Church 101
Practical videos, articles, help guides and on-going series for everyday ministry.
66 Guides
Mike gives helpful and practical answers to common questions sent to him by viewers. These videos are short, less formal and more hands-on than our in-class material.
10. What is the Textual Authority for Internal Biblical Inspiration?
Where does is it state in the Bible that the Bible itself is the only source of authority and who established the Bible's canon?
11. What Should We Do About Covid?
Here is Mike's response to believers about the current pandemic.
12. Does the Holy Spirit Only Dwell in Us Through the Word of God?
In this message, we look into the dynamic indwelling of the Holy Spirit which also brings up the topic of division.
13. Are we Bound to the Laws in the Old Testament?
Do the Churches of Christ believe in Old Testament laws rather than New testament promises.
14. Can You Remarry After Divorce?
I have read the writings of the early church fathers my understanding is all of them say you can not remarry after divorce for any reason?
15. How Can I Be Right with God After a Divorce?
Encouraging you to embrace repentance and faith in Jesus, focus on being a holy partner in your marriage, as divorce may not be the path to righteousness according to this insightful message.
16. Can Women Lead Adult Bible Classes?
Engage with the discussion on women's roles in teaching Bible classes, exploring how historical teachings can be adapted to modern contexts while maintaining respect for traditional beliefs and leadership structures.
17. Why Can't I Stop Feeling Guilty and Fearful Since My Divorce?
Understand that feeling guilty after divorce is normal, but seek forgiveness and renewal through confession to God and moving forward, as God offers forgiveness and renewal even after failing at marriage, and do not let fear and seeking approval from others hinder your joy in Christ.
18. Can You Lose the Holy Spirit?
Learn about the temporary empowerment of individuals by the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament and the caution against quenching the Spirit's work through continual willful sin in the New Testament.
19. Is it Possible to Blaspheme the Holy Spirit nowadays?
Learn about the concept of blaspheming the Holy Spirit and its implications for salvation by understanding the significance of attributing the work and word of God to Satan.
20. What is the Difference Between the 'indwelling' and the 'empowerment' of the Holy Spirit?
Understanding the difference between the 'indwelling' and 'empowerment' of the Holy Spirit sheds light on the spiritual gifts received through baptism and the laying on of hands by the Apostles, illustrating the transition from miraculous abilities to the enduring teachings of the New Testament.
21. Who was the "Naked Man in the Garden" in Mark 14?
Delve into the intriguing speculation surrounding the identity of the "naked man in the garden" in Mark 14:51-52, as scholars suggest he could be John Mark, the Gospel author, based on narrative details, authorial techniques, and early church traditions.
22. Is It Okay to Belong to a Moose Lodge Organization?
Learn about the history, values, and charitable work of the Moose Lodge organization, a fraternal and service organization that provides social opportunities, mutual aid, and community service initiatives for its members and local communities.
23. Can a Man Be an Elder if He Has Been Married More Than Once?
Understanding the different interpretations of the passage in first Timothy regarding elders and multiple marriages can shed light on the importance of devotion and commitment in leadership roles within the church.
24. How Do You Suggest I Study the Bible and Use Commentaries?
Enhance your Bible study journey by exploring Study Plans on BibleTalk.tv for a structured learning experience and consider delving into insightful commentaries like the New Testament Commentaries by R.C.H. Lenski and the Truth for Today series for deeper understanding and knowledge.
25. Is It Necessary to Attend Multiple Church Services Per Week?
Discover the importance of attending multiple church services per week, rooted in love for God and fellowship with the church community, through the example set in the New Testament and the historical context of Sunday and midweek gatherings.
26. Why Did Jesus Send the Demons Into a Herd of Pigs?
Explore the reasons behind Jesus sending demons into a herd of pigs in Mark 5:7-13, shedding light on the demons' fear of judgment, preference for embodiment, and potential for causing disruption, as well as Jesus' demonstration of authority, revelation of the destructiveness of demons, and signaling of His power and mercy to the Gentiles.
27. Can a Woman Baptize Someone, Make Announcements, or Serve Communion?
Exploring the role of women in religious practices such as baptizing, making announcements, and serving communion, while considering the implications of deviating from traditional practices based on biblical teachings.
28. Why Do Some Churches Use a Single Cup for Communion?
Explore the historical debate surrounding the use of a single cup during communion and how different Christian denominations approach this practice, reflecting on the essence of communion and its adaptation to modern times.
29. What Happens to Your Soul After Death, Before Judgment?
Discover the intriguing debate on what happens to the soul after death and before judgment, exploring biblical references like I Thessalonians 4:13-18 and Luke 16:19-31 to understand differing interpretations.
30. Why Do You Not Have Any Series on the Apocrypha / Other Books?
Discover why the Apocrypha and other books are not included in the Bible canon and their significance in historical context, while emphasizing the importance of focusing on the key elements of the Christian faith for salvation and sanctification.
