Category: Uncategorized

You’re Blessed If You Do This

Deeters Do Discipleship

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When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. (John 13:12-17)

About ten years ago I traveled to Guatemala for the first time with a group of students from Anderson University to Gualan, Guatemala.  While there…

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First Church’s JoAnn’s Pantry Featured in New Book!!

7 Attitudes of the Helping Heart: How to Live Out Your Faith and Care for the Poor by John Frame This book helps “Christians who want to better live out the teachings of Jesus and care more for the poor, but struggle with how to do that. 7 Attitudes of the Helping Heart will teach … Continue reading First Church’s JoAnn’s Pantry Featured in New Book!! →

What Does Jesus Say to Those With Their Backs Against the Wall?

Series: Jesus and the Disinherited, Part 1 of 5 Pastor Josh Deeter from First Church Tallmadge and Pastor Bryndon Glass from SPAN Ministries discuss Howard Thurman's book, "Jesus and the Disinherited," in this part 1 of 5 podcast series. I have been told MLK carried two books with him at all times—the Bible and Howard … Continue reading What Does Jesus Say to Those With Their Backs Against the Wall? →

Living Out [Y]Our Mission in 2021

As 2020 comes to an end (and we say, “Good riddance!), it’s time to start preparing for 2021. Every year our church encourages you to live the mission statement of our church: Know God, Belong,Live with Purpose and Spread God's Love. Here are some practical ways to practice [y]our mission, as we all hope to … Continue reading Living Out [Y]Our Mission in 2021 →

Missionaries Remain in Thailand During COVID-19

This is the fourth installment in our series "We Love our Missionaries." In this post, Pastor Josh talks with Don Armstrong in Asia-Pacific. https://www.youtube.com/embed/enFX8jP1N2I In my interview with Don Armstrong we discuss what they enjoy most about their ministry and their challenges. I think it is interesting when Don speaks about what so many have … Continue reading Missionaries Remain in Thailand During COVID-19 →

Lay Leadership in Bolivia the Key to Growing Churches

This is the third installment in our series "We Love our Missionaries." In this post Pastor Josh talks with Paul and Kattia Jones in Bolivia. https://www.youtube.com/embed/TNTyUQfqPS8 Paul and Kattia serve alongside the national church through biblical and ministerial training of lay church leaders. Paul does regular itinerant preaching and evangelism at weekend camp meetings, known as juntas that … Continue reading Lay Leadership in Bolivia the Key to Growing Churches →

Clarity During “COVID Chaos”

During what I call the “COVID Chaos,” it is difficult to keep up with everything and everyone. I want to take a moment to update you concerning our church and provide clarity on some topics I get questions about most often. Children’s Ministry Beginning this Sunday, September 13, we will offer a special children's message … Continue reading Clarity During “COVID Chaos” →

Student Ministry Service Project July 2020

Service Project Team left to right: Pastor Doug, Wade, Grace, Maddie and Susan. This year’s International Youth Convention in Orlando was canceled due to COVID-19. However, I didn’t want to cancel our service project in Tampa. We had planned for the students to help retired pastor and Army/Airforce veteran (and my Grandpa), John William, age … Continue reading Student Ministry Service Project July 2020 →

Our Mission is Still the Same, Coronavirus or Not

Pastor Josh checks in with everyone to let you know what's going on in our church and to remind you that in the midst of the pandemic, we are still the CHURCH. View his video message below, or scroll down to read an edited transcription. https://youtu.be/JoH3r6LyJGE Pastor Josh checking in with you. Edited transcription of … Continue reading Our Mission is Still the Same, Coronavirus or Not →

Temporary Homeschool–Permanent Purpose

Everyone has now found themselves in completely uncharted waters, working from home while trying to manage a household, or still going to work while kids are at home on their own.