At Church in the Canyon, we affect one another spiritually by what we are and do individually. Therefore, if we care anything about Christ, who is the head of the body, and other Christians — the rest of the body — we simply must move beyond our comfort zones to compassionately meet needs.   Bureaucracies... Continue Reading

The Lord Jesus gave very specific instruction on how mercy ministry was to be conducted by the church. In Matthew 6:1-4, Jesus says, “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a... Continue Reading

Using the OT to interpret Revelation helps us see some extraordinary truths about your church and my church.  First, your church, if it is a true branch of the visible church, is protected and ministered to by the angels.  That really should not surprise you, but it is something we often forget. The author of... Continue Reading

Leaders of the church announced Friday they had agreed to spin off a “traditionalist Methodist” denomination, which would continue to oppose same-sex marriage and to refuse ordination to LGBT clergy, while allowing the remaining portion of the United Methodist Church to permit same-sex marriage and LGBT clergy for the first time in its history.  ... Continue Reading

Early Rain Covenant Church was first raided during a Sunday evening service in December 2018 after authorities claimed it violated religious regulations because it was not registered with the government. Wang was detained along with his wife, Jiang Rong, and more than 100 members of his congregation.   Pastor Wang Yi, head of one of... Continue Reading

Presbyterianism believes in the right of the congregation to choose their ordained officers — elders and deacons. This right is based on our understanding of the church. Presbyterians believe that Jesus — the only Head of the church — is the source of all power. After all, upon his resurrection Jesus declared: “All authority in... Continue Reading

1 Thessalonians was written shortly after Paul’s departure, and the letter is replete with how this quick departure was difficult. He had worked as a tentmaker in their midst and thus shared his very life with them (1 Thess 2:8–9). Paul mothered and fathered these believers in their newfound faith (1 Thess 2:7, 11). They... Continue Reading

If God gives us any voice at all in our culture, it will be from the cruciform platform of ordinary acts of faithfulness, from dishes and diapers to street evangelism and closing on Sunday. To be heard, we must say that to which no one will listen. Like Daniel, we must bury our seeds of... Continue Reading

Keeping a church on the rails is actually quite easy: honour your vows and do not cross your fingers; be honest with your people and your presbytery if and when your views change; know – and follow – the rules; pray and preach in a sound, godly fashion; and lead as you are called. Above... Continue Reading

Jim Leggett, the founding pastor of Grace Fellowship, told The Christian Post in an interview Monday that his congregation wanted “to remove ourselves from the dysfunctional fighting going on in the United Methodist Church so that we can fully devote our energies to fulfilling the mission and vision that God has given to us.”  ... Continue Reading