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An estimated 5.8 million lost people live in North Carolina and that number is growing. The Strategic Focus Team of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina helps churches take a missionary approach to North Carolina’s pockets of lostness....
Cris Alley -
Pursuing unreached peoples with the gospel as a family requires simple obedience that leads to a life of kingdom service. As we commit to “become all things” to unreached peoples living near us, we expose virtually every aspect of...
Liz C. -
8 fun activities for your family inspired by Christmas carols July 10, 2017 As your family enters the Christmas season and journeys toward Christmas Day this year, resolve to adore Christ with the focus and...Karen Holcomb
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Encouragement for parents of prodigal children July 10, 2017 Being in ministry for over 25 years, I have experienced many amazing “God moments” and personally witnessed countless spiritual victories in the lives of folks in...Troy Grant
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N.C. Baptists approved a 2019 budget, elected a new slate of officers, and adopted a resolution honoring the late Billy Graham during the 2018 Baptist State Convention of North Carolina’s Annual Meeting, which emphasized loving one’s neighbors and reaching...
Chad Austin -
More than 1,000 messengers from Baptist churches from across North Carolina gathered at the Joseph S. Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, N.C., on Monday, Nov. 5 for the opening session of the 188th annual Baptist State Convention of North...Chad Austin
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Representatives from several ministry groups of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina gave updates to messengers during reports throughout the 2018 BSCNC Annual Meeting held Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 5-6 at the Joseph S. Koury Convention Center in...Chad Austin
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Messengers from N.C. Baptist churches elected a new slate of officers during the 2018 Baptist State Convention of North Carolina’s (BSCNC) Annual Meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 6 in Greensboro, N.C. Steve Scoggins, pastor of First Baptist Church in Hendersonville,...Chad Austin
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N.C. Baptists approved a Cooperative Program (CP) budget for 2019 totaling $31 million that also increases the percentage allocated to Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) missions and ministries for the 13th consecutive year. Messengers from N.C. Baptist churches voted to...Chad Austin
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Two days before what would have been the late Rev. Billy Graham’s 100th birthday, N.C. Baptists adopted a resolution honoring the life, ministry and legacy of the renowned evangelist during the opening session of the 2018 Baptist State Convention...Chad Austin
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Loving our neighbors means showing compassion and care to those around us who are in need, particularly those whose backgrounds are different than our own. “As Christ followers, we must be willing to love and be a neighbor to...Chad Austin
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More than 1,000 messengers from Baptist churches from across North Carolina gathered at the Joseph S. Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, N.C., on Monday, Nov. 5 for the opening session of the 188th annual Baptist State Convention of North...Chad Austin
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Although Cooperative Program (CP) totals lag behind the 2018 budget to date, Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC) officials saw improvements in CP receipts over the past month.Chad Austin
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We live in a day when global migrations are occurring at a dizzying pace. According to the U.N. Refugee Agency, more than 44,000 people per day are forced to flee their homes due to violent conflict or persecution. Let...Billy Haselton
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More than 250 women gathered at Caraway Conference Center and Camp in late October for a weekend of encouragement and reflection upon the truth of who God created them to be — holy, chosen and beloved daughters of the...Makayla Riggs
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One of the unique ministries in our state that I am proud of is the Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina (BCH). This is a great example of specific ministries that the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) depends on state...
Milton A. Hollifield Jr. -
You probably noticed that things look a little different around here. Welcome to the newly redesigned Baptist State Convention of North Carolina website, which officially launches today (Nov. 1). The new site features an updated design, improved navigation, and...Chad Austin
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Every month, we spotlight five helpful resources for you as you seek to walk closely with the Lord and make disciples. Many of these resources are created by the staff of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC)...BSCNC Communications
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Oct. 31. For most Americans this date means one thing — Halloween. Costumes, candy and trick-or-treaters spending to the tune of $2.5 billion making this holiday second only to Christmas in marketing revenue. But good Christians don’t celebrate Halloween....George Robinson
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“Spiritual transformation of neighborhoods, municipalities and nations begins and ends with biblical, passionate, kingdom-advancing prayer on behalf of all people.”Milton A. Hollifield Jr.
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Perhaps my neighbor is the one who lives near me. Perhaps my neighbors are the ones who are like me. We can always find a definition for the word that we like. We can continue to live in the...Donnie Wiltshire
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God’s mission is fueled by prayer. As we pray our communion with God grows, along with our desire to obey Him. Prayer cultivates a missional and joyful mindset within us as we surrender our lives to Him.Greg Mathias
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When we talk about emotionally unhealthy leaders, someone always comes to mind — a boss, a leader, a family member, a dad, a staff member, a deacon or a pastor. Unfortunately, we are not very good at connecting our...
Eddie Thompson -
Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) President J.D. Greear, pastor of The Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, N.C., called on all Southern Baptists to join him for a day of prayer and fasting on Monday, Oct. 8 for God’s wisdom in filling...BSCNC Communications
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Breakout sessions are an important part of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC) Annual Meeting. Each year, a number of pastors, ministry leaders, church practitioners, convention staff and others offer sessions that address a variety of topics.Chad Austin
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Beyond creating a fun and festive time for attendees, church leaders’ often envision these events as outreach to unchurched members of the community. However, the intended purpose of outreach often falls by the wayside in planning and preparation for...
