The final gift that these people have is the wonderful gift of teaching. They are ready to teach the preacher how and what to preach. They are experts in the substance and delivery of each sermon. They can teach a preacher correct grammar in a matter of minutes right after the sermon. What a blessing to have these people in our church.

The next time you get down and depressed about the state of affairs in your church just remember. You still have it pretty good. The majority of your worldly, backslidden, hateful, carnal, once-a-week Christians exercise their gifts daily. What a blessing to be part of the best Independent Baptist churches in America.
 
 
6-14-03
Pastor Danny Vanhoose
http://www.graceindependentbaptist.org/

The technological revolution we’ve seen in our Baptist churches over the past 20 or so years is astounding. What’s even more remarkable is the speed at which technology in the church continues to improve and change the way some worship. 
A few years back having one projector screen was a revolutionary way to change worship. Now many worship services include multiple screens, concert-style stage lighting, websites, apps, live streaming, Computerized Child Check-In, Video Announcements, video-based curriculum, podcasts, and more.  Of course, many churches do not use some (or any) of these technologies in their worship service.  And, honestly, neither your church nor mine really need any of them to function as a church. There are countless churches all over the world with little to no technology that are fulfilling the great commission in ways that would put to shame some of the most technologically-driven Baptist churches.
The shift that has taken place with technology is that it has been placed ahead of everything else. Technology should enhance worship, not replace it. Gone seems the days when Bibles are carried into church, the Bible is being replaced by phones and computers. However, technology can be useful and serve a function in our churches. Here are a few ways that technology can be used in our Baptist churches without compromising to the world. Of course, the use of technology and which ones we use,  is dependent on the area that we are located in.
Church Website: Long are the days when people look at the Yellow Pages for church. Before anyone steps into a church, there is a high probability that they looked you up online. Projectors & TV's:  Video announcements, Bible Verses, Hymnal lyrics are a few ways where projectors/tv's can be used.  Live Streaming: It's often been said that if you live stream people will stay home instead of coming to church. I've found the opposite to happen. Folks in the community seems to watch a service online before attending. With wachy churches out there it is a way of folks to screen the church. Social Media: The use of facebook and/or Instagram is a great way to get your community engaged. Proper use of Hashtags can help get folks in your community to learn about your church that never would have drove by or looked you up online. Getting your church on Google maps is another way where your church will show up on their phones as they use their gps to head to a location.  The important thing is that the use of technology does not take priority over worship. The Word of God is the main focus. It seems that technology may be hindering spiritual growth in our Baptist churches.
Whenever there is change there always is opposition. I've often wondered how much opposition was there when the piano was first brought into the church, or electricity. Probably the only modern thing that did not receive opposition was indoor plumbing. 
Please comment below what ways your church uses technology without compromise worship. 

It seems that in the last 30 or so years our churches have taken on a whole new look and atmosphere. As these changes were being made to attract more people to church, more and more people are having a hard time finding a church to call home?
Recently, I attended the Baptist Church that I grew up in. While growing up, this church was a very conservative church. Never would they have entertained the thought of having anything other than a piano or organ on the stage. Upon this visit, I noticed that everything has changed the last 30 years. No longer did the church look like a place of worship, but rather an entertainment center. Ironically, the crowds were smaller now than 30 years ago.
So what happened to my church? As I reflect back, I now see some signs that was there that started the shift of entertainment rather than worship. What has divided the church?
It seems that is almost always starts with music. Not many churches minds some guitars to help accomplay the music, but not too long ago ear plugs were being handed out as one enters the into some church sanctuaries.  
Some churches now open with a secular song, dim the lights, add in fog machines, and have an atmosphere that represents a local rock concert. All of this is to enhance repetitive choruses that will be sung over and over by church members that seem hypnotized.
In an effort to attract unchurched people, the “Seeker Sensitive” movement suggested that churches should cater to the comforts of the “seeker”.  Bill Hybels admitted that he came up with the term but later confessed it didn't work.
Hybels states: “We made a mistake. What we should have done when people crossed the line of faith and become Christians, we should have started telling people and teaching people that they have to take responsibility to become ‘self feeders.’ We should have gotten people, taught people, how to read their bible between services, how to do the spiritual practices much more aggressively on their own.”
The founder of the “Seeker Sensitive” movement now states that he should have taught people to read their Bibles and take responsibility for their own spiritual walk. This church that I grew up in, used to teach me how to read the Bible on my own.
Acts 2:42 “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
When this music shift took place, Some churches catered to the older crowd with an early a.m. traditional service for those with gray heads. That trend began "the great divide" between generations.
Preachers started preaching only about love and tolerance. Everything and everyone must be accepted. Sin must be accepted. People loved having their ears tickled. The goal was to leave church with that "feel good" feeling and have their self-esteem built up. Sound doctrine was being set aside and ignored.
Issues like marriage, abortion, and hell apparently divide so the preaching ceased on those things, although rock music in the church apparently was not a dividing issue.
Having said all of that, the gates of hell are trying like crazy to penetrate the church,change its message, change its purpose, and to distort the gospel.
Matthew 16:18 “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
If anyone else has seen that music has changed your church, please let us know and comment below.
What happened to your church?

