Jessica Lea – ChurchLeaders

FBI Raids Home of Pastor John-Paul Miller Months After Wife’s Death Ruled a Suicide

Jessica Lea — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 22:55:38 +0000

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) executed a search warrant Nov. 1 at the home of South Carolina Pastor John-Paul Miller, husband to the late Mica Miller. The FBI would not confirm if the search was related to the death of the pastor’s estranged wife.

John Legend Debates Abortion With Christian YouTuber Ruslan

Jessica Lea — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 23:07:44 +0000

Award-winning R&B singer and songwriter John Legend responded to a video that Christian YouTuber Ruslan made addressing the singer’s views on abortion.

Sex Should Be ‘Within a Committed Relationship,’ Whether Straight or Gay, Says Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby

Jessica Lea — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 22:19:44 +0000

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby is facing backlash for answering a question about “gay sex” by saying “all sexual activity should be within a committed relationship.”

Mark Matlock: What Pastors Need To Know About the ‘Spiritually Curious’

Jessica Lea — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 15:29:05 +0000

Mark Matlock joins “The Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast” to share what the data shows about the “spiritually curious,” the distinctions between this group and other non-Christians, and how to engage with the spiritually curious effectively.

Jesus, MMA, and Heavy Metal Feature in New Movie, ‘The Carpenter’

Jessica Lea — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 22:32:03 +0000

What do Jesus, heavy metal and mixed martial arts (MMA) have to do with one another? Each is a feature of the movie, “The Carpenter,” set to be released in select theaters nationwide on Nov. 1.

Lecrae, Justin Giboney, Cory Ruth Discuss Morality in Politics and Voting for Policies Over People

Jessica Lea — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 22:25:56 +0000

Christian hip hop artist Lecrae hosted Justin Giboney, a Christian who affiliates with the Democratic Party, and Cory Ruth, a Christian who affiliates with the Republican Party, on “The Deep End With Lecrae” to hear their views on various questions related to the 2024 presidential election.

67% of Pastors Have Personal History of Porn Use, Reports Barna

Jessica Lea — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 20:45:02 +0000

The American church has a porn problem. Nearly 1 in 5 pastors (18%) in the United States currently struggles with pornography. Two-thirds (67%) have engaged with porn at some point in their lives. And 74% of practicing Christians “who have engaged with porn” say no one is helping them avoid it.

Jack Hibbs, John MacArthur Comment on ‘Jesus Is Lord’ Incident at Harris Rally; Evangelicals for Harris Critiques ‘False Narrative’

Jessica Lea — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 21:17:00 +0000

After two Christian pro-life college students claimed that Vice President Kamala Harris mocked them at a rally for calling out "Christ is King” and "Jesus is Lord,” pastors including Jack Hibbs and John MacArthur are citing the incident to suggest that Harris is an anti-Christian.

Sean McDowell and Timothy Muehlhoff: How Church Leaders Can Rise Above Cancel Culture

Jessica Lea — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 15:20:58 +0000

Dr. Sean McDowell and Dr. Timothy Muehlhoff join “The Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast” to discuss the challenges of navigating disagreements in today's polarized culture, highlighting the importance of empathy, truth, and building relationships.

‘Literally a Matter of Life and Death’—Tony Dungy Urges Floridians To Vote Down ‘Right to Abortion Initiative’

Jessica Lea — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 20:03:57 +0000

Tony Dungy is urging Floridians to vote “no” this November on Amendment 4, arguing it “would radically change the abortion landscape in Florida.” The vocal Christian and NFL Hall of Fame coach said the vote is “literally a matter of life and death.”

‘Jesus Is Lord’—Pro-Life College Students Say Kamala Harris Mocked Them As They Were Kicked Out of Rally

Jessica Lea — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 21:19:22 +0000

Vice President Kamala Harris made headlines over the weekend for how she appeared to respond after two college students called out, “Jesus is Lord,” during one of her rallies.

‘Suspicious’ Fire at North Las Vegas Church Under Investigation

Jessica Lea — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 19:34:08 +0000

Officials are investigating a “suspicious” fire at Tabernacle of Faith Church in North Las Vegas. The fire occurred around 2:20 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17.

