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Members of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina’s (BSCNC) board of directors recently heard an update on progress being made on a forthcoming measure that would outline steps by which individuals serving in leadership positions with the state...
Chad Austin -
Oftentimes, we think of suffering as an event. But what happens when a series of tragic events unfold, like we see in the life of Job? Not only are you dealing with multiple losses, but as each new one...
Terri Howell -
She caught me in the hallway between Sunday School and worship, anxiety stretched taut across her face. A week earlier, this 75-year old lady had agreed to join a prayer walk. Now she struggled to tell me, “I don’t...
Cris Alley -
Missionaries live with a deep love and compassion for those who are far from God. They are burdened for those who are lost — those who are like sheep without a shepherd. They live by the words of...
Zac Lyons -
Cheering children and visitors waved excitedly as they welcomed more than 100 motorcyclists who thundered triumphantly onto the grounds of Broyhill Home in Clyde on May 11 to deliver a record $77,674.88 for the Baptist Children’s Homes of North...
Mike Creswell -
Recently I had the honor and privilege of attending our annual conference for associational mission strategists (AMS) and potential associational mission strategists at Caraway Conference Center. The theme of this year’s event was “Moving into a New Future: Sowing...
Milton A. Hollifield, Jr. -
The new normal in churches today is that people are struggling with drug addiction in unprecedented numbers. Opioid abuse in all its forms is epidemic. The reality is that in the confines of any church, someone is suffering in...Kevin O’Brien
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Michael Jordan was the greatest professional basketball player during the late 1980s and 1990s. However, he was never the highest paid player. When asked why he never held out on his contract to his team to pay him more...
Mark Smith -
In order to achieve a new set of results, churches must be willing to engage in the challenging but rewarding process of revitalization. This leadership development paradigm is based on three components — the man, the ministry and the...
Sandy Marks -
“The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” is a true saying. A television commercial from 1967 clearly demonstrates this principle. Back then, television stations were required to run one anti-smoking commercial for every three cigarette commercials. There was...Mark Smith
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Church revitalization is both a popular and critical need in North America. That’s one reason I’m glad to be a part of Church Answers and Revitalize Network. Sometimes, however, pastors and church leaders overcomplicate the process of revitalization. Here...
Chuck Lawless -
As more allegations of sexual misconduct come to light across the Southern Baptist Convention, pastors are struck with how to handle unpredictable crises, should they occur. While Pastors have a unique opportunity to lead in their response to this...BSCNC Communications
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What is a bohemian? Bohemians aren’t just a quickly-growing population demographic, but also a fast-spreading cultural mindset. A simple definition of a bohemian would be “a person with an attraction to an unconventional lifestyle.” An unconventional approach to religion...Trent Holbert
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I was a law enforcement officer on patrol on South Main Street when I got the call. The telecommunicator advised me to 10-21 (call) my residence. I heard my wife say between sobs, “I am so afraid of being...
Rick Hughes -
Whether or not your child attends a public school, a private school or is a homeschool student, parents are key figures in their child’s education either formally or informally. In everything from eating vegetables to tying shoes to imparting spiritual...Milton A. Hollifield, Jr.
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I remember the first few times I tried to use a rod and reel that was not a “push button.” You know — the one that requires pulling both the line and trigger to open the bearing, swinging your...Caleb Sprinkle
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This month’s resources feature a helpful guide containing 21 practical ways anyone can contribute to your church’s VBS ministry and a training video explaining how the gospel is the foundation for building community in your group, in addition to...BSCNC Communications
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I was sitting in class with C. Peter Wagner during my Doctor of Ministry studies at Fuller Theological Seminary. Dr. Wagner spoke with delight about the opportunity to reach the diversity of people from more than 250 nations in...