The technological revolution we’ve seen in our Baptist churches over the past 20 or so years is astounding. What’s even more remarkable is the speed at which technology in the church continues to improve and change the way some worship. 
A few years back having one projector screen was a revolutionary way to change worship. Now many worship services include multiple screens, concert-style stage lighting, websites, apps, live streaming, Computerized Child Check-In, Video Announcements, video-based curriculum, podcasts, and more.  Of course, many churches do not use some (or any) of these technologies in their worship service.  And, honestly, neither your church nor mine really need any of them to function as a church. There are countless churches all over the world with little to no technology that are fulfilling the great commission in ways that would put to shame some of the most technologically-driven Baptist churches.
The shift that has taken place with technology is that it has been placed ahead of everything else. Technology should enhance worship, not replace it. Gone seems the days when Bibles are carried into church, the Bible is being replaced by phones and computers. However, technology can be useful and serve a function in our churches. Here are a few ways that technology can be used in our Baptist churches without compromising to the world. Of course, the use of technology and which ones we use,  is dependent on the area that we are located in.
Church Website: Long are the days when people look at the Yellow Pages for church. Before anyone steps into a church, there is a high probability that they looked you up online. Projectors & TV's:  Video announcements, Bible Verses, Hymnal lyrics are a few ways where projectors/tv's can be used.  Live Streaming: It's often been said that if you live stream people will stay home instead of coming to church. I've found the opposite to happen. Folks in the community seems to watch a service online before attending. With wachy churches out there it is a way of folks to screen the church. Social Media: The use of facebook and/or Instagram is a great way to get your community engaged. Proper use of Hashtags can help get folks in your community to learn about your church that never would have drove by or looked you up online. Getting your church on Google maps is another way where your church will show up on their phones as they use their gps to head to a location.  The important thing is that the use of technology does not take priority over worship. The Word of God is the main focus. It seems that technology may be hindering spiritual growth in our Baptist churches.
Whenever there is change there always is opposition. I've often wondered how much opposition was there when the piano was first brought into the church, or electricity. Probably the only modern thing that did not receive opposition was indoor plumbing. 
Please comment below what ways your church uses technology without compromise worship. 

The technological revolution we’ve seen in our Baptist churches over the past 20 or so years is astounding. What’s even more remarkable is the speed at which technology in the church continues to improve and change the way some worship. 
A few years back having one projector screen was a revolutionary way to change worship. Now many worship services include multiple screens, concert-style stage lighting, websites, apps, live streaming, Computerized Child Check-In, Video Announcements, video-based curriculum, podcasts, and more.  Of course, many churches do not use some (or any) of these technologies in their worship service.  And, honestly, neither your church nor mine really need any of them to function as a church. There are countless churches all over the world with little to no technology that are fulfilling the great commission in ways that would put to shame some of the most technologically-driven Baptist churches.
The shift that has taken place with technology is that it has been placed ahead of everything else. Technology should enhance worship, not replace it. Gone seems the days when Bibles are carried into church, the Bible is being replaced by phones and computers. However, technology can be useful and serve a function in our churches. Here are a few ways that technology can be used in our Baptist churches without compromising to the world. Of course, the use of technology and which ones we use,  is dependent on the area that we are located in.
Church Website: Long are the days when people look at the Yellow Pages for church. Before anyone steps into a church, there is a high probability that they looked you up online. Projectors & TV's:  Video announcements, Bible Verses, Hymnal lyrics are a few ways where projectors/tv's can be used.  Live Streaming: It's often been said that if you live stream people will stay home instead of coming to church. I've found the opposite to happen. Folks in the community seems to watch a service online before attending. With wachy churches out there it is a way of folks to screen the church. Social Media: The use of facebook and/or Instagram is a great way to get your community engaged. Proper use of Hashtags can help get folks in your community to learn about your church that never would have drove by or looked you up online. Getting your church on Google maps is another way where your church will show up on their phones as they use their gps to head to a location.  The important thing is that the use of technology does not take priority over worship. The Word of God is the main focus. It seems that technology may be hindering spiritual growth in our Baptist churches.
Whenever there is change there always is opposition. I've often wondered how much opposition was there when the piano was first brought into the church, or electricity. Probably the only modern thing that did not receive opposition was indoor plumbing. 
Please comment below what ways your church uses technology without compromise worship. 

