Seasonal - Holidays | Christian Ministry Training Blog

Halloween Disagreements – Alternatives or Totally Reject?

Posted on October 8, 2009 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

Christians vary in their perspective and approach to Halloween. Some simply join in with the festivities associated with this holiday while others argue that we should totally reject any kind of celebration. Halloween disagreements can be heated on both sides of the spectrum with some taking a middle stance, suggesting we provide alternatives.

This blog post is not to sway people’s opinions but rather to suggest a biblical approach to those who disagree with your stance, whatever that may be. I have observed Christians from both ends of the spectrum being quite judgmental of other Christians because of their view on Halloween.

What to Do About Halloween Disagreements:

Here are some questions to ask yourself that grow out of principles in Romans 14-15.

Are you able to listen to the other person or do you pass judgment before you even know where they are coming from? (Rom. 14:1)
Are you sensitive and loving to those who are not in the same place as you, being careful not to turn them off to the things of God because of your reaction? (Rom. 14:2-3, 13-15)
Are you remembering that the person is accountable to God, not you? (Rom. 14:4-12)
Are you remembering that you are accountable to God for your reactions and responses and their effect on others? (Rom. 14:15-16, 21-23)
Are you focusing on what matters most in the Christian life, getting to the heart of the matter, or are you getting caught up in non-essentials? (Rom. 14:17-18)
Are you seeking peace with the other person or out to win an argument even if it means tearing down the other person? (Rom. 14:19-20)
Are you dialoging in a way that builds up the other person or are you just out to prove your point? (Rom. 14:19-20; 15:1-2)
Are you demonstrating an acceptance of the person even though you disagree with their position? (Rom. 15:7)
Is your ultimate goal glorifying God? (Rom. 15:7)

It’s okay to take a stance on Halloween and to dialogue with others about it, but let’s do it in ways that honor God and respect other people. You might consider using the guide on Halloween in the Holiday Reflections Discipleship Guides.

True Freedom Takes More Than a Declaration of Independence

Posted on June 17, 2009 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 2 Comments ↓

On the Fourth of July, we celebrate our freedom here in the United States. The Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, formally declaring the colonies as free and independent states. That freedom came with a price but the benefit is still felt today, over two hundred years later. We demonstrate a loyalty to our country, observing our patriotism by flying our flags and with parades, speeches, the pageantry of cannon and gun shots, fireworks, picnics and the like.

Truly Being Free Goes Beyond Physical Freedom

Whether or not we live in a free country, we can still be free in a way that supersedes any kind of physical freedom. A price was paid by Jesus shedding His own blood so that we can be free from sin. Over 2000 years later, the benefits are still felt today. No longer bound by sin, our loyalty shifts to Him. We celebrate by worshiping and living for Him.

Part of the problem of being free, whether that is as a country or spiritually, is that we can abuse that freedom or take it for granted. In pursuit of personal freedom, we can offend others and stifle their freedom. We can become inconsiderate and intolerant, not thinking of the other person because “we have rights.” In reality, don’t we then become bound in our own selfishness ambition?

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: Love your neighbor as yourself. (Gal. 5:13-14)

Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. (1 Cor. 8:9)

Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers fear God, honor the king. (1 Pet. 2:16-17)

Spiritual freedom is what enables us to properly express physical independence and live victoriously in physical bondage. We have higher principles to attain to than “my rights.”

Check out the Holiday Reflections resource that includes a two-page discipleship guide for Independence Day that helps us reflect on the freedom we have in Christ. It also includes guides for thirteen other holidays.

The Greatest Gift a Father Can Give His Children

Posted on May 27, 2009 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 2 Comments ↓

Father's Day Gifts — Click image to check out Gifts for Fathers at one of our affiliate stores.

When updating the Father’s Day Resources Page, I came across a couple quotes I’d like to pass along that leads to the greatest gift a father can give his children.

