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 28
Mrs. Ruby Sanders, a sweet widow at Seven Oaks, gave me an old bulletin from 7th and College (the location and preceding name of our church). It was dated Dec. 9, 1962 (almost 55 years ago). I am sure she had kept it because it announced her marriage to Laddie Sanders. I enjoyed reading it …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/thoughts-from-a-55-year-old-bulletin/
Jul 12
On Saturday evening July 9th, 10 people had been pulled 100 yards off the shore of Panama City Beach. A riptide had separated these individuals from the shore and was threatening them with drowning. Some of the ten were adults who had gone trying to rescue two young boys and got pulled into the riptide …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/how-the-church-should-be-a-human-chain/
Apr 28
I am proud of our ladies at Seven Oaks. This past Friday they held their 10th annual Ladies’ Night. Many churches have ladies’ days, which are very effective and have their place in the church. But our ladies wanted to do something different ten years back. So they started a ladies’ night. Ladies love to …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/how-about-a-ladies-night/
Jan 04
Americans are growing less religious, but more spiritual. This may, at first, seem like a contradiction. But surveys are indicating that while attendance and membership with religious bodies are decreasing, spiritually, which relates to feelings of peace, wonder, and well-being are on the rise.¹ In America, with our predominantly Christian based culture, this has often been …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/scratching-your-spiritual-itch/
Oct 18
This past Sunday night 7 Oaks Church of Christ honored the emergency workers of our community. We invited all law enforcement, firemen, and EMT workers to our evening service and a meal. We advertised on Facebook and the local paper for this event. We personally invited many of our Emergency Workers and departments. The night …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/emergency-workers-appreciation-night-report/
Aug 02
We just returned from vacation in Colorado. It was a wonderful time. We visited the Rocky Mountain National Park on Friday, July 29th. We were walking to this historic site when we crossed this creek. This creek looks very ordinary and small. You wouldn’t think much about it, except to observe its natural beauty as …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/it-is-just-a-little-creek/
Oct 13
Please take a minute and fill out this survey regarding Sunday nights. I will help me and others as I will be sharing this information. The survey is anonymous and is very concise. Thanks in advance. Help me share the survey with others too. Thanks, Josh
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/where-are-you-on-sunday-nights/
May 13
This is a special guest post by my friend Mark Ray. Mark preaches at the Benton Church of Christ in Benton Kentucky. He is the author of a book on marriage I am teaching now and recommend for your use. He also has a web presence at www.markdray.wordpress.com. He has lots of excellent resources on …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/how-one-church-had-success-with-a-gospel-meeting/
Apr 09
We had the privilege of attending the Tuesday practice round of the 2015 Masters tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. It was a special day that I will share more about in an upcoming post. It was our first time at “the National” as locals refer to the course. While you would …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/what-the-church-can-learn-from-the-masters/
