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Really?! A whole sermon in one sentence? How can that be? It can . . . and is. What’s more, it’s just the kind of sermon a lot of listeners of sermons have yearned for—one sentence instead of several pages of theological rambling or ethical pronouncements or long-winded, homiletical speech. But it’s not what you […]

When I hear good stories of churches fulfilling Christ’s instructions to be compassionate, I want to share them as an encouragement for other churches to follow suit. The story below is such a story, taking place literally half a mile from the Inasmuch office. My source is the July 14 issue of The Call, the […]

I volunteer at a local benevolent organization because I think it’s important to practice what I preach. I work with people who come to the organization asking for food, help with utilities or rent, or information where they can get help for any number of needs. I am constantly amazed at the trying circumstances in […]

You’re watching your favorite TV show when a commercial for world hunger comes on. Images of badly malnourished children appear on the screen . . . one after another after another. You are moved by these pictures and feel sadness, sympathy, and maybe compassion. You see and hear the appeal to give to an organization […]

I have been captivated for a week by a new book—Wonder Drug: 7 Scientifically Proven Ways That Serving Others Is the Best Medicine for Yourself by 2 doctors—Dr. Stephen Trzeciak and Dr. Anthony Mazzarelli. The book’s subtitle is a strong clue to its fascination for me, but it can be for you, too. Mazzarelli and […]

There is a common misconception that churches do a good job of serving people in need. That may be due to the fact that the news often reports churches responding to disasters or conducting high-profile compassion ministry events. But the fact is that a small percentage of believers are personally engaged in these ministries. Churches, […]

Several years ago, I heard something I have never forgotten (indirectly) from a minister friend I respect a great deal. He said something to the effect that he was in the process of shifting his hope for impact for good from the church to business. At the time, I heard that comment as one person’s […]

I love this story. Fred Craddock, a venerable and popular Methodist preacher of the recent past told a story from his seminary pastorate. The church had an Emergency Fund of about $100 (this dates back several decades). Church leaders told him that, as pastor, he could use the money to help people in need at […]

I was talking to another minister the other day when he told me about hearing a speaker recently talk about serving others “on the way.” (I don’t remember the speaker’s name, so if any of you recognize this and are bothered that I am not giving credit here, that’s why.) My friend said the speaker […]

I often get the question as to whether Gen Z is as willing to serve people in need as older generations. My response is Yes, they are . . . but maybe not exactly like my generation—Boomers. The question about Gen Z comes from the suspicion that younger folk are more self-centered and, therefore, less […]