Mercy House Ministries

Why we will no longer be a welcoming church

We’ve decided to quit being a welcoming church. No kidding. We’re giving it up. Like so many congregations, we’ve sunk an amazing amount of time and energy into becoming a welcoming church. We changed worship styles, trained greeters and ushers, wore name tags, brewed coffee, went to workshops on hospitality and put our friendliest people …

What does Jesus think about Homosexuality?

Is homosexuality a sin? It’s an age-old question, and there are people on both sides of the debate, each quoting their Bibles. How do we know who’s right? What would Jesus do if he were…

What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality

There is a lot of unnecessary confusion about what the Bible is really saying about homosexuality. Dr. Michael Brown offers five key scriptural truths that dismantle the modern-day argument that God's Word condones the homosexual ...

Why Homosexuality Is Not Like Other Sins

Homosexuality is not the only sin prohibited in the Bible, but it is different from all the rest, at least right now. And we have really good news for homosexuals.

How To Reach Unchurched People Who Don't Think They Need God

I read a survey the other day that made me literally sit up straight as I took notice. The number of people in Canada (my country) who profess “no religion” is now at 24%, up from 16.5% a decade earlier. That’s a massive shift in a mere ten years. As I reflect on it all,…

Why I’m Coming Out as a Christian

I’m not scared that non-believers will make me feel like an outcast. I’m scared that Christians will.

How I Express My Gratitude to the People Who Care for Me

ID Card Benefits for Religious Organizations

Find out how religious organizations and church groups are using ID card technology to help identify church members and keep them more secure.

10 Tips for Creating Inclusive Religious Organizations

We are a stronger country when religious organizations of all faiths live up to our values -- when we are welcoming, diverse, moral, and respect one anot...

Religious Freedom as Freedom to Discriminate?

Removing religious exemptions will not promote tolerance or inclusiveness. It will forcibly strip religious organizations of their ability to operate as religious organizations.

What TechSoup Offers Religious Organizations

This article provides an overview of the TechSoup product donations and learning resources that can help your religious nonprofit get the most out of its technology.

Six Tips to Stay in Ministry for the Long Haul

In my 15 years of ministry, I've seen too many women come and go.

The Ministry of Asking Questions

Why Seminary Can Never Qualify Anyone for Ministry

Is seminary necessary? When it comes to qualification for ministry, ordination should carry much more weight and provide much greater evidence of a man’s readiness for service in the church than any seminary degree.

7 Steps for Enduring a Lifetime of Ministry

If you care too much about people’s opinion, you’re not cut out for ministry. If you care too little, you’re not cut out either.

How Religious Are You?

Pew Research has developed a typology of religion based on "how religious" a person is, along with the nature of that religious belief.

10 Toxic Learning Postures In Cross Cultural Ministry

In multiethnic ministry, conflict is inevitable. Misunderstanding is inevitable. Hurt and pain are inevitable. You will inevitably offend someone as well as be offended yourself. The question is NOT

How Secular is “Religious”?

We don’t know how the ready access to information will ultimately change the human condition, but religions are already feeling the heat. A person today can, with a few keystrokes, discover facts about religions that, when I was young, were assiduously and successfully suppressed—particularly in those traditions common among disadvantaged people such as I was. …

Remember that Religious Freedom Law?

The Religious Freedom Restoration Act continues to prove itself adept at flattening government obstacles to religious practice.

Do You Have The Margin For Ministry?

Heading into the new year, you have big plans! In setting your goals, did you build in enough margin? Without it, you'll miss many ministry opportunities!