Cheryl Markland -
Chances are sometime during this month a child in your home or one you know will return to school. It’s back to the routine of bedtimes, homework and packing lunches. We send them to bed earlier than we do...Cheryl Markland
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Every month, we spotlight five helpful resources for you as you seek to walk closely with the Lord and make disciples. Many of these resources are created by the staff of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC)...BSCNC Communications
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It might be surprising to know that many pastors regularly struggle with feelings of inadequacy. Many assume that pastors only work a half day each week; why would they struggle with inadequacy over that?Ronjour Locke
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Clay Smith, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Matthews, N.C., and Melanie Wallace, a member of Hephzibah Baptist Church in Wendell, N.C., were elected to serve as president and vice president, respectively, of the Baptist State Convention of...Chad Austin
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After much discussion and debate, the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina’s (BSCNC) Board of Directors approved an amended Cooperative Program (CP) budget proposal for 2019 totaling $31 million during the board’s fall meeting held Monday and Tuesday, Sept....Chad Austin
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The Strategic Focus Team works with churches in eight population centers and other areas across the state of North Carolina. The highest concentrations of lost people are found in and around the eight population centers, which are the Blue...
Stephen Harris -
“Spiritual transformation of neighborhoods, municipalities and nations begins and ends with biblical, passionate, kingdom-advancing prayer on behalf of all people.”Milton A. Hollifield Jr.
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We live in a world today that desperately needs credible leaders that have the character, capacity and competence to lead. We need leaders who can lead like Jesus in the home, community, church, workplace and institutions. What kind of...Ken Tan
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Union Prayer Meetings were a primary component of the 1857 to 1859 Layman’s Prayer Revival that started in downtown Manhattan at the Dutch Reformed Church in the fall of 1857. Those prayer meetings demonstrated what God can do as...
Chris Schofield -
J.D. Greear, president of the Southern Baptist Convention and pastor of the Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, encouraged individuals to pray for those who will be impacted by Hurricane Florence and support Southern Baptist disaster relief efforts in the aftermath...BSCNC Communications
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Hurricane Florence is a powerful storm that is projected to inflict major damage to the Carolinas and surrounding states. Baptists on Mission/N.C. Baptist Men are making plans to respond. Please pray for those in the storm’s path as well...Baptists on Mission
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Natural disasters can wreak havoc on a community. While churches are not immune from the impact of these events, they play a vital role in ministering to the community before, during and after a calamity. Here’s a list of several...Baptists on Mission
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I grew up in the Bible Belt. In those days, almost nobody worked on Sundays. We prayed before class, ball games and meals — even in the name of Jesus — whether we believed it or not. We proudly...Cris Alley
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In the parable of the good Samaritan found in Luke 10:25-37, Jesus is asked by a lawyer what he must do to inherit eternal life. When Jesus responds by asking what is written in the law, the lawyer responds, “You...Milton A. Hollifield Jr.
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“Why are we sending some of our best leaders to plant a church? We don’t have enough leaders as it is.” That was the question presented to me as our 22-month-old church prepared to plant our first new work...Mike Pittman
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Columbus County is the third largest county, in terms of landmass, in the state. More than 59,000 people call it home — and 65 percent of them are unchurched.Caroline Barnhill
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North Carolina Baptists are stepping up their ministry to immigrants. A new Baptist Immigrant Services (BIS) ministry being gradually launched by the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC) will set up a yet unspecified number of immigration ministry...
Mike Creswell -
Immigration is one of America’s greatest issues of our time: noisy, divisive and politically charged. But all that buzz fell away this summer when four North Carolinians journeyed from Arizona across the U.S./Mexico border into Nogales, Mexico.Mike Creswell
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Every month, we spotlight five helpful resources for you as you seek to walk closely with the Lord and make disciples. Many of these resources are created by the staff of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC)...BSCNC Communications
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“Who is My Neighbor” is the theme for the 2018 Annual Meeting of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, which is based on Luke 10:29 in the parable of the good Samaritan.Chad Austin
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We may tend to think sexual abuse cannot happen in our church, but it is that very mentality that makes it possible. How do abusers manage to have access to children and teens in our churches? This process often...Cheryl Markland
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Scripture continually reminds us of the grace that God has demonstrated to us. One such verse is Psalm 145:16 which encourages us to offer praise to God for all the ways He takes care of His creation. The verse reads,...Milton A. Hollifield Jr.
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Nine years ago, Merrie Johnson sat in the corner of Hatch Auditorium at the North Carolina Baptist Assembly at Fort Caswell praying that God would show her how she could incorporate a missions component to summer youth weeks.Chad Austin
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Middle and high school students from across North Carolina took a fresh look at some of the most well-known teachings of Jesus throughout the summer as part of summer youth weeks held at the North Carolina Baptist Assembly at...Chad Austin
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Mobile health units provide relief, hope July 10, 2017 As medical costs continue to skyrocket, and rural areas continue to run into healthcare provider shortages, more and more North Carolinians are left with limited means...Caroline Barnhill
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The book of Ephesians has a lot to offer the church in the present day and age. Chapters 1-3 explain what Christians should believe, followed by chapters 4-6 which detail how to rightly apply the gospel to the Christian...Courtlandt Perkins
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NCMO: Shelby Mission Camp reaches the lost for Christ July 10, 2017 God is using two large metal buildings on 20 acres of land in rural Shelby, North Carolina, to bring hope to an area...Caroline Barnhill
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For many, 2017 will be remembered as a year marked by devastation. Last year’s hurricane season was one of the most costly in U.S. history. A series of major storms, which included hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, caused unprecedented...Caroline Barnhill
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Not that long ago, depression was rarely discussed in public. It was too embarrassing to talk about, much less admit. However, 15 years ago, our deployed soldiers started coming home with post-traumatic stress disorder, followed by severe depression, followed...Eddie Thompson
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Every month, we spotlight five helpful resources for you as you seek to walk closely with the Lord and make disciples. Many of these resources are created by the staff of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC)...BSCNC Communications
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As a pastor, I am passionate about Sunday School and small groups. My passion for Sunday School and small groups goes back to my childhood, specifically to a lady named Sue Creech. Most people reading this article do not...Devon Varnam
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One of the items of business that messengers address each year is the election of our convention officers. Many of you have likely heard the announcement that our three current officers — President Lee Pigg of Hopewell Baptist Church...Milton A. Hollifield Jr.
