When we think about Christmas and the church, we picture a baby in a manger, candlelight services, and gathering with other believers. These traditions matter, and they are meaningful. But there’s a deeper question worth asking: Did the Son of God leave heaven and take on flesh so His people could sit in rows once … Continue reading Jesus Was Born to Create a People
Crowded Tables: 1 John 3:11-24
There's a reason tables matter. They shape us. A table tells you who you belong to and where you fit. If you think about all the family dinners, church potlucks, and gatherings with friends, I'm sure you'll find this to be true. We see this in the early church as well, when they broke bread … Continue reading Crowded Tables: 1 John 3:11-24
Being in Awe of God
I've been rereading the book Awe: Why it Matters for Everything We Think, Say, and Do by Paul David Tripp, because in a world filled with noise, busyness, and constant striving, it’s easy to miss what lies beneath it all: the deep-seated human capacity for awe. Tripp reminds us that we are wired for awe of God. … Continue reading Being in Awe of God
Bound in Friendship
Being an over-thinker who feels deeply and is perpetually single, real friendships matter to me but are not easily had. Connections have to be organic not forced. That's what led me to study the bond Jonathan initiated with David.
Growing Humans
First: You can do this...with God's help. This blog is going to feel heavy to some parents, so I wanted to start by declaring that you can be an active, intentional parent by the power of the Spirit who lives within you. You are not perfect...no one is. There are going to be days where … Continue reading Growing Humans
Decreasing Ministry Silos
Eric Geiger said, “A local church filled with silos does not feel like one church but rather a disconnected collection of sub-ministries with their own visions and missions.” I didn’t realize I had been doing ministry this way until a few years ago when I experienced a season in which silos were truly gone. Our … Continue reading Decreasing Ministry Silos
Preaching to a Multi-generational Congregation
My church recently called a new pastor. His first several sermons were delivered to a camera and streamed on YouTube. The pandemic has been pretty weird here as he has attempted to build relationships while not being able to see his people. When we started talking about re-gathering with no nursery or childcare, my pastor … Continue reading Preaching to a Multi-generational Congregation
Family Worship Times
There is a small book by Donald Whitney entitled Family Worship that I highly recommend for everyone. It's only 67 pages long, so it's a short read, but it's vital to the future of the Church. In it, Whitney lays out the history and elements of family worship. It's an incredible resource. After 10 years … Continue reading Family Worship Times
Kids in Worship Service
Included in this article are 5 reasons why children should attend/participate in corporate worship services and 5 tips for parents. There are varying opinions among church leaders on whether children should have their own program during the corporate worship service or should attend service with their parents. This article is not meant to say that … Continue reading Kids in Worship Service
Defining the Gospel
This past weekend, I had the honor of speaking during Collective Weekend, a gathering of Student Ministries in our city. Below is the transcript of my sermon on Defining the Gospel. Towards the center and ending of the transcript you'll find four points from Colossians 1 which define the gospel. Good morning. It's good to be … Continue reading Defining the Gospel
Rev. Dr. Amy Young 