My Sunday School teacher called early on a Saturday morning. “Mark, my store was broken into and completely vandalized. It’ll take days to repair. If you don’t teach tomorrow, then we won’t have Sunday School. How ‘bout it?” I agreed, but only out of pity. Prior to that moment, I had only taught a third grade Sunday School class with my wife. I actually got her to drive to church while I scanned the lesson plan. And I knew I was bad. Because of that experience I skewed spiritual gift tests … [Read more...]
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Church reaches youth through sports programs
SPRINGFIELD – Jeffrey Chavez admits his church plant, The Catalyst in Springfield, is not a traditional church. “Many churches start with congregations and develop ministries. We started with church ministries. It was sort of an upside-down funnel approach,” he said. “Ninety percent of our people are unchurched.” In September 2011, the church plant met in Chavez’ home, then moved to an athletic studio. It offers wrestling, track, mixed martial arts, karate, and jujitsu for youth, … [Read more...]
Sharing with others: ‘Tina and the cross tattoo’
When the cashier handed me change at a convenience store, the Holy Spirit made sure that I saw the tattoo on her hand. It was a small cross. “Is that a cross?” I asked. “Yes,” she said. “I’ve had it on my hand since I was 14 years old.” “Does that mean that you are a follower of Jesus?” “Yes,” she said, but looked around nervously. Nobody was behind me and only a young man who was a co-worker was distracted with a stocking task. Tina’s name badge also said “manager.” “In China,” I … [Read more...]
‘The Prodigal’ story led a son back home
Even something as simple as checking into a hotel can have kingdom implications. Here’s a story of what God did in one young man’s life: A young man saw me carrying my Bible and said that if I was a preacher, he sure needed to talk to someone before he did something drastic. We stepped out into the parking lot and I prayed for the Lord to work through me. I was ready to provide a gospel witness, listening prayerfully for what to say and do. When he started pouring out his story about just … [Read more...]
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