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Churches often look around and correctly notice that college students are missing from their pews. We have children, teenagers, parents and grandparents, but where are the 20-somethings? This realization causes panic and a sense of desperation to keep the...
Jonathan Yarboro -
A pocket of lostness is a geographic area, usually up to a 3-mile radius, in which most people don’t know the Lord and are not being engaged by the local church. These areas often have very low numbers of...Strategic Focus Team
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Prayer isn’t just an essential key in the life of the church — it’s also a huge part of the mission of God. It changes our hearts and helps us to accomplish His mission. It’s also a tool that...Terry Sharp
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The NCMO is an annual offering that provides support for the ministries of Baptists on Mission also known as N.C. Baptist Men (NCBM), church planting, mission camps, associational projects and mobilization ministry projects.Caroline Barnhill
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It comes as no surprise, parents are the most influential people in a child’s life. When moms and dads deny themselves, take up their crosses daily and follow Christ, their homes are never the same. Parents surrendered to the...
Mark Smith -
Have you ever tried swimming without goggles? When we can’t see clearly, we swim into people or walls or any number of other obstacles. Goggles help us see and navigate places where it’s nearly impossible to do so. They...
Josh Reed -
I was in a village about a month ago. And when I was in this village, I had come across a family that had never heard the gospel. And as I shared the gospel with this family, and I...Kenny B.
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In a time of much division and hostility within our churches, the North American Mission Board has provided a free resource that aims to move congregations from low points of ignorance and struggle, to genuine gospel community. Dhati Lewis,...North American Mission Board
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The Executive Committee of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC) approved a proposed budget for 2019 totaling $31 million that includes an increase in support of missions and ministries of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) through the...Chad Austin
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The Strategic Focus Team works with churches in eight population centers and other areas across the state of North Carolina. The highest concentrations of lost people are found in and around the eight population centers, which are the Blue...Stephen Harris
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We’ve got a church in Park Slope, Brooklyn, that has really fallen on hard times. A few months ago, had nine members. And so one of our pastors actually agreed to become the pastor of that church. He...George Russ
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The real reason we moved to our neighborhood was to show our neighbors the love and compassion of Jesus. We moved hoping that God would be glorified and the neighbors might eventually become brothers and sisters in Christ.
Evan Blackerby -
Vacations give parents and grandparents extra opportunities to spend quality time with their children and grandchildren. It’s a special time for the entire family to visit new or favorite places, enjoy God’s beautiful creation and make memories that will...Mark Smith
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Every month, we spotlight five helpful resources for you as you seek to walk closely with the Lord and make disciples. Many of these resources are created by the staff of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC)...BSCNC Communications
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DALLAS — At an annual meeting that saw what chief parliamentarian Barry McCarty called an "extra heavy volume of business" on its opening day, the Southern Baptist Convention elected J.D. Greear as convention president and heard an address by...Baptist Press
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Call it a noisy way to raise money, but more than 120 riders on 100 motorcycles rode nearly 500 miles across North Carolina over four days in the Third Annual Ride to Clyde and raised a record $55,000 for Baptist...Mike Creswell
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I believe in church planting, and I also believe in church revitalization. We need to do both if we want to reach North America. I’m particularly interested in revitalization because of the people and property resources available for kingdom...
Chuck Lawless -
Summertime is every student’s favorite time of the year. No getting up early, no homework and no tests. As great as being out of school is for students, the summer months can prove to be challenging for many parents....BSCNC Communications
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Near the end of his life, Joshua gathered the children of Israel together and made the well-known admonition and declaration that we read in Joshua 24:15 in which he says, “choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…. But as...Milton A. Hollifield Jr.
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Baptist State Convention of North Carolina Executive Director-Treasurer Milton A. Hollifield Jr. made the following statement about J.D. Greear’s election as Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) president. Greear serves as pastor of the Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham. “J.D. Greear has...BSCNC Communications
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North Carolina pastor J.D. Greear was elected Southern Baptist Convention president Tuesday, June 12 during the 2018 annual meeting in Dallas, two years after conceding a closely contested election to lead the denomination. The newly elected president succeeds Memphis-area...Baptist Press
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Now that summer is officially here, many of us are looking forward to firing up the grill, taking in the long days, and enjoying a little rest and relaxation. Summer also provides some great opportunities to build relationships with...Chad Austin
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Anyone involved in any type of ministry knows the importance of volunteers. Diaspora ministry is no different. Volunteers serve in critical areas such as teaching English, setting up apartments, mentoring students and helping new Americans find jobs. Volunteers are...Trent DeLoach
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2018 marks my “golden anniversary” as a Southern Baptist. Fifty years ago I came to faith in Christ through the witness of a Southern Baptist pastor and was baptized into a Southern Baptist congregation. In 1978, God used the...