Steve Harris -
If you are a single parent, your family is not “broken” – your heart is. If you are raising children as a result of divorce, you understand why God hates divorce. While He hates the devastation and suffering divorce...C. Q. Cross
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This year’s Annual Meeting is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 11-12, at the Joseph H. Koury Convention Center in Greensboro. The Monday evening session will feature a special church planting commissioning service that will focus on pockets of...BSCNC Communications
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It’s been said that everyone worships, and everyone is a worshiper. Some worship pleasures. Some worship popularity. In His encounter with the woman at the well in John 4, Jesus declared that God the Father was seeking a special...Joshua Waggener
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Earth Day originated in the United States in 1970 and is credited with ushering in the modern environmental movement. Should Christians embrace Earth Day, dismiss it or can it be redeemed? Here are some biblical and theological perspectives on...BSCNC Communications
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Have you ever stopped to consider why Good Friday is described as “good” if that’s the day Jesus was crucified? On the surface, “sorrowful” may appear to be a more appropriate description of the day that the sinless God-man...Milton A. Hollifield, Jr.
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We, Baptists, are known as people of the Book. What book is it? It is the Word of God, the Bible. What a wonderful nickname we have! By God’s grace, we have lived, and will continue to live, up...
Sammy Joo -
Richard and Doris Roberson, longtime managers of Truett Camp and Conference Center in Hayesville, N.C., have received the 2019 Heritage Award from the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. The award is one of the highest forms of recognition...Mike Creswell
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“Pay Attention!” These are the words that stop us in our tracks — children, athletes, students and employees alike heed these infamous words.In the letter to the Hebrews, the author calls the recipients to “pay much closer attention to...
Josh Reed -
How do we stop losing young adults in church? It seems part of the answer lies in our focus during high school, as well as the transition from high school to college. In a survey released by Lifeway...
Tom Knight -
With new words entering our vocabulary daily, and over 1,000,000 words in the English language already, it’s no wonder that communication is an issue in our society. It plays into parenting as well. Parents struggle with keeping the lines...Mark Smith
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One of the greatest things we can do as parents, spouses and Christ followers is to pray for our families. Psalms 127:1a says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” Below are some specific prayer...Mark Smith
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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 -
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 -
Paul and Silas were some of the very first missionaries of the gospel. They traveled to the people of Macedonia in Acts 16. Upon arriving, they made their way outside the city gate toward the river, looking for a...
Kailyn Eskridge -
Recently, I’ve wrestled with a rather simple, though critically important, question for believers. What is the primary task of an ordinary disciple of Jesus? We remember where we used to be before Christ, in His mercy, sought us out,...Zac Lyons
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The 2019 Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) Annual Meeting is quickly approaching, and I hope to see many North Carolina Baptists at the meeting and SBC Pastors’ Conference in Birmingham, Ala., this June.Milton A. Hollifield, Jr.
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The Southern Baptist Convention has a rich heritage of cooperation. As we move forward in God’s mission, we must be reminded of our biblical foundation. As pastors across the state and nation lead their churches to give sacrificially through...Scott Hildreth
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Summer offers opportunities for intentional evangelism with children and their families. A well-designed summer camp, Vacation Bible School or recreation ministry offers intentional outreach opportunities. Bringing families into the church is one of the impactful evangelistic opportunities the...
Cheryl Markland -
There seems to be a different curriculum for every church’s children ministry. Curriculums can vary based on the church’s values, mission and needs, but it’s hard to disagree that in any theologically based church the main theme that ties...Mike Parry
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This month’s resources feature tools on preventing sexual and child abuse in the church, prayer resources for the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering, and a family Easter devotional.BSCNC Communications
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For many Christian parents, the idea of daily devotional time with their children – from toddlers to teens – seems an impossible task. A 15-day Family Focus resource, developed the Family Evangelism and Discipleship ministry of the Baptist State...Caroline Barnhill
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“Life is so short. I don’t want to be remembered as the guy who got caught up chasing a paycheck working 65 hours a week who lost sight of what matters most. I want to be remembered as someone...Terri Howell
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It seems every week there is a new story about the molestation of children in a church setting. Stories like these often reinforce fear and distrust for millennial parents about church. Millennials grew up with the faces of missing...Cheryl Markland
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The Baptist State Convention of North Carolina’s Executive Committee took action on two separate measures aimed at helping N.C. Baptist churches prevent sexual abuse and care for abuse survivors during a regularly scheduled meeting held Friday, March 22 at...Chad Austin
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In fulfilling Jesus’ command to love their neighbor, Christians have set a historical precedent of leading many social endeavors around the world. Most evangelical individuals, churches and organizations seek to love in deed and word and to minister to...James C.