Lysa TerKeurst on Why Unconditional Trust Is Neither Wise Nor Biblical

Jessica Lea — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 18:40:26 +0000

While some might think having unconditional trust is biblical, ministry leader Lysa TerKeurst argues this type of trust is not only unwise but also not what God is asking of his followers.

‘We’re Super Excited’—Jinger Duggar Vuolo, Husband Jeremy, Announce 3rd Child Is on the Way

Jessica Lea — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 22:24:45 +0000

Jinger Duggar Vuolo and her husband, Jeremy Vuolo, announced this week they are expecting their third child together.

Beth Moore: What Will ‘Make or Break’ Your Bible Teaching

Jessica Lea — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 14:14:14 +0000

Beth Moore joins “The Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast” to discuss the art of compelling Bible teaching. She emphasizes the importance of a teacher’s relationship with God and addresses the nuts and bolts of preparation, as well as the role of criticism in a teacher's journey.

Letter Claiming To Be From Church Whose Preacher Said Gay People Should Be Shot Scares LGBTQ+ TikTok Influencer

Jessica Lea — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 22:54:00 +0000

A letter claiming to be from members of Stedfast Baptist Church in Texas, where church leaders have said that gay people should be executed, was reportedly sent to a TikTok influencer who identifies as LGBTQ+.

Why Biola Started What Could Be the First Interdisciplinary AI Lab at a Christian University

Jessica Lea — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 21:25:48 +0000

Biola University is a Christian institution that is leaning into the challenges and opportunities AI presents by exploring how to use AI’s disruption in the most redemptive way possible.

Tom Ascol, Sam Rainer, and Willy Rice Among FL Pastors Bracing for Hurricane Milton

Jessica Lea — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 19:07:33 +0000

As Hurricane Milton barrels toward Florida, pastors who are in the storm's projected pathway are posting updates about their situations and asking for prayer as the Category 4 hurricane approaches. A number are remaining in the area and preparing to serve their communities after Milton passes.

Lysa TerKeurst: How To Respond When Your Trust Is Broken

Jessica Lea — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 15:28:22 +0000

Lysa TerKeurst joins “The Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast” to discuss how to navigate trust issues in relationships, particularly in the context of church leadership. She also addresses the topic of church hurt and how ministry leaders can lead with sensitivity while still maintaining healthy boundaries.

‘Jesus, Save Me’—7-Year-Old Boy Cried Out to God in Final Moments as He, Grandparents Were Swept Away in Asheville Flood

Jessica Lea — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 21:16:13 +0000

One family navigating unbearable loss because of Hurricane Helene is also glorifying God in the midst of their sorrow. North Carolina resident Megan Drye lost her 7-year-old son, Micah, and her parents, Michael and Nora, to the flood waters that devastated Asheville and other North Carolina communities.

The Devastation From Hurricane Helene Is ‘Overwhelming’ but So Is the Neighborly Love

Jessica Lea — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 21:50:07 +0000

In the midst of the shocking loss and ruin Hurricane Helene left in its wake, stories are emerging of neighbors going above and beyond to help one another. Among them are pastors, local churches, and Christian relief organizations.

Lysa TerKeurst and Her New Husband, Chaz Adams, Have a ‘Behind the Scenes Conversation’ About Their Relationship

Jessica Lea — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 20:26:12 +0000

Lysa TerKeurst sat down with her husband, Chaz Adams, Wednesday night for a “behind the scenes conversation” about their “redemption story.”

Dave Ferguson: The Key Steps to Building a Culture of Outreach

Jessica Lea — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 15:16:34 +0000

Dave Ferguson joins “The Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast” to share how church leaders can go beyond holding evangelistic events and actually build a culture of outreach in their congregations.

Luke Bryan Offers Prayer to Jesus for His Children in Final Track on New Album

Jessica Lea — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 18:18:38 +0000

In “Jesus ‘Bout My Kids,” country music star Luke Bryan describes doing his best to encourage his children to follow Jesus and asks Jesus to watch over them.

‘Are These Tighty-Whities Satanic?!?’—Russell Brand Defends Decision To Perform Baptism in His Underwear, Citing Philippians

Jessica Lea — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 18:59:20 +0000

Actor and podcast host Russell Brand has responded to people who criticized him for performing a baptism while wearing only his underwear.

