church life & ministry Archives - Page 2 of 2

05 Jun

Grace > Race

June 5, 2020
By Chris Anderson

As if our country weren't facing enough challenges with COVID-19 and the economic downturn it caused, racial tensions have again erupted. I say "again," because they never completely disappear, and perhaps they won't on this side of heaven; they just...

29 May

Devotional Thoughts

The Virtue of Gentleness

May 29, 2020
By Chris Anderson

This reading by Chris Anderson comes from Gospel Meditations for Fathers (Day 16), but it's fitting for all Christians—perhaps especially church leaders—as we try to emerge from quarantine with our varied opinions, consciences, and fears. Read Matthew 11:25–12:21 “But the...

16 Apr

Perspective

Quarantine: Nothing New Under the Sun

April 17, 2020
By Chris Anderson

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." Dickens' timeless statement aptly describes my feelings about the response of Christians to the COVID-19 crisis. I've been encouraged to see churches adapt so quickly to these challenging times. "Zoom" was unknown...

12 Mar

Perspective

Invalid Validation

July 1, 2024
By Chris Anderson

I had a meeting over the weekend with a potential new member at the church I pastor, Killian Hill Baptist Church in Lilburn, GA. It wasn't an ominous meeting. I had reason to hope that this family would lean in...

12 Feb

Perspective

The Blessing of Ordination

February 28, 2020
By Chris Anderson

Killian Hill Baptist Church had the distinct privilege of ordaining a man to the gospel ministry last weekend. By God's grace, we're going to have several similar opportunities over the next year. It was a great time to reflect on...

04 Feb

Announcements, Perspective

A New Hymn about an Old Promise

February 28, 2020
By Chris Anderson

"I will build My church..." (Matthew 16:18) This momentous promise by our Savior is one of my favorite texts of the Scriptures. I've prayed it innumerable times, asking the Lord to keep His promise by building the local churches in which...

27 Nov

Announcements, Perspective

Introducing “Gospel Meditations for Young Adults”

January 28, 2025
By Chris Anderson

Every generation tends to think they have it harder than everyone else. We’ve all heard the joke about how our parents had to walk to school. In the snow. Uphill. Both ways. As the father of four daughters who are now...

03 Oct

Perspective

Grow to Shrink

February 28, 2020
By Chris Anderson

It's natural for pastors to equate increasing numbers with ministry success. I'd like to challenge that idea a bit, beginning with an illustration from my own family. This summer I "married off" the oldest of my four daughters. When I finished...

10 Jan

Devotional Thoughts

Your Church Is God’s Gift to You

March 12, 2020
By Chris Anderson

Church life can be messy. Any time you put sinners together—even redeemed sinners—there's bound to be some friction. Sadly, many churches feel more like a war zone than a refuge. Much of the problem stems from our unwillingness to exercise...

Tag Archives: church life & ministry