First Congregational Christian Church

Why we will no longer be a welcoming church

We’ve decided to quit being a welcoming church. No kidding. We’re giving it up. Like so many congregations, we’ve sunk an amazing amount of time and energy into becoming a welcoming church. We changed worship styles, trained greeters and ushers, wore name tags, brewed coffee, went to workshops on hospitality and put our friendliest people …

Why Homosexuality Is Not Like Other Sins

Homosexuality is not the only sin prohibited in the Bible, but it is different from all the rest, at least right now. And we have really good news for homosexuals.

Single mums finding acceptance in church

The days of castigating unmarried women with kids are ending

What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality

There is a lot of unnecessary confusion about what the Bible is really saying about homosexuality. Dr. Michael Brown offers five key scriptural truths that dismantle the modern-day argument that God's Word condones the homosexual ...

How Long Should You Stay at Your Church?

With sweat pouring down my cheek, my father said to me: “Put your head down; focus on the path before you. Don’t look to the right or the left. Take your time. Don’t finish quick but finish well.” This is how my dad taught me to mow the lawn. His advice is also relevant to …

Why I’m Grateful for the Local Church

I love my church where I serve, but I’m also very grateful for the local church in general. In all its beauty and flaws, I can’t imagine culture surviving without it.

“Does the Christian church need different denominations?”

Stamford’s First Congregational Church was sold to provide housing. What will it take to make...

The city’s Planning Board has approved a plan to save the historic church and put...

Where Can Women Teach? Eight Principles for Christian Churches

How do women honor God’s pattern of male headship in the church while also exercising a spiritual gift of teaching?

Christian Web Trends Blog: Church Websites, Design, SEO

Is your church online? Most people start looking for things online. So, your church needs to be online for them to find you. Knott Avenue Christian Church is doing that. See how and see what the results have been.

When Is a Church Not a Church?

The tax code allows for some strange political shenanigans.

Church? I Haven't Been to Church in Fifty Years

One of the sweet things about being a priest is being able to minister at a person’s deathbed. The veil between this world and the next is very thin at that point, and you can see so much. When I say you can “see” so much what I mean is that so much is revealed. …

What Is the Church's Mission?

This short book argues that the mission of the church is to make disciples and to be disciples as it equips readers to obey Christ’s call and make God’s glory known in their churches and in all the world.

Don’t Like How Your Church Is Changing? This Is For You

My tribute to those who feel left behind when you don’t recognize your own church anymore.

What Kind of Church is It?

We often categorize our churches with fancy titles: Relevant, emergent, classic, reformed, fundamentalist, traditional, contemporary, liturgical, purpose-driven etc… The list is really endless and…

Should Pastors Give to Their Church?

God has designed us, not to be hoarders, but conduits through which His generosity flows. When we give to our local church, we get to participate in all the amazing ministry God is doing through the church. It is a place of significant impact. He uses your generosity to your church to make a difference […]

Why ‘Online Church’ Isn’t a Substitute for the Real Thing

By Greg Laurie - People can commune with God anywhere they are, but that isn't a substitute for real fellowship with the church.