Category Archives: Church

Galatians 6:9

Posted on August 28, 2012 by russellmckinney

Robert Raikes was the father of the Sunday School movement that swept over England in the late 1700s and spilled over into the United States in the early 1800s. As the editor of the Gloucester Journal, Raikes became greatly burdened … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Children, Church, Commitment, Disappointment, Doing Good, Doubt, Dress and Appearance, Encouragement, Evangelism, Faith, Faithfulness, God's Work, Impatience, Influence, Ministry, Missions, Patience, Perseverance, Problems, Reward, Service, Sowing and Reaping, Sunday School, Trials, Trusting In God, Waiting, Witnessing, Youth | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

J.C. Penney & Chick-fil-A

Posted on August 15, 2012 by russellmckinney

For eight-and-a-half years, I pastored a non-denominational church that I started. Some Sundays, as a part of our services, I would describe an everyday situation and ask, “What would Jesus have us do in this situation?” My original plan for … Continue reading →

Posted in Adultery, Balance, Bible Study, Church, Current Events, Discipleship, Doing Good, Evangelism, Faithfulness, God's Word, God's Work, Homosexuality, Hypocrisy, Marriage, Ministry, Personal, Preaching, Scripture, Sex, Sin, The Bible, Truth, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Preaching in a Prison

Posted on April 26, 2012 by russellmckinney

On a few occasions in my ministry, I’ve had the privilege of preaching the chapel service at Mountain View Correctional Institution, a prison in our area. I use the word “privilege” because that’s exactly what it always was. What follows … Continue reading →

Posted in Attitude, Church, Extending Forgiveness, Forgiveness, Giving, God's Work, Ministry, Music, Personal, Preaching, Salvation, Stewardship, Tithing, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Easter Bells

Posted on April 2, 2012 by russellmckinney

But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Christ's Resurrection, Church, Church Attendance, Depression, Easter, Eternity, Fear, Joy, Praise, Problems, Resurrection, Trials, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Empty Bottle Membership

Posted on March 30, 2012 by russellmckinney

The story is told of a man who hopped from church to church, never remaining long in any one place as a member. One day he asked his current pastor, “What would you think if I joined another church?” The … Continue reading →

Posted in Church, Church Attendance, Discipleship | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Be Wary of Hay

Posted on March 28, 2012 by russellmckinney

One Sunday morning a pastor noticed that a certain farmer wasn’t in church. Because the farmer never missed a service, the pastor figured that something must be wrong. So, after church he drove out to visit the man and found … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study, Church, Church Attendance, Faithfulness, Giving, God's Work, Prayer, Preaching, Sunday School, Witnessing | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Doing Church Differently

Posted on February 21, 2012 by russellmckinney

The churches of Asia greet you, Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. (1 Corinthians 16:19, N.K.J.V.) Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that … Continue reading →

Posted in Alcohol, Balance, Change, Church, Church Discipline, Giving, God's Work, Ministry, Money, Music, Prayer, Preaching, Service, Spiritual Gifts, Stewardship, Sunday School, Teaching, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Doing Church Differently

Genuine Pearls

Posted on December 8, 2011 by russellmckinney

Pearls have historically commanded high prices. Their expensiveness is the result of their rarity. Thousands upon thousands of oysters are examined each year, but only a small percentage of them contain genuine pearls. I’ve read that out of every three … Continue reading →

Posted in Church, Salvation, The Heart | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Church Attendance in the Summer

Posted on August 3, 2011 by russellmckinney

Memorial Day in America has long been called “the unofficial beginning of summer.” With that in mind, I’d like to talk to you about the “summer slump” most churches experience in regards to attendance in June, July, and August. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Balance, Choices, Church, Church Attendance, Commitment, Discipleship, Faithfulness, God's Will, Memorial Day, Pastors, Personal, Priorities, Sports, Worship | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Simple Reminder

Posted on June 16, 2011 by russellmckinney

The drunk who has been marvelously delivered from alcoholism by the power of Christ certainly has a testimony. But so does the Christian who by that same power of Christ has never even tasted alcohol. The adulterer who cheated on … Continue reading →

Posted in Adultery, Alcohol, Character, Church, Discipleship, Doing Good, Marriage, Personal Holiness, Sanctification, Sin | Tagged , , | Leave a comment