Preach the Real Gospel
Discernment isn’t knowing the difference between right and wrong; it’s knowing the difference between right and almost right. Almost right will never be enough when it comes to someone’s eternal destiny.
By Michael C. Mack
November 21: National Adoption Day. Held the Saturday before Thanksgiving in all 50 states. On this day a number of courts and communities work together to finalize the adoptions of thousands of children in foster care.
Ideas: Work with agencies in your community to support adoptions. Plan with adoptive parents in your church to advocate for adoption in your community. Plan your weekend services around adoption, inviting adoptive families from the community. Speak about God adopting Christians as his children (Romans 8:15, 23; Galatians 4:5) in your sermon or Sunday school lessons.
November 27: Black Friday. Offer free childcare so single moms or others can shop. Give away free water bottles or hot chocolate at a local shopping center. Offer free gift wrapping. (For the previous two ideas, be sure to gain permission from shopping areas or stores first.) Transport those who cannot drive to the store and help them shop.
November 28: Small Business Saturday. Encourage church members to patronize small businesses, such as local restaurants and family-owned stores. Ask small groups or classes to provide lunch for small businesses in the area to thank them for serving your community.

Discernment isn’t knowing the difference between right and wrong; it’s knowing the difference between right and almost right. Almost right will never be enough when it comes to someone’s eternal destiny.
The year 2026 marks Christian Standard’s 160th anniversary, underscoring our long history and deep connection with The Restoration Movement.
It’s not enough for us to believe that God’s Word has something to say about the issues of our time. We must also desire to model a better way of discussing them.
Few churches handle lead minister succession well, but there are four steps for an effective succession PLAN (Prepare, Look Ahead, Assess, Navigate).
Every church will tell you they have an outward focus because they know that’s Jesus’ Great Commission, but the truth is that many are not.
Yeah let’s turn every special “day” into a church ministry. It will show people we are in tune with the culture and out to meet their needs. Or let’s not and say we did.