Author: John W. Crowder
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Thanksgiving: Motivations and Methods
Psalm 100:1-5 (English Standard Version) 1 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! 2 Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! 3 Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.…
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If
I recently came across an old note written in my grandmother’s hand. The words on that old, yellowed sheet of paper reveal a timeless wisdom: If you want to dodge wrong, do right.If you want to jump high, don’t live low.If you want the world right, start with yourself.If you must publish someone’s faults, publish…
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Our Place
The instruments are quiet.The final notes have faded.The last amen no longer echoes.The room changes when the people are gone.It’s just You and me at Your house. The emptiness of pews and aisles make You seem even closer.In the stillness I sense You moving.In the silence I hear You speak.Thank You for meeting me here
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Plumb Lines for Ministry
(Except for some minor revisions, this article first appeared in Common Call Magazine, published by the Baptist Standard.) When Six Flags Over Texas started its second season in 1962, one of the most popular attractions was “Casa Magnetica,” also known as “The Crooked House.” It was so popular, it remained active longer than most attractions…
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Intentionality
One of the life skills I am trying to learn is INTENTIONALITY. Instead of hoping a friendship will develop, I have to take steps to create friendship. Instead of waiting for a particular group to make me feel accepted, I have to make connections and build bridges. Instead of waiting to forget my failures, I…
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A Rational Response to a Perceived Attack
To avoid making things worse with our own emotional reactions, leaders need a rational way to process a perceived attack and determine how to respond.
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My Ministry Began with Two Words
My ministry began with two words, “Ted’s dead.” I was a young college student and had just started my first church staff position. My title was “Youth Minister,” but to that point there had been very little ministry taking place. It was more like a part-time job. I was getting to the know the students…
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The Old Barn and the New Baby
When I was a kid, my family had an ornate, wooden table that sat in the living room. For most of the year it held a marble chess set and was usually ignored. For a few weeks each year, however, it was transformed into a place of honor. When it was time to decorate the…
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Four Steps You Can’t Leave Out When Conducting an Event
Don’t leave out these steps that often get overlooked when conducting an event in a church or ministry.
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Fog It!
A few years ago I was going through one of the worst times of my life. My blood pressure was up and my stress was out of control. The turning point of my recovery occurred when I made a new friend. Ben was wise and compassionate. He had been through difficult times before and he…
John W. Crowder 