Chuck Register -
We always knew that Dad loved us, he just didn’t like to say it out loud. Many people would have described him as grumpy, short-tempered and prickly. I only knew him as Dad. He was an extremely hard worker...Crystal Horton
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Growing up in Chester, S.C., we considered “people of different faiths” to be the Presbyterians and Methodists. Today, people of different faiths are Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Buddhist. When I went to high school, everyone in my graduating class...Cris Alley
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Every month, we spotlight five helpful resources for you as you seek to walk closely with the Lord and make disciples. Many of these resources are created by the staff of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC)...BSCNC Communications
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Recently, I heard Dr. Chuck Register from our Baptist state convention staff preach a message from Ephesians 4:1-3 in which he spoke of the biblical plea for spiritual unity within the body of Christ. Building on some of his...Milton A. Hollifield Jr.
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“Who is My Neighbor?” is the theme for the 2018 Baptist State Convention of North Carolina’s (BSCNC) Annual Meeting, scheduled for Nov. 5-6 at the Joseph S. Koury Convention Center in Greensboro. This year’s theme is derived from a...Chad Austin
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What gift will you give your children for Father’s Day this year? Of course, you will be expecting to receive gifts from your kids since you have earned the “Best Dad of the Year” award. However, why not treat...Mark Smith
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Hopefully you have been following this series from the beginning (insert link here). If so, then you have been praying for Muslims, found a way to intentionally build redemptive relationships, and hopefully have seen someone come to faith in...Brad Roderick
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In the coming days, middle- and high-school students from all across North Carolina will begin descending on the N.C. Baptist Assembly at Fort Caswell for our annual summer youth week camps.Milton A. Hollifield Jr.
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If you have been following along with this series of articles, you have been praying for Muslims in your community and building relationships with them. Now it is time to let them in on the good news! But how?...Brad Roderick
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Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC) Executive Director-Treasurer Milton A. Hollifield Jr. challenged North Carolina Baptists to live lives that are marked by humility and free from hypocrisy in an address to the state convention’s Board of Directors...Chad Austin
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Perhaps you have been praying for Muslims for awhile. God has been breaking your heart for them and their need for the gospel. But they are still “them” – a mysterious group of “others” and not yet individuals whom...Brad Roderick
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I want to share part of my story on how I began to engage internationals and how you can too. When I started at seminary in the fall of 2013, sadly the thought of engaging the nations in Raleigh...Stacey Wood
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“God is the most great! I bear witness that there is no God but Allah. I bear witness that Muhammad is the prophet of Allah. Come to prayer. Come to salvation. God is the most great! There is no...Brad Roderick
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The month of Ramadan is a 30-day period of intentional fasting that will occur from May 15 to June 14 this year. During this time, followers of Islam abstain from food during daylight hours in fulfillment of one of...Andrew Sheely
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As we approach Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 13, we should reflect on the important role that mothers play in the lives of their children and grandchildren. The Bible contains numerous stories of mothers and their strong influence on...Milton A. Hollifield Jr.
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One of the most common questions being asked by churches and ministry leaders is: “Which is better—Sunday School or small groups?” In a recent article from The Gospel Coalition, Texas pastor Allen Duty explains why we should “reject the...
Rick Hughes -
N.C. churches are blessed to have great Bible study teachers and care leaders who minister to class members and their families. But oftentimes, we lack salt when it comes to sharing with our neighbors outside the church doors. So...
Terri Howell -
According to the National Principals Association Report on the State of High Schools, 71 percent of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes. The person who informed me of this percentage asked, “Since your boys have been raised...
Merrie Johnson -
Several years ago, a family member of mine was diagnosed with cancer. My heart broke for this relative, and I decided to run in a 5K for cancer research in their honor. I am not a natural-born runner, and...
Ashley Allen -
It was an exciting time for my youth group when a chalkboard wall was placed in our newly renovated building. Soon enough the wall was covered top to bottom with chalk creations. Amongst the colored doodles and scribbled names,...
Alexa Mahan -
You probably have heard the fact that more guests attend church on Easter than any other Sunday of the year. There is a related fact that you may not have heard: More churches miss the opportunity to connect intentionally...
Brian Upshaw -
In just a few days, believers around the world will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. Congregations will meet before sunrise to focus on the truth that Jesus is alive. Families will dress in their finest clothes for this special...Chuck Lawless
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Read one of the accounts in the gospels each day (Matthew 26-28, Mark 14-16, Luke 22-24, John 18-21). The stories may be repetitive, but you’ll be seriously ready to celebrate Easter Sunday! Make this week a week of confession...Chuck Lawless
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As we approach Easter, we would do well to think long and hard on what it is that we are celebrating and what sort of impact that should entail. Easter is a time of rebirth and resurrection. As Paul...Eric Warren
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Churches of any size can become a sending church. Sending churches partner with new church plants through prayer, provision and support to multiply themselves and make disciples. What are the benefits of being a sending church? Here are seven motivations...
Mark Gray -
Recently, I asked friends of the Faith at Home N.C. Facebook page to answer a simple question: “As a parent, what is your biggest hurdle in finding time with your family?” Survey participants responded with a variety of answers,...Mark Smith
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I remember the first time my then 4-year-old son Jack asked me why Jesus had to die for our sins. We were driving in the car on a warm spring day – worship music blasting in the background –...Caroline Barnhill
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Most believers would agree that the church needs an outward focus. However, only 1 percent of our churches actually grow evangelistically. Such a small percentage of evangelistic growth in churches points to a disconnect between saying we need an...Cris Alley
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In counseling with troubled couples, I’ve noticed something that keeps them together when everything else is falling apart — the power of commitment. I know, commitment doesn’t seem like an exciting subject, but it’s more powerful than most of...Eddie Thompson
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In his devotional New Morning Mercies, Paul Tripp observes, “Relationships are first fixed vertically before they are ever fixed horizontally.” His words also apply to small groups. When small groups begin to falter, it is usually due to a...Rick Hughes
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Worship leaders around the world are changing their church’s worship (often unintentionally) into a spectator event, and people are not singing anymore. Here are nine reasons why congregations aren’t singing anymore — and what we can do to change...