The technological revolution we’ve seen in our Baptist churches over the past 20 or so years is astounding. What’s even more remarkable is the speed at which technology in the church continues to improve and change the way some worship. 
A few years back having one projector screen was a revolutionary way to change worship. Now many worship services include multiple screens, concert-style stage lighting, websites, apps, live streaming, Computerized Child Check-In, Video Announcements, video-based curriculum, podcasts, and more.  Of course, many churches do not use some (or any) of these technologies in their worship service.  And, honestly, neither your church nor mine really need any of them to function as a church. There are countless churches all over the world with little to no technology that are fulfilling the great commission in ways that would put to shame some of the most technologically-driven Baptist churches.
The shift that has taken place with technology is that it has been placed ahead of everything else. Technology should enhance worship, not replace it. Gone seems the days when Bibles are carried into church, the Bible is being replaced by phones and computers. However, technology can be useful and serve a function in our churches. Here are a few ways that technology can be used in our Baptist churches without compromising to the world. Of course, the use of technology and which ones we use,  is dependent on the area that we are located in.
Church Website: Long are the days when people look at the Yellow Pages for church. Before anyone steps into a church, there is a high probability that they looked you up online. Projectors & TV's:  Video announcements, Bible Verses, Hymnal lyrics are a few ways where projectors/tv's can be used.  Live Streaming: It's often been said that if you live stream people will stay home instead of coming to church. I've found the opposite to happen. Folks in the community seems to watch a service online before attending. With wachy churches out there it is a way of folks to screen the church. Social Media: The use of facebook and/or Instagram is a great way to get your community engaged. Proper use of Hashtags can help get folks in your community to learn about your church that never would have drove by or looked you up online. Getting your church on Google maps is another way where your church will show up on their phones as they use their gps to head to a location.  The important thing is that the use of technology does not take priority over worship. The Word of God is the main focus. It seems that technology may be hindering spiritual growth in our Baptist churches.
Whenever there is change there always is opposition. I've often wondered how much opposition was there when the piano was first brought into the church, or electricity. Probably the only modern thing that did not receive opposition was indoor plumbing. 
Please comment below what ways your church uses technology without compromise worship. 

Maybe you have the daunting task of putting together your church bulletin, or just maybe you have read the church bulletin on a Sunday Morning and got a little chuckle on how a sentence was worded or the wrong placement of a comma. Here is a list of some of my favorite things that have somehow made its way into our church bulletin. Reminds us that we all need proofreaders at times. Enjoy.
For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery down stairs. The eighth graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the church basement on Friday at 7 pm. The congregation is invited to attend the tragedy. This being Easter Sunday, we will ask Mrs. Lewis to come forward and lay an egg on the altar. Thursday night: Potluck Supper - Prayer and medication will follow. Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles, and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children. Weight Watchers meeting has been moved to 6pm. Please use the double doors when entering. Evening massage - 7 p.m. Next Sunday we have a soloist for the morning service. The pastor will then preach on "It's a Terrible Experience." Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community. Don't let worry kill you off - let the church help. A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow. At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be "What is hell?" Come early and listen to our choir practice. The choir invites any member of the congregation who enjoys sinning to join the choir. You have a funny blooper from your church bulletin? Please comment it below.