When it comes to fiction, few authors can stir Christians’ (and non-Christians’) imagination like J.R.R. Tolkien. His Lord of the Rings (LOTR) books are rightfully 20th-century classics. While there is zero doubt Tolkien’s deep faith influenced his work – you can’t ignore the themes of temptation, sin, redemption and sacrifice in LOTR – I’ve always appreciated that his writings were substantially subtler than that of his contemporary and friend, C.S. Lewis. Where Lewis’s symbols were … [Read more...]
Equipped: Running prepared accidental athlete for ministry
FULTON – Ron Baker never intended to run. But God had other plans, and so Baker, a long-time Missouri pastor, ran. Looking back, Baker said he sees clearly how his accidental foray into running prepared him to – in the words of Paul in his letter to the church at Corinth – run the race to win the prize. Accidental Star In the early 60s, Baker was part of a new fraternity on the campus of Union University in Tennessee. Desperate for a little recognition, his brothers pushed him into … [Read more...]
Real Life Church reaches, relates in Springfield
SPRINGFIELD – Real Life Church is smack dab in the middle of an under-churched community, right in the buckle of the Bible Belt: Springfield. “For years this area had been dominated by Southern Baptists and other evangelicals,” Tim Fleener, pastor of the five-year-old church plant, said. “But only 17 percent go to church here.” ‘No, there are churches on every corner.’ It’s those statistics that called Fleener to Springfield and Missouri. He and his wife planted several churches in … [Read more...]
‘Breakthrough’ tells true story of Missouri miracle
ST. PETERS – I’m a sucker for a true story. “Breakthrough,” the latest faith-based movie to hit theaters, is worth your time and attention precisely because it is the story of a true miracle. The fact that some of the setting will feel familiar to you is a bonus. It’s based on the real-life case of John Smith, a 15-year-old boy from St. Peters, Mo. who fell through the ice on a frozen lake in 2015. He was submerged for nearly 15 minutes before paramedics found him and pulled him from the … [Read more...]
MBU trustees elect officers, get reaquainted with campus
ST. LOUIS – It was a day nearly two decades in the making, but on March 28, Missouri Baptist University (MBU) trustees elected by the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) once again convened a meeting on campus and conducted the business of the institution. It was “a new beginning for us all – for our trustees, for the MBU staff, faculty and students, and even for the former trustees board that we replace today,” said James Plymale, chairman of the MBU board of trustees. The meeting was the … [Read more...]
‘Pilgrim’s Progress’ brings engaging adventure to theaters
When my dad was a little boy, his favorite bedtime story was John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress. I’m told he would gasp and cheer as my grandmother read each chapter of the second most-read book of all time (The Bible still holds the top spot). He was riveted by the tale of Christian, his heavy burden, and his journey along the Narrow Way from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. All while the ultimate enemy tries everything in his power to distract him. But even though I’ve … [Read more...]
Sight & Sound’s ‘Noah’ brings ark, flood, and animals two-by-two to big screen
A trip to Branson to see Sight & Sound Theatres’ live show, “Samson,” may not fit into your schedule and budget this spring. Closer to home and easier on the wallet is their previous production, “Noah,” in select theaters across Missouri, April 9, 11 and 13 (Spoiler alert: There’s a flood in the second act). If you ever have made the trek down to the theatre in Branson, you’ll feel right at home in your local movie theater. True, the close-ups mean you can see things like wireless … [Read more...]
‘Unplanned’ tells former Planned Parenthood clinic director’s powerful story
“Unplanned” is not particularly enjoyable. That’s not the point, however. It’s the true story of Abby Johnson, a pro-life activist who used to be one of the youngest Planned Parenthood clinic directors in the nation. Over a span of eight years, she was involved in 22,000 abortions and counseled countless women on their “reproductive choices.” In advocating for abortion, Johnson believed she truly was helping women and herself. She and her colleagues were “doing God’s work.” Her … [Read more...]
Traveling cooking ministry a labor of love: Whether it’s cheeseburgers or pancakes, Matt Coley is ready to fire up the grill
HERMITAGE – A lot of planning went into the youth conference that took place at First Baptist Church, here, March 15-17. With more than 500 students and adults from multiple churches registered, the speakers had to be lined up, activities planned, worship scheduled, breakouts sorted, and accommodations booked. One thing organizers didn’t have to worry about was how those students would be fed. Matt Coley took care of that. Coley, a member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in … [Read more...]
Even secular movies offer chances to think biblically
HOLLYWOOD – Francis Schaeffer, author and Christian worldview philosopher, believed that arts should have a firm, secure place in the Christian life. “They are not peripheral,” he wrote. “For a Christian, redeemed by the work of Christ and living within the norms of Scripture and under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, the Lordship of Christ should include an interest in the arts. A Christian should use these arts to the glory of God – not just as tracts, but as things of beauty to the … [Read more...]
Despite mixed reactions from critics, faith-based movies gaining traction
HOLLYWOOD – It’s not hard to argue that faith-based movies are bigger than ever, and with movies like “Unplanned” (March 29), “Breakthrough” (April 17), “The Pilgrim’s Progress” (April 18) and “Overcomer” (Aug. 23), on the horizon, the trend isn’t waning any time soon. Some of these movies, like last spring’s, “I Can Only Imagine,” are surprise box office hits ($83 million in ticket sales on a $7 million budget) and even win over a slim majority of secular critics. Others, like “God’s … [Read more...]
Review: ‘Run the Race’ surprises with strong story, nuance
I’ll get straight to the point. “Run the Race” is probably the best Christian movie I’ve ever seen. Is it really better than “I Can Only Imagine,” a movie which represented a huge artistic leap forward in the genre? Yes. Yes, it is. It’s hard to describe how happy it makes me to say that. Don’t be put off if you watch the trailer on YouTube and aren’t impressed. It’s far better than the trailer or its generic-looking poster. This is a good movie, and one you and your family will enjoy. … [Read more...]
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