Our family has lots of Christmas Traditions. I’m sure yours does too. We go to the parades, have parties with friends, go to Christmas productions, do the advent calendars, eat lots of food, and watch all the Christmas movies. We enjoy so many Christmas movies that, on any free night, it inevitably led to a debate over which one to watch. Being a youth pastor at the time, I had a fun digital prize wheel that I added all our favorite Christmas movies to. So, whenever we were f

After grumbling in my spirit over our ridiculously full social schedule for this first week of December, I felt like a total hypocrite. I had just done a podcast with a friend the day before, encouraging families in our church to keep their celebrations Christ-focused and to streamline their calendars and plans when necessary in order to honor Christ in every detail of this busy season. To be honest, it’s a fight. No matter what season of life we are in, keeping our celebrati

What a gift for a pastor--12 books. Well, I’m certain some pastors would prefer gift cards or free babysitters, but I would always take the books. Now, like every book lover, I have more books than I have time to read. Additionally, that fact will not stop me from buying more books in the days ahead. Reading is a great way to see how others have worshiped God and put their ideas out to encourage people to worship with them. Every December I feel the reflection of “I wish I ha

As a worship pastor, it is a great desire for me to see our congregation grow and flourish as Christ leads His church. If we want to see passionate worship in the hearts and lives of our people, we must first be growing daily in our walk with the Lord. “Spiritual growth” is a phrase that can be used a lot and, to be honest, is very vague. I would guess that it is something we all would want but might not know how to do. I hope to give and explain three things needed for every

Our Mission Station students recently had an incredible experience on their trip to Slovakia! This special journey was made even more...

Following my recent post on speaking boldly, Pastor John asked if I could extend the conversation into a two-part series, this time...

I’ve heard a lot of people over the years use the terms “discipleship” and “mentorship” interchangeably. I’ve experienced both, as well...

When you hear the phrase “godly example,” someone’s name probably comes to mind. Maybe it’s a mentor, a pastor, a parent, or a faithful...

How does one really get to the point where they see death as gain as Paul did? Much of our culture works hard at delaying death or even...

The Good News Club is prepared for Easter by using their 5 senses, while also having a great time! Here's what they did last session:...

Have you ever wondered why we pray, especially since ( not if ) God is sovereign.     First, let’s explain what God being sovereign...

Is being a “good person” enough to worship God?  Have you ever wondered how we can come before a Holy God in worship? I firmly believe...

The past nine weeks, I’ve had the chance to preach through Ruth. Just a short four chapters, it would be easy to overlook this book in...

Is music important to God? Have you ever wondered why we sing every time we gather together on Sunday? Or maybe a more broad question is what does God and music have to do with each other? Did we infuse music into the church ourselves or does music really mean something to God? Check out the Worship Devotional this week from Pastor Jonathan: "A Musical God." Work through the sections throughout the week or dive in head first through them all. This will certainly help you focu

Does God keep His promises?  Have you ever forgotten or lost sight of the fact that God always keeps His promises? Or maybe a better...

I heard a story about a pastor who asked his congregation, “If you had a million dollars how many of you would be willing to give a 10%...

In his most recent sermon series, Pastor John charged the congregation with the goal of cultivating a deep knowledge and understanding of...

If you've never stepped foot into Straight Street in Downtown Roanoke, you might glance through the pictures on their website and not...

Our church recently walked through biblical roles in the church and home, but the messages may have left you wondering about those in...

Monday afternoons, a team of RFBC volunteers goes to a local elementary school to share the Good News with students who stay after...