Kenny Lamm -
Not only do I work at a seminary, I am also a local church pastor. As our church gets serious about discovering and engaging internationals in our area, I am starting to see a pattern. There are several things...
Keelan Cook -
The Strategic Focus Team works with churches in eight population centers and other areas across the state of North Carolina. The highest concentrations of lost people are found in and around the eight population centers, which are the Blue...
John Davenport -
Every month, we spotlight five helpful resources for you as you seek to walk closely with the Lord and make disciples. Many of these resources are created by the staff of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC)...BSCNC Communications
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As the National Day of Prayer approaches on Thursday, May 3, consider how we might pray for our cities, our state, our nation and our world for spiritual awakening. Would you pray for those throughout the world who haven’t...Chris Schofield
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Jesus preached the gospel message to everyone, including commoners, religious elitists, politicians and more. This is how the early disciples made followers of Jesus as well. Acts 14:21-22 says, “They preached the gospel in that city and won a...Ken Tan
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Sammy Joo was no stranger to preaching to people from around the world. As the pastor of a church near N.C. State University, many of Joo’s regular attendees were international students. But four years ago, the demographic of his...Caroline Barnhill
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Since the North American Mission Board (NAMB) was formed in 1997, Southern Baptists have planted more than 20,000 churches in North America, averaging more than 1,500 new starts each year. With an emphasis on planting culturally and ethnically diverse churches that...BSCNC Communications
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This past weekend, I had the privilege of worshipping at a gathering of many churches from one area (in my denomination, an “associational” meeting). During that meeting, several worship teams—all using different styles, and some in a different language—led...Chuck Lawless
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The gospel is a relational message that has both vertical and horizontal implications. It is, first and foremost, a message of how we, though sinners, can be reconciled to God through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. But that...George Robinson
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Millennials are young adults, ages 23-36, who are often perceived in a negative light but have much to offer churches if churches will take the time to understand who they are and what they think.Cheryl Markland
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As Christians, Easter is a very special time for us each year. On Resurrection Sunday, we celebrate Christ’s victory over sin and death and the salvation that we now have in Him. However, this Easter season, I would like...Milton A. Hollifield
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Summer is a gift from God. People gather in backyards, on porches and around baseball diamonds to enjoy community and the glorious outdoors. Smoke from a neighbor’s grill, splashes in a nearby pool and the smell of freshly cut...Josh Reed
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It’s easy to think that because we are 50 years past the Civil Rights Movement, we are now in a place to move on. Because we are now united under law, let’s work even harder to be united under...Ethics & Religion, SBC
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Prayer is one of the greatest gifts we have as believers. Anyone who has put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ has the wonderful privilege of entering into God’s throne room as His welcomed guest. As we approach...Mark Smith
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I’ve been there, and you likely have, also. You’ve never heard the song your church is singing. Or, you’ve heard it but don’t like it. The temptation is to silently mimic the words or not to sing at all....Chuck Lawless
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Chris Schofield is a student of revivals, awakenings and great movements of God throughout history, and he says there’s a common thread that unites all of them. “Every awakening has started with God’s people recognizing their desperate need for...Chris Schofield
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Reaching out across cultural barriers to engage internationals in the States is a daunting prospect for many local church members. They are unsure of culture and know little about the customs of their new neighbors. But local churches (and...Keelan Cook
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As churches prepare for Easter and an influx of guests, they pay special attention to the music, flowers, message and other celebratory events associated with Resurrection Sunday. An area that’s often overlooked but may be in need of special...Cheryl Markland
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God designed fathers to play a special role in the lives of their daughters. He created people and relationships to bring glory to Himself and to make Himself known to His people. It makes sense, then, that what fathers...Cheryl Markland
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Chances are your church is planning Vacation Bible School, Wonderful Wednesdays, field trips or other fun opportunities to engage the children of your church and community this summer.Cheryl Markland
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The days when families attended church without question and every time the doors were opened is a pleasant memory. Today’s families are busier than ever. Practices and extracurricular lessons, two-income wage earners, family commitments and travel sports teams mean...Cheryl Markland
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Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a significant way your church can open the door to the surrounding community. You may think VBS is for only for children and not for you, but VBS is most successful when the church...Cheryl Markland
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This podcast was recorded at the Disciple-Making Conference breakout session training. Russ Reaves and Steve Harris dive into a discussion of unreached population groups, likening these pockets of lostness to spaghetti as they often feature common strands woven throughout...Strategic Focus Team
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Don’t they accomplish the same purpose? Discipleship of believers is not about the setting, but more about substance and strategy. Many churches, however, have a traditional Sunday School model without a clear discipleship design in place. With the continued...Ronnie Parrott
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This podcast was recorded at the Disciple-Making Conference breakout session training and focuses on the Bible and its relationship with race in the church. In the hands of the wrong person, like a young child or an evil movie villain,...Courtlandt Perkins
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This podcast was recorded at the Disciple-Making Conference breakout session training. Many church leaders might see a need for whole family ministry, yet their approach frequently leaves an impression that they, and not parents, are responsible for the children’s...Daniel Dye
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This podcast was recorded at the Disciple-making conference breakout session training. Ever wonder why Jesus talked to some people and not to others? And why did He often use questions or stories when He talked to people about the kingdom...Josh Reed
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The world has never been so connected to information and yet so disconnected with personal relationships. Communities of people unengaged with the gospel are a part of a rapidly changing culture that values instant gratification and consumer mentality. This...Matt Curry
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God wants believers to use their gifts in the way He has designed them, whether that means to strengthen their church or engage their community. John Davenport and Nathan Stamm share a simple yet comprehensive framework that will help...Strategic Focus Team
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This podcast was recorded at the Disciple-Making Conference breakout session training and focuses on growing as Christian parents and grandparents to disciple children in the home. Mark Smith of Family at Home Ministry asks, “What is the most important...Mark Smith
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In Psalm 78, the Bible exhorts parents to teach their children the laws and goodness of God and ensure that they continue that spiritual legacy from generation to generation. In a modern culture where biblical illiteracy is rampant and...