Alan Ritchson: People Outside My Christian or Political ‘Tribe’ Are Not My Enemies

Jessica Lea — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 18:57:20 +0000

Alan Ritchson, a vocal Christian and star of “Reacher” on Amazon Prime, urged Christians to make space for people outside of their political and religious tribes.

Eric Geiger: What To Do ‘If You Want Values To Actually Drive Behavior’

Jessica Lea — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 14:04:32 +0000

Eric Geiger joins “The Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast” to discuss key elements of church leadership, including mission, vision and strategy–and the importance of not confusing them with one another.

How Pastors Who Feel ‘Overwhelmed’ by AI Can Engage With It Well

Jessica Lea — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 21:52:26 +0000

There are church leaders who want to ignore artificial intelligence (AI) completely and there are those who find it intriguing, but regardless of pastors’ feelings about the technology, it is essential that they engage with it.

Pastors, Don’t Let Your Fear of AI Cause You To Miss This Moment, Say Experts

Jessica Lea — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 19:38:45 +0000

Pastors and church leaders who are fearful about artificial intelligence have good reason to be. But they should not let their valid concerns prevent them from missing the opportunity the church has to shape the cultural conversation on AI, say industry and ministry leaders.

D.A. Carson Discusses the Origins of TGC and the Need for a Theological Vision for Ministry

Jessica Lea — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 15:26:18 +0000

Dr. D.A. Carson joins “The Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast” to talk about the origins of The Gospel Coalition, the importance of a theological vision for ministry, and leadership lessons from 1 Corinthians.

Gloo Holds 2nd AI & the Church Hackathon, Focusing on ‘Redemptive Technology’

Jessica Lea — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 22:56:37 +0000

Leading technology platform Gloo held its second annual AI and the Church Hackathon in Boulder, Colorado, on Sept. 13-15. Over 200 people on 40 teams created AI-driven solutions to promote human flourishing and thriving churches; winners were awarded cash prizes from a pool of $250,000.

Acclaimed Rapper Kendrick Lamar Name-Drops Christian Hip Hop Artists Lecrae and Dee-1; Meanwhile, Dee-1 Responds to ‘Elevation and Condemnation’

Jessica Lea — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 19:48:16 +0000

In his new single posted on social media this week, acclaimed rapper Kendrick Lamar name-dropped Christian hip hop artists Lecrae and Dee-1. Both responded with appreciation, even as Dee-1 has been addressing criticism over his views on Lil Wayne.

Why Did Judas Betray Jesus? ‘The Chosen’ Actor Luke Dimyan, Dallas Jenkins, and Others Weigh In

Jessica Lea — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 18:27:05 +0000

Why did Judas betray Jesus? Luke Dimyan, the actor who portrays Judas in “The Chosen,” Alaa Safi, who portrays Simon the Zealot, and the show’s creator, Dallas Jenkins, were among those who recently offered their thoughts on the possible motives behind Judas’ actions.

Crawford Loritts: All Church Leaders Will Be ‘Ambushed’ If They Don’t Make This a Priority

Jessica Lea — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 15:30:35 +0000

Dr. Crawford Loritts joins “The Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast” to talk about the key traits of leaders who are not only influential but who also last in ministry.

James Earl Jones, Dead at 93, Credited High School Teacher, Mentor for Helping Him Find His Voice and His Faith

Jessica Lea — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 20:50:07 +0000

James Earl Jones, an acclaimed actor known for his iconic voice, passed away Monday, Sept. 9 at age 93. Jones said that perhaps the ”greatest honor” among his many accomplishments was recording the New Testament, which he did in memory of the man who helped him find his voice and Christian faith.

‘This Is Not the Time To Be Lukewarm’—Family of Pastor and Wife Who Died in Car Crash Urge People To Follow Jesus

Jessica Lea — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 21:08:00 +0000

Congregants in Tennessee are mourning the deaths of their pastor, Dr. Bobby Mullins, who was killed in a car accident on Tuesday, Sept. 3, and Mullins’ wife, Wanda, who was also in the accident and passed away from injuries two days later.

‘Our Hearts Are Broken’—Candace Cameron Bure Posts Tribute to Father-in-Law, Vladimir Bure, After His Death

Jessica Lea — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 17:52:55 +0000

Vladimir Bure, an Olympic medalist, NHL fitness consultant, and father-in-law of actor and producer Candace Cameron Bure, passed away on Sept. 3 at the age of 73. Candace posted a tribute to her father-in-law on Instagram Sept. 4.

