Posts in Ministry
The Threat of Joy In Ministry
The Threat of Joy In Ministry

Jesus is a kill-joy. That's right, the "happy God" (1 Tim. 1:11 ) of our salvation, who gives life to the full, intends for you not to be happy. Not to be happy, that is, in anything less than the best things. Jesus is shocking in the way He exposes counterfeit happiness. In fact, His whole ministry turns our understanding of joy, satisfaction, and success upside down. The inaugural words of His first sermon are startling: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 5:3, emphasis added).

Read More
Ministry, Knowing the Word, Knowing GodKelly NeedhamJesus, joy, Ministry, Productivity
So you want to do something great for God...
So you want to do something great for God...

I see my generation on the other side of their childhood dreams, entering their 30s somewhat disillusioned. For some working 9-to-5 jobs, the greatest success is keeping the bills paid and the boss happy. For many moms, the biggest accomplishment of the week is a clean kitchen and 15 minutes of Bible reading. Others did some "great" things for God right after college... 2 year mission trips, interning in a ministry, striving to hit it big as a [fill-in-the-blank-with-ministry-job], but seeing that work dwindle they are wondering what's next. So much for changing the world for Jesus. Spiritual gifts and noble desires sit on the shelf unused, itching to find an outlet to prove their effectiveness while whispers of what could have been hang in the air.

I want to pose a very important question. A question my soul needs answered every day. Does God want us to do something great for Him?

Read More
Ministry, Knowing the Word, Parenting, Home Life, Culture, Knowing God, Value the OrdinaryKelly NeedhamCulture, featured, Ministry, Moses, motherhood, obedience, the Kingdom of God, Know the Word, Pride & Humility, all good things
There is only One.
There is only One.

Do you feel distant from God? Do you feel at odds with Him? Do you desire to draw closer to Him? There is one mediator between you and God. It’s not your favorite author. It’s not a book or Bible study. It’s not your pastor, your counselor, your friend, or your parents. For there is only one mediator between God and men, the man Jesus Christ, who gave Himself as a ransom for all. Your pastor or friend or favorite blogger have not given themselves as a ransom for you. Only One person has done that… the man Jesus Christ. Do you have loved ones who are far from God and hope to see them reconciled to Him? Does it seem like it’s all up to you? Like you’re the only one in their life speaking truth and pushing them to God? Remember, there is one mediator between God and men, and it’s not you. You have no power to reconcile others to God. The best you can do is point to the man Jesus Christ who gave Himself as a ransom for all.

Read More
Faith, Friendship, Ministry, Knowing the Word, Parenting, Knowing GodKelly NeedhamJesus, Ministry, Know the Word
How to Handle the Stage: 5 Lessons from John the Baptist
How to Handle the Stage: 5 Lessons from John the Baptist

Most stages today aren't like the ones in your old high school auditorium. A stage can be anything that creates an audience for you. Twitter and Instagram, blogs and YouTube channels, websites and books are all forms of stages. Through these online avenues, you can now create your own audience with little to no risk at all. You don't have to stare people in the eyes from your stage. It can be a stage on your own terms. In addition to the easy access to a stage, our culture celebrates audience building. Wowed by those who've made it to the top, many long to join the ranks of those vloggers and bloggers with millions of followers. But for those who follow the Jesus who taught us that true greatness is servanthood (Mark 10:43–45), is it ever okay to pursue a stage? To promote a blog? To write a book? To seek out new followers? If the stage is so dangerous for our hearts, how do we view platforms we might already have?

Read More
Ministry, Knowing the Word, Culture, Knowing God, My LifeKelly NeedhamClear the Stage, John the Baptist, Pride & Humility, Jimmy Needham, Sin
A Theology of Singleness
A Theology of Singleness

What does the Bible have to say about singleness? Whether you are single or not, I hope you will take time to make sure your point of view on this stage of life is Biblical, and not influenced by the culture around you. And remember, those of us who are married may again enter this season. We are not promised forever with our spouses, and any one of us might be widowed one day.

Read More
Dating, Friendship, Ministry, Womandhood, Knowing the Word, MarriageKelly Needhammarriage, unity, Suffering, Singleness, Faith
A Heart for Home, Part 3
A Heart for Home, Part 3

What does the Bible have to say about commitments outside the home? This is not a black and white issue and therefore requires some discussion. We cannot and must not make rules where God has not made them. And no where in the Bible does it say that a woman cannot work and earn money. But God has clearly ordained for women to be the overseers of the home. With that in mind, let's look at a few passages of the Bible for some guidance.

Read More
Ministry, Womandhood, Knowing the Word, Home LifeKelly Needhamwisdom, Work, Womanhood, Hospitality