Sammy Joo -
The early church faced extreme persecution and held no political power, yet it grew exponentially. Today’s church in America, however, with its extreme political power and little persecution, is dying. What’s more, while nearly three-fourths of Americans identify as...Eric Simmons
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The gospel is like a coffee bean, says Walter Strickland. It keeps its integrity no matter what environment it’s placed in, yet it also takes on the “soil” of its surrounding cultural environment. In other words, the gospel is...Walter Strickland
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Parents have approximately 936 weeks between a child's birth and the time he or she graduates from high school. In today’s self-focused, stressful culture, adolescence is a key time when they must leverage distinct opportunities to spiritually influence a...Merrie Johnson
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This podcast was recorded at the Disciple-Making Conference breakout session training and talks about how at the heart of discipleship is kingdom-focused prayer. With John 17 providing the backdrop, Chris Schofield challenges believers to consider Christ’s example and the...Chris Schofield
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Joy is the serious business of heaven,” C.S. Lewis once wrote. And that joy can be purposed on Earth as motivation for Christians to lead nonbelievers into true fellowship with God in fulfillment of His purpose for humanity. What...Josh Reed
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Jesus often talked in parables to help the crowds He taught understand deeper principles. Then and now, people remember a story—and that makes it an ideal non-confrontational way to share biblical truth with communities throughout the city or around...Sarah Davenport
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This podcast was recorded at the Disciple-Making Conference breakout session training and focuses on practices of solitude before God. The Bible proclaims that God desires the company of His children. It also promises that He will be near when...Larry Trotter
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This podcast was recorded at the Disciple-Making Conference breakout session training and focuses on worship. Corporate worship is not a passive entertainment, but a formative event in the process of making disciples. And worship leaders must take care what...Kenny Lamm
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At its core, discipleship is walking relationally with another person from one stage of spiritual maturity to the next, from non-Christians seeking answers to mature believers sharing biblical wisdom. From a single person living in a downtown apartment to...Tabatha Frost
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While most missions work often focuses on overseas ministry, an increasing number of unreached people groups are migrating to the United States; in fact, 43 million people living in this country were born in another one. But what does...
Zac Lyons -
Think of a pocket of lostness as a gospel desert—a small geographic area with a large percentage of lost people. North Carolina has 250 pockets of lostness, where the general population grows or changes faster than the church, which...Cris Alley
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When a pastor or church leader begins to sense the need for revitalization, you may hear them talk about reasons why their church isn’t flourishing that begin with the statement, “if only....”Lonnie Reynolds
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Methods in local church ministry and mission are too often based on the perceived goals of the church instead of the unique nature of their community. Before I sound too critical, I believe many local churches have noble goals,...Keelan Cook
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It’s as apparent now more than ever that our churches need to engage the community around them. We meet weekly in our church buildings for corporate gatherings, but do we leave ready to share the gospel and make disciples...BSCNC Communications
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Moses’ staff, David’s sling and the disciples’ fishing nets were all common tools of their particular trades. But when they encountered the true God and His plan for their lives, those tools became the vehicles He used to advance...William Branch
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How do you make disciples in a rural context? The same way you do anywhere else, says Jonathan Blaylock, and that is by investing in people God has trusted you to shepherd. Every small town in America is unique,...Jonathan Blaylock
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This podcast was recorded at the Disciple-Making Conference breakout session training. Across the nation, more than half of the population lives in multifamily housing. What’s more, nearly 95 percent of these people who live in luxury apartments, gated communities,...Zac Lyons
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Many churches operate on a “come and see” model rather than with a “go and serve” mindset. This issue is only exacerbated by the fact that in today’s culture, countless people have very little spiritual knowledge or interest. But...Steve Clark
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Today, 80 percent of churches are experiencing a plateau or decline in attendance. Yet most churches still offer an overwhelming menu of programs that assume people will go to church at designated times. How can today’s church leaders effect...Jay McGuirk
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Christian moms often perceive a conflict between pursuing unreached peoples and loving our families. During the three years that my husband and I worked in India, I heard many missionary moms express this tension. Then, at the end of...Liz C.
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Gospel conversations can happen in a number of ways — over coffee with an acquaintance, lunch with a new or lifelong friend or a conversation with a total stranger. While there is no “magic formula” or “silver bullet” when...BSCNC Communications
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In late January of 2018, I had the privilege of reporting to the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina’s Board of Directors about the progress that N.C. Baptist churches and their members have made related to our strategy of...Milton Hollifield
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One of the topics we hear most today about the condition of the churches is revitalization. We see churches move from struggle and decline to health and missional effectiveness, fulfilling the Great Commission. With 80-90 percent of our churches...
