There are few things more disheartening in ministry than fractured relationships—especially when they come from within the very circle you trusted most. Like so many pastors and church leaders, I’ve often experienced the confusion that comes when someone you thought was a friend suddenly goes silent without any explanation. As much as that sort of … Continue reading Relationships Gone Cold
In today’s culture, “tolerance” often means accepting all beliefs and behaviors as equally valid. The idea of calling something “wrong” has become almost taboo. Judging others is now seen as the worst possible offense. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses this issue with surprising clarity. In Matthew 7, He gives us two powerful … Continue reading Do Not Judge
“I believe in God, but not religion.” This type of comment makes me think that our religious services aren’t offering God in a way that people can sit down at the spiritual table and feast. It means that God isn’t being presented, well, as God. Let’s be honest. We like to wrap God up in … Continue reading Jesus Uncensored
If you’re easily offended, you’re carnal. Offense is nothing more than your flesh trying to live. The more you give in to it, the more susceptible you become to being offended. It is like an automatic firearm; it keeps blasting once you pull the trigger. If not dealt with, offense turns into resentment. When that … Continue reading Cancel Culture
Last year, I received an invitation to be one of the guest speakers at a conference in Kokomo, IN. The Holiness Partnership (tHP) was planning its first annual gathering, and I was honored to be asked to preach. I have known the majority of those involved in organizing tHP for many years. They are fruitful … Continue reading The Holiness Partnership
We live in serious times. In a matter of days, life as we know it has been turned upsidedown. Even so, the call of the Body of Christ is to participate in the Great Commission. So, while the work of the church may look different in the coming days, her mission remains the same: To Make … Continue reading Coronavirus & The Church
Imagine your family uprooting and moving to a new community. You are excited. You move into a new house, enroll the kids in a new school, get settled in, and start familiarizing yourself with the place you now call home. Imagine the community being small—a place where everybody knows everybody. It seems lovely on the … Continue reading Ichabod Spirit
In December 2014 I received an important callA few months later by Dr. Crocker I was installedAs the Superintendent of the Kentucky DistrictAfter three and a half years I remain quite optimistic I heard all the rumors right out of the gateAbout how they run DSs right out of this stateIt didn’t take long to learn … Continue reading Ode To The Kentucky District
Recently, I received a text message from an old friend. Although the message was only two sentences long it jolted me in a good way. The words were powerful; tears filled my eyes instantly. It took me back in time to a meaningful experience I shared with someone I love. At that moment God reminded … Continue reading As Good As It Gets
In the Garden, God told Adam and Eve they could partake of everything except for one tree: The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. God supplied all they would ever need for life at its fullest. Yet, for love to truly be reciprocated there had to be an alternative; it was that one … Continue reading Reflecting His Image
Brian L Powell 