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The Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC) is sponsoring a series of public forums across the state for N.C. Baptists to provide feedback on the state convention’s “impacting lostness through disciple-making” strategy as part of the convention’s formal...BSCNC Communications
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The Christian Life & Public Affairs (CLPA) Special Committee is focusing on the opioid epidemic this year. I was shocked to discover that the greatest rise in death in recent years is with a synthetic opioid analgesic called fentanyl....Robert E. Jordan
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As we approach Easter and turn our thoughts and attention to the celebration of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection, let us also remember that we have an incredible opportunity during this time of the year to share the love...Milton A. Hollifield, Jr.
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Parker Stephenson grew up in a Christian home with Christian parents who were well-known in the community. He even went to a Christian school. Parker didn’t fit the stereotype we associate with drug addiction. How can the church move...Terri Howell
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If you claim to be an authentic biblical woman you will no doubt be in a constant fight to live counter to our cultural. It’s a good fight, it is an exhausting fight. What’s right is wrong and what’s...
Kathryn Carson -
In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commands us to “go and make disciples.” So to be obedient to the Great Commission, we need to ask ourselves a question — “During the disciple-making process, what traits should a disciple have?”Mark Smith
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The generation of teenagers and young adults we are trying to reach today is the most rapidly changing generation yet. It’s also the most tech-savvy generation to date. Ministry leaders are finding it hard to keep up with such...Robert Tatum
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I once met with a struggling pastor who, for years, had been trying to encourage parents in his church to be more intentional with disciple-making in their homes. He had modeled disciple-making in his own home, preached on discipleship...Mark Smith
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I’m thankful for the long and rich history that Southern Baptists have enjoyed in working together to fulfill the Great Commission through local, national and global missions and ministry efforts. One of those partnerships that we enjoy is with...Milton A. Hollifield, Jr.
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The Christian Life and Public Affairs Special (CLPA) Committee is focusing on the opioid epidemic. The committee desires to raise awareness of opioid poisoning and addiction among N.C. Baptists. The tragedies associated with opioid poisoning and addiction impact churches...Robert E. Jordan
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The Baptist State Convention of North Carolina’s Committee on Nominations has extended the deadline to submit recommendations for individuals to serve in various leadership roles with the state convention. Recommendations will now be accepted until Monday, March 25, 2019.Chad Austin
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The task of making and equipping disciples is the central task of the local church, and yet, we often rely on organic processes to make and equip disciples. An “organic process” is one that is undeveloped, lacks definition and...Seth Norris
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Everything about North American culture says more is better and money is power. But everything about Jesus’ ministry suggests the opposite. Jesus went with great intentionality to the poor, who suffer some of the worst that our broken world...
Dan Collison -
As Christians, we often think of what we are saved from. Or what we are saved to. But have you ever considered, what is your salvation for? Speaker and author John Stonestreet posed this question to attendees at the...Chad Austin
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Christians are called to be reconcilers. But that’s not an easy task in a culture that’s becoming increasingly antagonistic toward biblical truth. “The cultural moment that we live in is putting a lot of pressure on Christian conviction,” said...Chad Austin
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This month’s resources feature tools on preventing sexual and child abuse in the church, prayer resources for the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering, and a family Easter devotional.BSCNC Communications
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The year 2018 will be remembered by many N.C. Baptists as a year of disaster, and many churches are still without a place to meet. This circumstance provides a unique opportunity to reflect upon the difference between going to...Rick Hughes
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If you made it past two weeks in your commitment to read through the Bible in 2019, congratulations, you are in the minority! Dubbed “Quitter’s Day,” new research has shown that most people give up on their New Year’s...Brian Upshaw
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Most of us have at least one person in our lives that we desire to see come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. It could be a family member, a close friend, a neighbor, a...Milton A. Hollifield, Jr.
