Insights from in and around the association

      UBA Voices      

Josh Ellis Josh Ellis

What Do You Do All Week?

If you ask me today, “What do you do all week?” and then again next week, the answers will probably be different.
Like everyone else on the team, I love churches. I love bringing them together, and I love helping them share the love of Jesus effectively.

Read More
Guest Guest

Living at a "Seam of History"

If we are honest, most of us American Christians think of our country as the home of Christianity. That, however, is not the case. Each time we hit one of these seams of history, the cultural center, the gravity of the religion, shifted and moved. Today, it is shifting again. Now, the question is, why does that matter?

Read More
Marie Burrus Marie Burrus

Pastoreando a Tu Pastor

Octubre es el mes del pastor, Dios creó su cuerpo que es la iglesia para que Cristo mismo sea la cabeza (Efesios 1:22-23) así que, si todos somos cuerpo, necesitamos el ministerio particular los unos de los demás. (1 Corintios) 12:24-27) Aprende a pastorear tu pastor.

————

October is Pastor Appreciation Month, God created his body, which is the church, so that Christ himself is the head (Ephesians 1: 22-23). If we are all members of the body, we need the ministry of one another, including your pastor (1 Corinthians 12: 24-27). Pastor your pastor!

Read More
Marie Burrus Marie Burrus

Christmas Already?!

The stores and online catalogs seem to think that October is the time to prepare for Christmas. Soon, shelves will be crowded with wreaths and glitzy tree ornaments. This used to annoy me quite a bit, but after a while, I finally realized that the stores are right—to some extent. October really is the time to begin getting ready for Christmas! In order to celebrate the Advent Season, church leadership must prepare even earlier. So, bring on the Christmas spirit! It's time to celebrate.

Read More
Marie Burrus Marie Burrus

Pastor Appreciation Month—Why is it Important?

There was an old Isotoner Glove commercial featuring Hall of Fame Quarterback Dan Marino saying the tagline, “Take care of the hands that take care of you.” Regardless of your church or staff size, take care of the people who feel God’s call on their life to lead and take care of you. From ministry interns to senior pastors, we need them at their best, because they often see us at our worst.

Read More
Marie Burrus Marie Burrus

Social (Media) Resources for Reaching Your Neighbors

How do unchurched Millennials find community? Why, the Internet, of course! I've compiled a list of a few helpful resources for finding people and joining them in their everyday lives. I hope that you can use these as tools to share Christ with people where they are.

Read More
Marie Burrus Marie Burrus

What's Changing in Russia

Traveling to Russia 27 times over the course of 24 years comes with its benefits. You get to know the land, the culture, and many helpful things in doing ministry. Even more excitingly, though, you get to see how God is at work in and through the people. Of that, we have stories we have to tell!

Read More
Marie Burrus Marie Burrus

Don't Waste Your Hurricane

Ever feel like the ongoing task of disaster relief is too much for your church? It probably is, but Houston Responds provides a way for churches to be more—together. Come to the Disaster Response Summit October 11, 1-9 p.m. at Chapelwood United Methodist Church. Get acquainted with Houston responds, hear what other churches are doing, and connect with potential partners in disaster recovery ministry. The Summit is free of charge. To register or find out more go to https://www.houstonresponds.org/summit.

Read More
Marie Burrus Marie Burrus

Does Your False Self Preach a False Gospel?

We all have different masks—or false selves—we put on, versions of ourself we wish were true. These identities can range anywhere from helpful, to innocuous, to even detrimental to our spiritual health. Let’s take a moment to examine the dangerous false selves we present and how they might damage not only our walk with Christ but also our witness and community.

Read More
Marie Burrus Marie Burrus

Simple Practices to Deepen Your Devotional Life

We are fearfully and wonderfully made. God has created us in his image with a mind, heart, soul, and five wonderful senses. God has created our entire being as a means to experience him more fully. Let’s explore a few of the methods that you can practice to make your time with God a richer experience.

Read More