Bob Lowman -
The gospel demands us to “go and tell,” (Mark 16:15) but waiting idly by more often says “come to us.” Why? Because our neighbors do not know that we love them. Why don’t they know? Because they don’t know...
Marcus Redding -
Revitalization: God's call to churches July 10, 2017 Studies released from the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention indicate that there is a great need for spiritual revitalization within most of our...Milton A. Hollifield
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Disciple-making is what we’re made for July 10, 2017 “What is the chief end of man?” This question has been labored over for centuries since it was penned in the Westminster Catechism in 1646. The...Josh Reed
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Churches take the gospel to colleges across the state July 10, 2017 The churches of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC) are engaging an unprecedented number of college campuses with the gospel of...Jonathan Yarboro
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It is that time of year again — young people around the state are preparing to go back to school, getting ready to begin a new season of growth and learning in their lives. As this time approaches, I...Milton A. Hollifield Jr.
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During fall 2016, over 1 million international students arrived in the United States to study. This is the largest number ever to enter the United States for education and scholarly research. These students have brought a huge economic boom...
Tom Knight -
Millennials have gotten a lot of attention by media, sociologists and churches. And for good reason. The millennial generation is larger than both the baby boomer generation and Generation X. But if you’re involved in student or collegiate ministry,...Tom Knight
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“May they all be one, as You, Father, are in Me and I am in You.” This portion of Jesus’ prayer reveals His desire for Christians to live in unity. A natural consequence of living in unity with others...Eric Simmons
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Many collegiate ministry leaders have built the bulk of their strategy to impact an entire campus on one key principle: reach the few to reach the many. With a nod toward pragmatism, ministry leaders have correctly understood their inability...Evan Blackerby
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Several pastors from across North Carolina contributed the following prayer points as we prepare our hearts to pray for racial reconciliation in our state, nation and world. These prayer points are also available as a free download for use...BSCNC Communications
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Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina and one of the fastest growing cities in the country. Yet as the population grows, so do the number of people in the region who are far from God. Across North...
Dan Collison -
Scripture classifies the Pharisees as the strictest of all the Jewish religious sects. Literally set apart from others, they clung to their laws and traditions even at the expense of God’s law. Jesus rebuked them numerous times for their...David Manner
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North Carolina Baptists were among at least five state conventions that adopted resolutions denouncing racism during their respective annual meetings last fall, joining Alabama, Arkansas, Oklahoma and the Southern Baptist Convention of Virginia.Milton A. Hollifield Jr.
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North Carolina Baptists are pushing back spiritual darkness and making disciples in the state, across the nation and around the world at increasingly growing rates. More and more churches and congregations have embraced the Baptist State Convention of North...Chad Austin
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It is heart breaking to think about the racial injustice in our nation’s history. Even today, I know that racism is an issue that continues to detrimentally affect so many. We should pray that God will pour His healing...Milton A. Hollifield Jr.
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The Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham has a plan to reach the world by starting more churches, an evangelistic process often called church planting. Their goal is lofty – 1,000 churches in 50 years. But with an emphasis on disciple-making...Chad Austin
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Joy is experienced in virtually limitless ways. A child’s first memorable experience at the ocean. A senior adult’s conversation with a dear friend over tea. Laughing, singing, crying and shrieking are all ways to express joy.Josh Reed
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Several years ago, a close relative asked my wife and me to care for her child. The boyfriend had gone to prison, and child services would soon intervene to take the child. In order to preserve the child's relationship...Mike Parry
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Every January, many followers of Christ and others set aside a day to remember and reflect upon the value of human life as part of Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, which is on Jan. 21 this year. On that...Milton A. Hollifield, Jr.
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Our primary training for worship leaders is through one of the Worship Leader Boot Camp experiences. We now offer a variety of possibilities depending upon how deep you want to go and how much time you can allot the...Kenny Lamm
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Unfortunately, far too many families are experiencing the parable of the prodigal son firsthand in their own homes. Countless Christian parents suffer with emotions ranging from hurt and confusion to disbelief and shame. Thankfully, helpless, hopeless and disgrace are...Mark Smith
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God has brought the nations in our midst. This is a golden opportunity for us to reach the lost among thee nations for Christ. In 2011, I started a church for international students at N.C. State University, but four...Sammy Joo
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It’s easier to live stream than ever before and will only get easier, as evidenced by more and more churches streaming their services. To quote my friend and legendary songwriter/producer Greg Nelson, “Not everything that can be done,...Mike Harland
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The Disney Pixar movie “Inside Out” offers viewers a feature-length glimpse inside the emotional life of an 11-year-old Midwestern girl named Riley. When her family moves from Minnesota to San Francisco, Riley’s world is turned upside-down (and inside out)....
