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Sam McKeen

Cover Image for blog. Two kids in skeleton costumes
Church Blog Pastor's Blog Rethinking Church

Has “Redeeming Halloween” Become a Cover for Celebrating It?

Why I Struggle With Halloween I’m usually one to argue that the church can redeem more of our culture than we think. Music, art, technology, business: I believe a lot of it can be redeemed and pointed toward Jesus. Halloween is one of the few places where, after years of Read more

By Sam McKeen, 1 weekOctober 14, 2026 ago
Church Blog Pastor's Blog Rethinking Church

Losing Sleep Over the Lost: Why Busyness Is Killing Our Burden for the Unsaved

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into Read more

By Sam McKeen, 1 monthSeptember 17, 2026 ago
Church Blog Pastor's Blog

When God Gives You a Burden You Cannot Carry Alone

On Sunday, June 25, 1865, James Hudson Taylor walked along the sands at Brighton, England, carrying a burden that had been growing in him for months. Taylor was already a seasoned missionary. He had spent years in China and had seen firsthand both the spiritual needs of the Chinese people Read more

By Sam McKeen, 2 monthsAugust 20, 2026 ago
Blog Title Image of people standing with arms around each other praying.
Church Blog Rethinking Church

What If Kingdom Growth Isn’t a Strategy Problem? Praying Ephesians 3 Over Your Life and Community

14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so Read more

By Sam McKeen, 3 monthsJuly 23, 2026 ago
Church Blog Pastor's Blog

The Spiritual Summer Slump

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” — Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV) Summer is nearly here. Vacations Read more

By Sam McKeen, 5 monthsMay 21, 2026 ago
Church Blog Pastor's Blog

Beyond Sunday Morning

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” — Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV) SUMMARY – Many Christians today Read more

By Sam McKeen, 6 monthsApril 24, 2026 ago
Church Blog Pastor's Blog

Sent: The Mission of Easter

“Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.’ And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” — John 20:21-22 For most people, Easter means egg hunts, ham Read more

By Sam McKeen, 7 monthsMarch 26, 2026 ago
Church Blog Pastor's Blog

The One Thing Keeping You From Joy

“And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.’” — Matthew 3:17 (ESV) Do you actually believe God loves you? Not “Do you know intellectually that God loves you?” or “Can you quote John 3:16?” I’m asking if you really, deep down Read more

By Sam McKeen, 8 monthsFebruary 25, 2026 ago
This Might Be Why People Don’t Trust the Church - Blog Post Title Image
Church Blog Pastor's Blog Rethinking Church

This Might Be Why People Don’t Trust the Church

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness.” — Matthew 23:27 (ESV) I need to tell you something you probably don’t want to hear. What if the biggest problem facing Read more

By Sam McKeen, 9 monthsFebruary 6, 2026 ago
The Danger of Repeating Last Year - Blog Post
Church Blog

The Danger of Repeating Last Year

The start of a new year is often accompanied by optimism. We make resolutions; to be healthier, to be more present, to manage our time better. This annual ritual comes from the acknowledgement that we do not want to live the same year over again. We sense that something needs Read more

By Sam McKeen, 10 monthsJanuary 2, 2026 ago

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  • Has “Redeeming Halloween” Become a Cover for Celebrating It?
  • Rejoice In The Lord Always
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