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Choosing not to give priority to children’s ministry may very well be to the eternal detriment of our children. In this Q&A, Bill Emeott, lead ministry specialist for LifeWay Kids, shares some sobering statistics about children’s ministry and why...Bill Emeott
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The Baptist State Convention of North Carolina is excited to welcome Mike Pittman as the new Church Planting team leader. Pittman is passionate for the opportunity to see the transformative work of Christ in multiplying churches — and believers...BSCNC Communications
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“I just don’t fit in. I love the authentic worship and biblical preaching here, but there is nowhere to belong.” These were the words of a millennial who attended my church. Have you ever heard something similar?Rick Hughes
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Sam James, longtime missionary with the International Mission Board (IMB), encouraged Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC) staff members to rest in God’s call on their lives and demonstrate the supernatural love of Christ as they serve in...Chad Austin
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An investigative report published by the Houston Chronicle described hundreds of incidents of sexual abuse that have occurred in Southern Baptist churches across the United States during the past two decades. One of the worst things about this entire...Milton A. Hollifield, Jr.
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Baptists have opened new Immigrant Hospitality Center in Lincolnton that will provide legal counsel and other help to immigrants. The Baptist State Convention of North Carolina is a major supporter of the new ministry, but has partnered with a...Mike Creswell
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In 2013, the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC) adopted a strategy titled “impacting lostness through disciple-making,” which our staff began implementing the following year. Our mission as a state convention is to assist N.C. Baptist churches in their...Milton A. Hollifield, Jr.
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Richard Owen Roberts, president and founder of International Awakening Ministries and one of the leading authorities on revival and spiritual awakening, is the keynote speaker for the 2019 “Awaken” statewide prayer gathering. Roberts believes that the Lord wants to...BSCNC Communications
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All across North Carolina are little Mayberry-like towns that aren’t like they were a generation or two ago. While some may wish for a return to Mayberry, we have the opportunity for something even better. There are lost people...
Russ Reaves -
When shepherding young believers from different races and cultures, it is important to ask the question, “How can I lead this person to become more like Christ without causing them to jettison their culture?” Walter Strickland of Southeastern Baptist...Walter Strickland
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In the shadow of our own church steeples are families aching to go to church. There are husbands and wives who have never sat together as a couple in a single service. There are children with special needs who...Susan Kubel
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Cookies and Kool-Aid. Crafts and games. These are four of the biggest components of Vacation Bible School and perhaps are the things we remember about VBS when we participated as children. The methods may have changed, but at its...Evette Orcutt
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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. This month’s resources features tools to pray for missionaries and unreached people groups, free online courses, podcasts and...BSCNC Communications
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Leaders of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC) celebrated how God moved in 2018 and outlined some ministry initiatives for the year ahead during the state convention’s first board of directors meeting of 2019. The highlights came...Chad Austin
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Despite experiencing a budget shortfall in 2018 that was called “significant,” Baptist State Convention of North Carolina officials are optimistic about the financial outlook for 2019 while cautioning that adjustments will need to be made to the proposed 2020...Chad Austin
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Revitalization is one of those things pastors Google when no one else is looking. As I travel across the state, I meet pastors who minister in a variety of contexts — rural, urban, small, large, plants and even replants....Sandy Marks
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We’re not in Kansas (or Old Town) anymore July 10, 2017 “I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore” is a classic line from the movie The Wizard of Oz. It’s also a common phrase...Mark Harrison
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As followers of Christ, we are to be salt and light in the world around us as we live under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Yet being salt and light in a rapidly changing culture can be challenging. Many...Milton A. Hollifield, Jr.