Billy Haselton -
Do simple platitudes on the way out of the church door really affirm pastors in their calling to shepherd their congregations? How detrimental can critical response be to a pastor’s heart? Jim Shaddix explores ways pastors can receive truly...Jim Shaddox
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Whether it is with a family member, a coworker, a neighbor or someone in the store, believers can and should form authentic relationships and use everyday encounters to share nuggets of the gospel with people in their spheres of...Ashley Allen
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For the first time in the history of the church, five generations are trying to coexist under one roof. As a result, many issues in churches today are preferential and generational, and many leaders are finding that millennial parents...Cheryl Markland
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Most discipleship methods are focused on what people know or what can they do, but inspiration to fulfill the Great Commission is oftentimes lacking. While it’s good that church leaders are embracing the vision to make disciples and providing...Brian Upshaw
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Sometimes in church and in Bible study groups, Christians get so busy doing good things that they abandon the best thing—love for Jesus. Rick Hughes explores the purpose and planning of relational small groups and shares practical principles on...Rick Hughes
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This podcast was recorded at the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina’s 2018 Annual Meeting and focuses on breaking the cycle of poverty. Statistics often show that it is quite difficult for someone born into poverty to break out of...Dan Collison
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Even in churches where pastors faithfully preach about praying, many members don’t pray. Bud Parrish and other pastors examine biblical and practical wisdom from Acts 3:19 on how God is calling His people across North Carolina and beyond to...Bud Parrish
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This podcast was recorded at the Disciple-Making Conference breakout session training and focuses on revitalization. The early church faced extreme persecution and held no political power, yet it grew exponentially. Today’s church in America, however, with its extreme political power...Lonnie Reynolds
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“He's got the whole word in his hands.” This familiar tune from childhood rings with a lot of truth, especially today. Every morning brings another news cycle, and things only seem to be more confusing than ever. Why does...Keelan Cook
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All Christians have a desire to live a life that counts; one way to do so is to spiritually pour themselves into others. But how should they foster God’s calling in their lives to make disciples in the context...Adult Evangelism and Discipleship
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How can Christians transition from simply befriending and serving their immigrant neighbors to sharing the good news of the gospel with them, making disciples and planting new churches? How can churches leverage any ministry activities, such as English as...
Jonathan Derbyshire -
The family is God’s first and greatest institution. When family ministry becomes generational and intentional, it becomes natural. Mark Smith delves into how church leaders can strategically equip and encourage parents and grandparents to be the disciple-makers of their...Mark Smith
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In the book of Genesis, man and woman were made in the image of God, not as equals to Him, but as representatives of Him (Genesis 1:26). They were designed to work in partnership with God to rule the...Josh Reed
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I have been meeting with Yai for several months now. His journey to the Lord is incredible. He says that his journey to faith in Christ began from when he was a boy, but he never realized that until...Jonathan Derbyshire
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Refugees are vulnerable people made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26), and Jesus calls us to serve, love and welcome them in His name. If we profess to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, then we must...
Jason Lee -
Since Hinduism is foreign to many of us, fear can stop us from sharing the gospel with Hindus. A common fear is not knowing enough to “destroy arguments and tear down every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of...Liz C.
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In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses delivered his farewell sermon to the children of Israel. Just prior to the Israelites crossing the Jordan River and entering into the Promised Land, Moses gave specific instructions from God to ensure a...Mark Smith
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Every Easter, three congregations located hundreds of miles apart join together in a single service to worship and celebrate the resurrection of Christ. The congregations are part of three different church plants known as Lifezone Fellowship. Pastor and church...Chad Austin
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Needs are everywhere in a community, from schools to sports leagues to local government to various events and more. Yet when a church planter and his leadership team enter a place where a church plant is needed, sometimes it’s...Mark Gray
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A discussion on impacting lostness in the Triangle must begin with the question, “What does God desire?” 1 Timothy 2:3-4 tells us that God desires that all people be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. Is...Justin White
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The natural response of someone new to this country is to find others from their same culture, who speak the same language and who understand and can help them. Hispanic believers have the same tendency to gather in churches...John Davenport
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In Deuteronomy 6:7, Moses commands parents to “impress” God’s Word into the lives of their children. Then, he gives instruction on how to actually make that happen within the rhythms of each day. He says, “Talk about them when...Mark Smith
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I’ve often asked this question at churches where I’m speaking — People are dying today for a lack of (fill in the blank)? The audience typically responds with things like good medical care, food, hope, etc. After a moment,...Eddie Thompson
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Three years ago, the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina launched a strategy to impact lostness through disciple-making starting in the most concentrated areas of lostness located in eight population centers. Within these eight population centers is where we...BSCNC Communications
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I’ve been a Christian for more than 40 years, and I’ve never seen the interest in church planting I see today. Here’s my assessment of why this interest is so strong. What would you add to this list? That...Chuck Lawless
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We learn from the way believers and churches have responded to race-related issues in the past. In Charleston, S.C., when a young white male went into an African-American church and murdered nine parishioners during a Bible study everyone braced...Chris Schofield
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Sometimes Sunday School leaders are focused on two things: how to get visitors and how to make them members. But, are these the right goals? Last week’s blog post revealed “the most important Sunday School question” is “why?”. If...Terri Howell
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It is Saturday evening and your Sunday morning Bible study that you lead and teach is in just a few hours and you do not know the lesson topic or the core scripture passage. You have what seems like...Lee Childs
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Why do some people join your Sunday School class while others visit once never to be seen again? At one time, everybody loved Sunday School, but lately it seems to have lost some of its fervor in a lot...Terri Howell
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It is a simple question. What do you hear from your church members that gives you the greatest encouragement? The responses from the pastors were amazingly similar. In fact, I was able to focus on 10 specific areas. Here...Thom Rainer
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In order to teach a Sunday School class effectively, adequate preparation is imperative! First of all, the teacher needs to be familiar with the make-up of the class. Factors such as age, educational background, and special needs must be...Carol Moss
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Making disciples may sound like a daunting idea for some Sunday School teachers. But truthfully, we are always “making disciples.” The question is, “What are we discipling our people into?” Make no mistake, the folks who faithfully attend your...
Jeff Holder -
Cris Alley, the strategy coordinator for the Triangle, worked with several students from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary to identify the top-10 people groups in the Triangle, those most in need of gospel engagement. They used the people group mapping...Cris Alley
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