It was my pleasure recently to attend the Renovare International Conference in beautiful San Antonio, Texas. Hosted partly at First Baptist Church of San Antonio and including Fellowship Baptists as workshop presenters and speakers, I was proud to be a Fellowship Baptist in the midst of so many fellow pilgrims. Consistent with their reputation, Renovare … Continue reading
Author Archives: bennettrick72
Prayer in the Atlanta Airport
Several weeks ago, in route to Santiago, Chile to lead a spiritual formation retreat for our Chilean Baptist partners, I felt compelled to pray. All of the feelings consistent with leaving family for a week, visiting a new culture, and traveling at 35k feet for 9 hours weighed heavily on my heart; what’s more, I … Continue reading
I Need a Retreat!
Lately, life has been nuts and I’m on the edge of integrity. What I mean is, I often preach the value of contemplative retreat opportunities, but too often wait until I’m on the edge to plan one for myself. I’ve always struggled with this in ministry. I’m amazed at how easy it is to look … Continue reading
Last Minute Resources for Lent
Still looking for resources for Lent, maybe just starting? There are several quality resources out there that still might make it to your church in time for Ash Wednesday or the Sunday following, but only if you act quick! One fine resource that you might use for Lent is a new resource from CBF called … Continue reading
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The Rabbi and The Preacher – The Power of Friendship (Wayne Martin)
They hit it off quite well when they first met years ago in South Florida…this rabbi and this preacher. It is not quite clear what drew the two clergymen to each other and it may matter only as a reminder of how unique this relationship was. Yet, it’s not your everyday occurrence that … Continue reading
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Stewardship – In a Sluggish Economy (by Ruben Swint)
IN A SLUGGISH ECONOMY REVISITED Practical Suggestions for Funding Mission The upheaval and uncertainty and panic associated with our economy in 2008 create a question similar to ones raised in 2002 and 2003. What are we to do now that the stock market is falling, unemployment is rising, credit lines are tightening and the … Continue reading
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Advent Resources
Advent has always been, after Lent, my favorite season in the Christian calendar. As a Christian educator in the local church, I loved teaching about Advent and observing spiritual formation in the lives of people as they journeyed through this counter-cultural Season of preparation. Often a church member would remark about how much more meaningful their Christmas … Continue reading
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Adoption Ceremonies for Church
On Sunday, September 28, we conducted our first adoption ceremony for a family who adopted a 6 year old girl. I did some work trying to find resources with limited success. I did have a good conversation with a pastor friend in town with the Episcopal church. I also utilized material from the “Gathering for … Continue reading
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World Communion Sunday: Blake Kendrick, FBC Greenwood SC
Baptists Celebrate World Communion Sunday October 5, 2008 When God’s people celebrate Holy Communion, Christ is present in a profound and formative way. This sacred meal is an invitation for the collective church to participate in Christ’s story of redemption and sacrificial love. Whether Holy Communion is celebrated monthly or quarterly, through intinction, the common … Continue reading
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Churches Going Green
Recently, I had a request from a pastor whose church wanted to know more about “going green.” It seems more and more churches these days are wanting to know how to be better stewards of the environment and their physical plant. I did a little research, and here’s what I came up with: o http://www.csmonitor.com/2003/0123/p11s02-lire.html … Continue reading
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