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Do you have a heart for missions but are unable to go beyond your local area? You can be an integral part of reaching the nations by your participation in “52 Sundays.” 52 Sundays provides resources for individuals and...
Will Taylor -
Evoking a sense of nostalgia is an integral part of Disney’s filmmaking strategy. We see it in recent films like the Star Wars franchise, Beauty and the Beast and Mary Poppins Returns. This brilliant strategy involves crafting movies that...Josh Reed
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As we celebrate Sanctity of Life Sunday, here are some resources that will equip you to serve God by serving “the least of these.” Throughout Scripture, God demonstrates that He has a particular love for orphans. Psalm 68:5 tells...BSCNC Communications
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John Stonestreet serves as president of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview. He is a speaker, writer, cultural commentator and host of Breakpoint Radio, a program and podcast devoted to Christian worldview founded by the late Chuck Colson. Stonestreet...BSCNC Communications
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It’s probably happened to you. You didn’t realize how many cars like yours were on the road until you bought one. This model of car you had never noticed before seemed to be everywhere now. It’s funny how things...Chris Alley
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I want to challenge each of you, especially young pastors and church leaders, to consider serving as a part of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina as we enter a new year. N.C. Baptists fulfill this process through...Micheal Pardue
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“Isn’t it great to be a grandparent? You get to spoil them and give them back to their parents!” This is a common response when people find out I am a grandparent, but it reveals an incorrect and incomplete...Currie Tilley
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Outside of the Bible, what is your favorite book? What if, as you read that book, the author was sitting beside you to answer any questions you may have and help you understand their work.Mark Smith
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Karen Holcomb is a Bible study and curriculum writer with a passion for helping parents navigate the Bible and discover God’s wisdom for young families. In January 2019, Karen will be releasing her new character book series titled, Proverbial...Karen Holcomb
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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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There’s a lot of talk out there about this Muslim god named Allah. For many Americans, the name strikes notes of fear and anger. His name is the last word on the lips of terrorists, suicide bombers and killers,...David Garrison
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Did you know there are 45 million foreign-born residents living in the United States and another 7 million living in Canada? All total, approximately 52 million foreign-born residents currently live in North America. That's millions of people representing unreached...
Chuck Register -
People love to talk about what they’re passionate about. Personally, I could tell you about the great book I just read, how my alma mater is doing in sports or the two concerts I recently bought tickets for. What...
Mary Beth Wortham -
Common sense indicates that Christians should read the Bible, but the reality is that few people read any part of the Bible, much less all of it. A recent study conducted by LifeWay Research revealed that more than half...Brian Upshaw
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Developing key leadership is a vital process in the missionary task, whether it is working with the International Mission Board (IMB), as a multihousing missionary in a U.S. city, or as a pastor of a church plant. Our...Eric Boykin
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Christmas came early for more than 5,000 New Yorkers who took home warm winter coats distributed by about 170 Baptist volunteers from North Carolina during the eighth annual Coats for the City missions project held the first weekend of...
Mike Creswell -
North Carolina is changing fast. Currently, at least 154 unreached people groups (UPG) have been identified with sizeable populations here in North Carolina. Today, upwards of 15 percent of North Carolina’s population — that is 1.5 million people —...Will Taylor
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In ministry, we must think and work like a missionary. It doesn't matter where we live or how we serve. Our effectiveness is contingent upon our ability to work with a missionary mindset. That means we are going to...Eric Boykin
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Christmas is right around the corner, and people are excited to start the holiday season, myself included. I really enjoy this special time of the year. I love visiting with family, singing Christmas carols, seeing the decorations, and witnessing...Milton A. Hollifield Jr.
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The end of the year is often marked by a seemingly endless barrage of family gatherings, cookie swaps, white elephant gift exchanges, office parties and more. The holidays cause some to stress out and wonder if they can fit...Josh Reed
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For many families, chaos is the norm. With schedules pulling everyone in a different direction, something will eventually give. However, family devotions provide two buoys that help modern families navigate their stormy schedules. Those buoys are connection and direction....Blake McFarland
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Ushering in a new year grants families the opportunity to delight in all God has done and gaze forward at the refining yet to happen. As you look toward a new year, consider using the following framework provided by...Stephanie Jackson
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Being a parent who is a confident disciple-maker is hard work. The time required to regularly pray with your family, intentionally talk about the Lord with your kids, serve with your spouse and see your neighborhoods as a mission...Mark Smith
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Ready or not, Christmastime is here. And it comes, with all its carols and family traditions, commanding us to be merry and full of good cheer. However, if you’re like me and countless others, this time of the year...Yana Conner
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More than 50 new church planters were commissioned by Baptist State Convention of North Carolina staff in a service that highlighted the convention’s commitment to plant new churches and share the gospel across the state, including with the many internationals now living here. The service and...Mike Creswell
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The United States is a melting pot of cultures and worldviews. Migration brings thousands of Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists to cities all around the country every year. This trend continues while agnosticism, atheism and apathy marks the worldview of...Ray Burbank
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LifeWay Research questioned 2000 parents of adult children who did not walk away from their faith after leaving college. The principal determiner of strong spiritual health in the young adults was consistent Bible reading as a child and teenager.Cheryl Markland
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Ministry partnerships between churches and non-profit organizations are essential in diaspora missions. This is especially true when churches have the opportunity to partner with Christian non-profit ministries. Scripture encourages believers to work together as a unified body (1 Corinthians...Trent DeLoach
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Creative ways to focus on Christ this Christmas July 10, 2017 Christmas is a special time of year that affords families the opportunity to use creative ways to point children and others to Christ. We asked...Communications
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For children’s ministry leaders, the days are often long, but never boring. Every day can be an adventure. In the busyness of ministry, there are four foundational ingredients to a successful children’s ministry that cannot be overlooked.Cheryl Markland
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Camp can be a significant life-changing event for children. Camp is a spiritual investment unlike anything most kids experience at home. Attending camp allows students to retreat from the norm of life, limit distractions and focus on truth. I...Mark Moore
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Gender identity. Harassment. Sexual abuse. Race relations. Immigration. Many of the hot-button cultural issues of our day strike fear in the hearts of Christians, and they often respond in one of two ways. They either retreat in an attempt...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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During our recent Annual Meeting in Greensboro in early November, Jeff Isenhour, pastor of Arran Lake Baptist Church in Fayetteville and chairman of our Budget Committee, shared an update with messengers that highlighted the generosity of North Carolina Baptists...Milton A. Hollifield Jr.
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About one-third of North Carolina’s population live in multifamily housing communities, such as apartments, townhomes, condominiums and mobile home parks. Nationally, approximately 95 percent of individuals living in multifamily housing communities are unchurched.Zac Lyons
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Lottie Moon invested nearly 40 years of her life as a missionary in China. She focused on making disciples, and set a tremendous example for all Southern Baptists by dedicating herself to the expansion of God’s kingdom. Since 1888, the...BSCNC Communications
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Teaching English as a second language (ESL) to adult immigrants and refugees can be a great way to share the gospel with internationals. However, simply inserting devotions and praying during ESL classes often doesn’t bear fruit because most students don’t...Holly Blann
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Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year. There are many reasons why I love this holiday, and those reasons certainly include the wonderful food and fellowship with family and friends around the table together. While we...Milton A. Hollifield Jr.
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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
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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.
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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
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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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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.
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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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God has been bringing a significant number of people from across the globe to America. Rubbing shoulders with the nations in the workplace provides a great opportunity for reaching the unreached of the world with the good news of...Walt Tucker
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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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Most families have their own traditions (and foods) that they look forward to each year at Thanksgiving. Have you considered how to you might use Thanksgiving as an opportunity for disciple-making? Consider the following four things about ThanksgivingBen Curfman
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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
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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
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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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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
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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
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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
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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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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 -
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
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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
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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
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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...Jonathan Yarboro
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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
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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
