Apr 28
Essential employees have stayed on the job through the coronavirus pandemic. There has been much discussion and debate about why some industries and businesses were deemed essential, but others non-essential. The term essential means, “absolutely necessary; extremely important”(1). While our leaders and citizens can debate about what workers are essential, I thought of a better …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/are-average-christians-non-essential/
Dec 03
The difference between what we preach and do truly determines the level and depth of our faith. As a preacher, I understand that churches can be guilty of “preacher talk.” “Preacher talk” is when the preacher speaks in this ideal and convicted way about what the Bible says and what we should do, but the …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/idealized-preacher-talk-or-real-life-practice/
Sep 17
The interstate system developed during the 1950s is successful because of the ease of getting on and off the road. The highway never stops. It is a constant flow of 65+ mph traffic. Drivers choose when they want on and when they want to get off. We call these entrance and exit ramps to allow …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/getting-on-and-off-the-ministry-highway/
Feb 18
We in churches of Christ have a rich history of love for the truth and dedication to New Testament Christianity. Our history demonstrates our emphasis upon active involvement and commitment to the local church. We believe there are no “Lone Ranger” Christians, but each Christian must be connected with a local church for worship and …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/the-change-in-what-draws-people-to-a-church/
Jul 31
Ever heard of “glamping?” Glamping is one of the top travel trends of 2018. Glamping is short for “glamorous camping”. Travelers are hungering for being outside in nature and participating in an immersive experience, but they don’t want to sacrifice their accustomed luxuries. Glamping is all about maintaining your comfort without missing out on the …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/glamping-a-metaphor-for-our-christianity-today/
May 03
Church attendance figures across our nation continue to decline. Roughly 17-20% of Americans attend a Christian church on a given Sunday. Only 23-25% attend a church service 3 out of every 8 Sundays.¹ Churches are struggling to maintain their relevancy in a fast-paced culture. With the world at our finger-tips and our schedules full, church …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/is-church-still-relevant/
Mar 14
In a world of darkness and evil at every turn, where does redemptive love and hope lie? Politicians claim to have power, but only can make rules. They can’t touch hearts. Thus, the local church is the most important work on the face of the globe. Many good and important works exist. Education and health …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/the-hope-of-the-world/
Feb 06
Much of the country will be fascinated with the Winter Olympics. My family always enjoys watching them. Figures skating is always one of the most popular events. Considering the various participates in figure skating, which one best illustrates you as a Christian? The Announcers – These are the experts in the field. Their job …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/how-the-olympics-illustrate-christians/
Dec 01
I was running one recent morning listening to the gospel of John. The readings was from John 17, which is the text about Jesus’ prayer for his disciples. Our Lord is very transparent in the prayer about his work on earth and his goals for HIs disciples. He prays for his 12 disciples that he …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/how-the-preacher-identifies-with-the-same-aims-as-christ/
Nov 17
It is Thanksgiving time and kids are coming back from college. Good kids who have gone away to Christian schools or gotten involved in a Christian student center. They have been exposed to other congregations. They have experienced mission campaigns, large devotional singings, powerful preachers, and new programs. They now look at their home congregation …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/your-home-church-wasnt-perfect-nor-awful/
