Philadelphia Ministires

Why we will no longer be a welcoming church

We’ve decided to quit being a welcoming church. No kidding. We’re giving it up. Like so many congregations, we’ve sunk an amazing amount of time and energy into becoming a welcoming church. We changed worship styles, trained greeters and ushers, wore name tags, brewed coffee, went to workshops on hospitality and put our friendliest people …

What does Jesus think about Homosexuality?

Is homosexuality a sin? It’s an age-old question, and there are people on both sides of the debate, each quoting their Bibles. How do we know who’s right? What would Jesus do if he were…

Shut down the bus tours: What older church members should really be doing

So how do you engage older church attendees… say people over age 50? The question’s been around a long time. And, as most church leaders could tell you, it’s a bit of a loaded question. It’s also a question I’m...Read More→

10 Reflections of a Healthy Church Member

Good Afternoon Church, What a great weekend it was celebrating with many of you God’s underserved grace lavished upon our lives in Christ. We have so much to be thankful for at BBC that God’s prais…

8 Concerns That Church Members Seldom Tell Pastors

There are some concerns that are harder to bring up than others. Things like: We're concerned about your marriage.

10 Ways to Be a Welcoming Church to Those With Special Needs

For those willing to welcome those with special needs, how can today’s churches better serve these families? One parent shares some tips.

Almighty God, You Have Built Your Church

Almighty God, you have built your Church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone: Grant us so to be joined together in unity of spirit by their teaching, that we may be made a holy temple acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and …

Ask the Pastor: Is Church necessary in this day and age?

Dear Chaplain: I watch my favorite ministers online and I listen to a lot of gospel music throughout the day. I’m always there to help people out and I try to do the things God would want me to do. Church doesn’t seem necessary to me i

Is God male? Episcopal Church might say no

(Fox 32 News) - The Episcopal Church is debating whether to overhaul the Book of Common Prayer to make it clear that God does not have a gender.

When Does a Believer Receive the Holy Spirit?

Who, Exactly, Is the Holy Spirit—and Why?

Pastor Scotty Smith helps us steer the middle ground between ignoring the Spirit and over-emphasizing the Spirit.

New video! How I I Felt Growing Up Without God

I often get asked how I viewed religion growing up being as I had none. What did it look like from the outside? What were my feelings about it? I try to explain as best I can in this video using Jeff Goldblum and tutus. I hope it helps to understand what it was like for me seeing religious people worship as a

Satan Hates the Holy Spirit—and Churches That Welcome the Spirit

I think this might just be a blind spot in contemporary theology.

Is God Good? (A Call to Worship)

I have mentioned a number of times that one key element of worship at Grace Fellowship Church is the Call to Worship. This call sometimes involves reading a passage of scripture, but other times combines several texts into a responsive or back-and-forth format. Here’s an example that might bless you…

4 Thoughts About Medjugorje and the Authentic Work of God

If you have drawn near to God, then you need not have any doubt that He has drawn near to you.

Want to be inspired? Listen for the Holy Spirit.

We remember the important role of the Spirit in guiding and sustaining faith after Jesus’ resurrection.