Oak Park Church of God

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 …

What does Jesus think about Homosexuality?

Is homosexuality a sin? It’s an age-old question, and there are people on both sides of the debate, each quoting their Bibles. How do we know who’s right? What would Jesus do if he were…

Shut down the bus tours: What older church members should really be doing

So how do you engage older church attendees… say people over age 50? The question’s been around a long time. And, as most church leaders could tell you, it’s a bit of a loaded question. It’s also a question I’m...Read More→

His pew or hers? Woman concerned about man she met in church

Q: I met a nice guy at church of all places, and he's invited me out. I'm excited but nervous. Do I stay at his house or let him come to mine? It's been a while.

I’m Unemployed. Should I Still Tithe?

I grew up in the Church, and I have always been taught the principle of tithing. For years, I’ve faithfully given 10 percent of my income to church, but I

How To Reach Unchurched People Who Don't Think They Need God

I read a survey the other day that made me literally sit up straight as I took notice. The number of people in Canada (my country) who profess “no religion” is now at 24%, up from 16.5% a decade earlier. That’s a massive shift in a mere ten years. As I reflect on it all,…

How is your relationship with the Holy Spirit?

The feast of Pentecost gives us a unique opportunity to reflect on our own relationship with the Holy Spirit. Of the three persons of the Holy Trinity, the Holy Spirit is often the least understood…

Why are we afraid of the Holy Spirit?

Who Is the Holy Spirit?

When describing God, the language of the Bible is not merely truthful but careful.

How can a church learn to cooperate with the Holy Spirit?

Learn our seven dynamics we use to cooperate with the Holy Spirit, summarized from the Book "Growing the Church in the Power of the Holy Spirit"

Want to be inspired? Listen for the Holy Spirit.

We remember the important role of the Spirit in guiding and sustaining faith after Jesus’ resurrection.

Things That Make the Holy Spirit Sad

What grieves the Holy Spirit? Pastor Greg shares how believers are to grow in spiritual maturity from young babes, not resisting the Spirit but responding to Him. We are encouraged to live as Christians and to be imitators of God for all eyes that are watching.

50 Things the Holy Spirit Does

Read through this list and ask the Holy Spirit to work in your heart in each of these ways.

What If You Don't 'Feel' the Holy Spirit?

Our perception of power is often cultivated by the world before we ever walk in the freedom of Christ. The world teaches us that our measure of power is

Why Is It So Hard to Have a Personal Relationship with the Holy Spirit?

If God is three persons, as we believe, then shouldn’t we have a personal relationship with each one? It certainly seems so. However, when it comes to the third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, it seems that we run into difficulties. I think the issue is obvious. Christ assumed a fully human nature …

Am I Quenching the Holy Spirit?

Quenching the Spirit means despising or neglecting his gifts, refusing to express spiritual emotion, and resisting his fruit.

“Have You Received the Holy Spirit?”

All Christians would acknowledge the importance of the question ‘Have you received the Holy Spirit?’ However not all would agree when or how the question applies.