River Church of Southern Maryland

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 alcoholics can teach churches

Daybreak Fellowship blends language of addiction recovery with Christian worship

Should Your Church Live Stream?

Chances are, your church has either started live streaming recently or has considered it at some point. With equipment improvements, lower entry costs, and availability through the web and social media, live streaming is becoming more common in the church. If you are considering adding a streamed service or posting videos for replay viewing to …

What the Bible Says About Homosexuality

What does the Bible truly say about homosexuality? In this blog you can find out the truth about what it says concerning same-sex love.

I’m Unemployed. Should I Still Tithe?

I grew up in the Church, and I have always been taught the principle of tithing. For years, I’ve faithfully given 10 percent of my income to church, but I

Why Are So Many Christians Unhappy?

The only way to have joy is to say a full “Yes” to God. Which means saying “No” to the world.

10 Ways to Be a Welcoming Church to Those With Special Needs

For those willing to welcome those with special needs, how can today’s churches better serve these families? One parent shares some tips.

How to preach difficult doctrines without splitting your church — Southern Equip

Faithful doctrinal teaching always starts with the text, not a system.

Guarding Our Children From Church Hurt: Why Our Actions Matter

The words and actions of parents and caregivers are influencing the faith of children at any given moment.

11 Ways Leaders Wreck Their Churches

How much potential impact is being wasted or destroyed because leaders aren’t leading effectively?

A Growing Church is a Dying Church

Whenever a congregation goes looking for a new pastor, the first question on their minds when the committee interviews a new candidate is: Will this pastor grow our church? I’m going to go ahead an…

How to Coach Church Planters

A coach is someone who helps another person to be successful at doing what God has called them to do. Church planter coaches are trained to serve church planters by understanding their unique chall...

Feeling Stuck? An Invitation to Get Off Your Church Property

If you want to reach your city, you’ll need to step off your church property. Not all church leaders, however, have caught this “city gene.” A phrase coined by Pastor Roger Valci who believes leaders with

10 Traits of Pastors Who Have Healthy Long-term Tenure

Are you doing these 10 things that can help you persevere in ministry?

To those who are contemplating leaving the United Methodist Church

I write this letter with an aching heart. I have heard the pain in the voices of so many of you, wondering if it is time to “shake the dust off” and leave your local church. As your bishop, I cannot ask you to stay in a place where your soul cannot be at rest. However, I will share with you why I, a

5 Reasons Why There Are No Millennials in Your Church

As fewer and fewer Millennials (or maybe just white Millennials) attend a local church with regularity, pastors frantically read books and blogs about how to keep young people in the pews. Few pastors and churches are attracting Millennials in droves, and most pastors are simply frustrated by the fact that they can’t seem to get young …

19 Things That Are So Maryland