Quotes for Fathers Leading to the Greatest Gift a Father Can Give His Children

A Father’s Day bulletin and bookmark with the same message quotes Oswald Chambers:

“The destiny of every human being depends on his relationship to Jesus Christ. It is not on his relationship to life, or to his service or his usefulness, but simply and solely on his relationship to Jesus Christ.”

So often men tend to find their worth in achievements and how well they fulfill their roles or positions in life … like fatherhood. This quote emphasizes that what matters most is that you know Christ. That leads me to the next message I came across on another bulletin and bookmark which only makes sense if the father has that relationship with Jesus.

“The greatest gift a father can give his children is to walk in the footsteps of God.”

The father’s example will leave a much greater impact on his children than words alone could ever do. A Pass It On Card provides an acronym for what it will take:

D.A.D. – Dedicated And Devoted

When fathers are first and foremost dedicated and devoted to the Lord Jesus Christ they will be to their children what they should be. What greater gift could a father give than to be an example of someone who knows and loves the Lord?

Weddings are Just One Special Day

Posted on May 22, 2009 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 2 Comments ↓

Candles for Weddings — Click image to check out weddings resources at one of our affiliate programs.

Weddings! What an exciting time for couples in love!

Yet, the wedding is just one special day.

What about the marriage that follows the wedding?

Reflect on How the Weddings are Just One Special Day But the Marriage …

Weddings are just one special day but the marriage, however, should be a lifetime partnership in God’s eyes.

Sadly, the divorce rate is alarmingly high, even among Christians. And, let’s not forget those experiencing marriages that can be considered “silent failures”.

The wedding is just one special day when it is easier to keep your focus on the other person but the marriage, however, often brings a different reality.

There is so much self-centeredness in our world that mitigates against the kind of unity required to maintain a healthy marriage. Though not specifically written about marriage, Philippians 2:3-4 needs to be practiced in marriage … as well as all relationships.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Let’s not forget the verse preceding Paul’s discussion about the marriage relationship in Ephesians 5:22-33. Verse 21 says “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Both husband and wife must apply Philippians 2:3-4.

Weddings are just one special day that so much time, effort, and investment go into getting ready for that one day but the marriage, however, takes work too.

If even a portion of the attention given to wedding preparation was put into the marriage itself on a day to day basis, the statistics would probably be different.

What are we doing as a church to help couples go into marriage with this understanding and to sustain healthy relationships? We can show good movies like Fireproof (link goes to one of our affiliate programs) about the difference God can make in marriages but we need an on-going effort to help couples.

For Help: Marriage Resources

After Graduation, Then What?

Posted on April 20, 2009 by Ministry Tools Resource Center

Many young people will soon be graduating from high school or college. The church can give them a nice certificate to recognize this accomplishment or some other keepsake gift. We can wish them well in their adult lives. But, can we keep them in the church? After graduation, then what?

Actual figures of how many drop out of church vary. One of the lower figures I’ve seen is from a 2006 Barna study. Here is a quote from that report:

In fact, the most potent data regarding disengagement is that a majority of twentysomethings – 61% of today’s young adults – had been churched at one point during their teen years but they are now spiritually disengaged (i.e., not actively attending church, reading the Bible, or praying). Only one-fifth of twentysomethings (20%) have maintained a level of spiritual activity consistent with their high school experiences. Another one-fifth of teens (19%) were never significantly reached by a Christian community of faith during their teens and have remained disconnected from the Christian faith.

After Graduation, Then What Do We Do to Keep Young People in the Church?

I think the question we must ask first is why they aren’t staying.

Is it a matter of intellectual disengagement? Have we not done a good job apologetically with them?

Is it a heart issue? Do they want to be in control of their own lives more than they want God? Are we praying for them as we should?

Or is it something else?

Once we figure out why young people are leaving the Church after graduation, then perhaps we’ll be in a better place to know how to stem the tide of their exodus.

You’ll find a two page discipleship guide in the Holiday Reflections resource to help graduates, and others, reflect on God’s role in their past, present, and future. If He isn’t an integral part, why would they value His Church? (The resource contains guides for thirteen other holidays.)