The church building is a tool

Posted on February 10, 2014 Written by Mark McIntyre 9 Comments

I received an email yesterday from a man who visited a new church only to be confronted by the pastor because the man’s wife brought a drink into the “sanctuary.” Lest you think that this is uncommon, it was not long ago that I attended a church where the pastor made a huge deal out of anything other than water being brought into the auditorium. Presumably, such rules are in place because of fear that coffee or other drinks might get spilled on the carpet and result in a stain.

The balance between worship, service and fellowship

Posted on December 3, 2011 Written by Mark McIntyre 2 Comments

The Balance For a church to be healthy, each believer must have opportunity to participate in worship, service and fellowship. Some definitions are in order. First, when I refer to worship, I am speaking of the activities of the congregation when we come together on Sunday morning. We worship through singing and the teaching of […]

Why do we make church so complicated?

Posted on July 10, 2011 Written by Mark McIntyre 9 Comments

Jesus tells us in Matthew 11:28-30 that his yoke is easy and his burden is light. Why then do we make church so complicated? We have programs and activities that would make the average cruise ship activities director envious. We have men’s groups, women’s groups, singles groups, youth groups, coffee shops, concerts, ministry days, outreach […]

No man, Lord – Reflections on John 8

John 8 teaches us that the memory of our own sins should be a sufficient deterrent against judgment of others. If it is not, we better start remembering before we start casting stones.

6 Reasons for a Church to Engage via Social Media

Social media appear to be here to stay. The church has the responsibility to use social media tools to fulfill her mission. This post provides 6 reasons in support of the use of social media.

Boldly Broadcasting

I believe that everywhere Jesus went He found a way to make an impact on a man, woman, or child. Although the gospel writers make it clear that He preached and taught multitudes, it’s amazing how much of the gospels focuses on one on one encounters with Jesus that you and I can easily identify with and replicate.

Entitlement and Thanksgiving

If I feel entitled, I complain about my job. If I am thankful, I am grateful to have a job. If feel entitled, I complain about the meal I’m eating. If I am thankful, I am grateful to have food on the table. If I feel entitled, I complain that the government does not do […]

The Ministry of Reconciliation – We Can Do Better

17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 18 Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:17–18 NASB) Having grown up in the church, I […]