Category Archives: Music

Your Feelings Might Be Real, But They Won’t Impress an Atheist

Posted on December 17, 2017 by russellmckinney

“A Thought-Provoking Book” series (post #2) We’ve begun a series of posts on the book, Why I Left, Why I Stayed. The book is coauthored by the father-son team of Tony and Bart Campolo and explores the reasons why Bart Campolo … Continue reading →

Posted in Atheism, Belief, Christ's Miracles, Conscience, Conviction, Creation, Discipleship, Doubt, Faith, God's Omnipotence, Guilt, Music, Personal, Preaching, Salvation, Series: "A Thought-Provoking Book", The Bible, The Holy Spirit, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Selling Hamburgers

Posted on August 16, 2017 by russellmckinney

I have never served as the pastor of a megachurch, and I don’t figure that I ever will. My pastoral ministry has always involved small, rural churches. Still, I’ll admit that, like megachurch pastors, I feel the internal pressure to … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Church, Church Attendance, Music, Pastors, Personal, Preaching, Worship, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Worship Wars

Posted on June 8, 2017 by russellmckinney

I once met with the pulpit committee of a certain church about the possibility of me becoming that church’s next pastor. I don’t normally take Tonya along for such meetings, but this committee wanted to meet her as well. So, … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Balance, Change, Christian Unity, Church, Church Attendance, God's Guidance, God's Will, God's Work, King James Only, Ministry, Music, Pastors, Personal, Sunday School, Worship, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

God’s Fiddle

Posted on April 3, 2017 by russellmckinney

Bob Jones Sr., who founded Bob Jones University (a Christian university in Greenville, S.C.), used to tell the story of a student from North Carolina named Dorothy. Dorothy came from a family that wanted nothing to do with Jesus Christ … Continue reading →

Posted in Balance, Brokenness, Desires, Discipleship, Disobedience, Dying To Self, God's Name, God's Will, God's Work, Idolatry, Joy, Music, Obedience, Priorities, Sanctification, Service, Submission, Talents | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

“I Am the Joker”

Posted on July 23, 2012 by russellmckinney

Lately, I’ve been preaching a series on the life of Samson. As you might recall, Samson lived his life under the Old Testament law’s Nazirite vow (Judges 13:5, Numbers 6:1-21). That vow had its definite particulars, but a big part … Continue reading →

Posted in Alcohol, Choices, Christian Liberty, Current Events, Discipleship, Dress and Appearance, Drugs, Entertainment, Gambling, Influence, Music, Personal Holiness, Separation, Temptation | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 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

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

In Training to Be Used Mightily

Posted on July 7, 2011 by russellmckinney

A budding young soloist went to a great Italian musician for voice training. The master handed him a piece of music and said, “Practice this for one full year and then return here.” The request seemed a bit strange, but … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Choices, Commitment, Disappointment, Discipleship, Doing Good, Faith, Faithfulness, God's Timing, God's Omniscience, God's Will, Impatience, Ministry, Music, Obedience, Patience, Perseverance, Rebellion, Reward, Submission, Teaching, Temptation, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Contemporary Vs. Traditional

Posted on January 15, 2010 by russellmckinney

(This article ran in the January, 2010 regional edition of The Blue Ridge Christian News.) At Disciples Road Church, we feature a balanced blend of music. Unlike churches that offer separate traditional and contemporary services, we just throw everybody together and … Continue reading →

Posted in Balance, Bible Study, Children, King James Only, Music, Scripture, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments