The B21 Podcast is back for a new year of content! In this first episode, our host, Nate Akin, provides an overview of where we hope to go in 2021. We also include a special guest segment from the Christ-Centered & Clear podcast – a helpful resource for those that desire to read the Bible in a Christ-centered fashion. New …
A Tribute to an Ordinary Lay-Pastor
By Alex DiPrima Last year, I read D.A. Carson’s excellent little tribute to his father titled, Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor. I am writing this article in the spirit of that book. Thus I have given it the title, A Tribute to an Ordinary Lay-Pastor. Bob Prentice (1957-2020) is a name few will recognize, yet I am confident that on the Last …
How to Choose the Right Health Care Strategy for Your Church or Ministry: 5 Popular Strategies Explained
By Scott CharbonneauManaging Director of Insurance SolutionsGuideStone Financial Resources It’s time to choose an employee health plan for 2021. So how do you know which health plan strategy is right for you and your team? At GuideStone®, our mission is to serve you as you serve the Lord — and that means making sure you have all the information you need …
Three Ways to Help Protect Your Church or Ministry Against Cyberattacks
By John Murphy We can’t seem to go a single week without hearing about a new cyberattack or ransomware campaign affecting the information of millions. Yet, we rarely hear about churches and other nonprofits being impacted — but that is not the case. Cybersecurity statistics from 2019 indicate 43% of all cyberattacks target ministries, nonprofits and small organizations. If you combine …
Why Study Church History?
By Andrew Davis I love church history! I delight in immersing myself in the world of brothers and sisters in Christ from different eras of history and in different cultures from mine. I love to see how they acted so boldly and courageously for the glory of Christ. I thrill to read how firmly they stood against persecutors, or how …
B21 Podcast: Interview with Scott Charbonneau
In our most recent interview, B21’s Nate Akin had an opportunity to discuss various health topics pertinent to pastors with Guidestone’s Scott Charbonneau. To assist our listeners in some of the finer points related to this field, Guidestone has graciously provided an informational handout which breaks down navigating health coverage into 5 simple steps. This document and the link to …
Being Baptist in the 21st Century: Two Offices: Pastors & Deacons
Understanding the leadership structure presented in the New Testament is critical for healthy church functioning. To explore this topic, we have links to our two-part podcast on this topic, along with an article listed below. By Matt Diaz It’s popular in our day to take business maxims and apply them to the work of the church. While a whole host …
Four Ways You Can Participate in Mission:Dignity Sunday Help Provide Peace to Retired Ministers and Widows During COVID-19 Uncertainty
By Aaron Meraz “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). 2020 has had what feels to be more than its share of trouble. Through Christ, though, we are able to view suffering and affliction as opportunities for increased gospel advancement and grace giving. Here at GuideStone’s Mission:Dignity® ministry, we have the opportunity …
Why Should We Remain in the SBC?
By Jonathan Woodyard The departure of well-known Christians and churches from the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) tends to make the headlines. Recently a prominent pastor, one from whom I have benefited personally, led his church to leave voluntary cooperation with the SBC. There are legitimate concerns with the state of our convention. The SBC is declining numerically, and baptisms are down. The reasons for the …
Being Baptist in the 21st Century: Church Discipline
By Dr. Josh Wredberg PODCASTS: ARTICLE: What comes to your mind when you hear the words church discipline? Maybe you picture a scene from Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter of Hester Prynne slinking down the sidewalks with a large, red “A” embroidered on her chest. Or maybe you envision the torture and death that was part of the Inquisition centuries ago. Many of the …