Pete Scazzero: Church Staff Meetings Are Just as Important as Your Sunday Sermons

Jessica Lea — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 18:34:45 +0000

Pete Scazzero used to see church staff meetings as less important Sunday sermons, but he has since come to see these meetings as just as “important as a sermon or a teaching of Scripture or as a prayer meeting.”

Kay Warren and Glen Bloomstrom: The Vital Role Church Leaders Play in Helping To Prevent Suicide

Jessica Lea — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 15:25:16 +0000

Kay Warren and Glen Bloomstrom join “The Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast” to discuss the crucial part church leaders play in helping people battle suicide and how those in ministry can take action to be equipped for this fight.

Mark Yarhouse: Don’t Be a Culture Warrior or Capitulator When It Comes to Gender Identity

Jessica Lea — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 22:02:16 +0000

Dr. Mark Yarhouse joined Dr. Ed Stetzer for an extended conversation on how pastors and church leaders can shepherd people in the area of gender identity.

Rich Villodas: The Pitfalls Pastors Face As They Try To Walk the Narrow Path of Jesus

Jessica Lea — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 15:21:13 +0000

Rich Villodas joins “The Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast” to discuss what it means to follow Jesus on his narrow path and the dangers pastors face as they do so.

‘I Am the One That Jesus Loves’—3 Doors Down Lead Singer Has Concertgoers Repeat Words of Apostle John

Jessica Lea — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 18:28:38 +0000

Brad Arnold, lead singer of 3 Doors Down, took a few minutes during the band’s set on the Summer of ‘99 tour in Hershey, Pennsylvania, to tell the crowd that Jesus loves them.

‘It Rattled My Faith’—Demi-Leigh Tebow Shares How She Questioned God Because of the Suffering of Her Sister

Jessica Lea — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 23:09:33 +0000

Demi-Leigh Tebow appears to have an idyllic life in many ways, yet, like many people, she has had to learn some difficult lessons and at times has struggled with her Christian faith.

‘Emotional Pornography’—Allie Beth Stuckey Warns Christian Women To Avoid ‘It Ends With Us’

Jessica Lea — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 16:36:57 +0000

Conservative commentator Allie Beth Stuckey warned Christian women that the novel, “It Ends With Us,” is “emotional porn” and encouraged people to stay away from the new movie based on the popular book by Colleen Hoover.

Church Leaders Debate the Benefits of Adding a Weeknight Service To Accommodate Weekend Schedules

Jessica Lea — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 20:33:20 +0000

A clip posted on social media Monday from a sermon given by James Griffin, a pastor in Georgia, is generating discussion online about whether churches should add services during the workweek to accommodate people’s busy weekend schedules.

J.D. Greear: Key Points for Pastors To Remember During This Election Year

Jessica Lea — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 15:16:24 +0000

Dr. J.D. Greear returns the Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast to share insights into how pastors can navigate this election year well and be clear on biblical truths without telling their congregations how to vote.

How Max Lucado Came To Change His Mind on the End Times

Jessica Lea — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 19:05:11 +0000

Pastor and author Max Lucado has changed his mind on the end times and now accepts some views that are distinctive of dispensationalism.

‘I Credit All That I Do to God’—Gold Medal Winner Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Has Track Record of Using Platform To Broadcast Her Faith

Jessica Lea — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 20:47:12 +0000

Athlete Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone broke her sixth world record in the 400m hurdles to become the first woman to win back-to-back gold medals in that event. She also continued her track record of giving God all the glory for her success.

It ‘Lost the Heart’—Jinger Duggar Vuolo and Husband, Jeremy, Discuss the Problems With Purity Culture

Jessica Lea — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 22:34:38 +0000

Jinger Duggar Vuolo and her husband, Jeremy Vuolo, offered some critiques of the purity movement in the fifth episode of their new podcast.

Rich Villodas Asks Fellow Pastors To Name the ‘Most Challenging Aspect of Pastoring Today’

Jessica Lea — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 19:43:34 +0000

When Pastor Rich Villodas asked his followers on X yesterday to name the most difficult part of being a pastor right now, navigating politics and a polarized culture was one of the top responses.