31. Does Speaking in Tongues Still Take Place Today?
Discover the truth about speaking in tongues and the Holy Spirit's role in the believer's life in this insightful lesson that delves into the historical context and modern-day practices.
32. Where Does Evil Come From?
Discover the origin of evil and sin in the world, exploring the concept of disobedience and its consequences through a thought-provoking analogy between God, humanity, and the choices that shape our future.
33. When Are Children Old Enough to Be Baptized?
Explore the age of accountability for baptism and the significance of the Bar Mitzvah ceremony in Jewish tradition, along with insights on when a young person may be ready for baptism based on faith and fear of God.
34. Who Wrote the Book of Genesis?
Mike explores various theories regarding the authorship of Genesis, discussing views that include Moses as the writer through divine guidance, the involvement of later writers compiling oral histories, and Moses compiling and editing existing testimonies.
35. Was Jesus Married and Did He Have Kids?
Discover the truth about Isaiah 53:10 and Jesus' sacrifice, salvation, and discipleship in this insightful explanation.
36. Can I Be Forgiven After Falling Away From the Church?
Discover the forgiveness and encouragement found in Hebrews 6:4-6, reassuring you that returning to church after falling away is a step towards redemption and salvation.
A New Testament Pattern for Church Organization and Growth
Practical guides filled with effective tips and strategies to enhance your teaching and create a positive impact on your students.
1. The Preaching of Jesus
Perhaps in examining Jesus' style and approach to this glorious work we can become more of what all of us seek to be, like Him.
Matthew 5:1-2
2. 4 Resources for Missionaries
To make it as a preacher or missionary, I believe there are four indispensable resources required.
3. How to Grow A Preacher
One of the greatest struggles that some men have is to decide if they're going to go into ministry. This lesson provides direction for those who desire this calling.
4. The Preacher's Job Description
In I Corinthians 14, Paul mentions that there are three primary tasks that the apostle lists concerning the work of the preacher.
I Corinthians 14:3
5. The Work of this Evangelist
Paul the Apostle is near the end of his life in a Roman prison and gives instructions to Timothy, a young preacher he has trained about his work as a minister.
II Timothy 4:1-5
6. Preaching or Meddling?
The oldest joke about preachers is that when they begin to deal with our true bad habits and sins in their sermons, we say that "they've gone from preaching to meddling".
7. The Origin of The Bible
This article looks at the history of writing and examines how the Bible originated and closes with information on how the Old Testament was organized.
8. Top Ten Things that Kill Church Growth
In this lesson we examine 10 things that hinder church growth.
9. The Work of a Preacher
What does it take to be a preacher? Here are some things every preacher should do.
This series describes in detail the various biblical leadership roles in the church and examines how these can be exercised in order to promote individual as well as the corporate growth of the church.
A two-part training session on the role of greeters in your congregation. These videos will equip your members to minister in this role successfully and thoughtfully.
In this topic, Mike provides specialized teacher training for women, enhancing their public speaking, lesson preparation, and leadership skills, enabling them to excel when teaching other women.
In this section we will look at some basic characteristics of adult learners and how to facilitate an environment that helps adults become motivated to learn.
1. Characteristics of Adult Learners
Adults are more attuned to comfortable surroundings, more sensitive and reactive to discomfort. Teachers must do what they can to compensate for these differences as best they can.
2. How to Motivate Adults to Learn
We do not "motivate" learners. Motivation is an internal element unique to the individual. What motivates one person is not the same as what motivates another.
3. Designing Greatness into our Teaching Programs
God requires two things from us as teachers: our best effort and faithfulness. He does not demand perfection but at the same time, he does not accept mediocrity.
4. Improving the Effectiveness of our Adult Bible Class Teaching
A teacher of God's word, no matter the level or scope is one of the most important and influential roles in congregations. It is so important that it was among the final words of our Lord as he was preparing to ascend back into heaven.
5. 3 Basic Steps of Teaching
Teaching involves a basic three-step process: preparation, delivery, and evaluation.
6. Guidelines for Lecture Presentations
A lecture is a common technique used in most Bible class presentations. It can range from a formal, one-way presentation or an informal presentation where questions are encouraged.
7. Guidelines for Guided Discussion Classes
The guided discussion is one of the most effective methods used for Bible study lessons. It is also one of the most challenging to use.
8. Guidelines for Skill-Building Classes
The following guidelines use a method of skill-building referred to as the "Whole-Part-Whole" method.
Articles and videos detailing how to build and create various digital and media tools specifically designed for church use.
1. The Use of Media in Ministry
Communicating the Message
Media is the vehicle for communication and we as Christians are really in the business of communication.
2. How to Setup a Wireless High Definition Confidence Monitor on Your Pulpit
In this article, we'll show you how to use an iPad or another tablet to control a remote computer containing your powerpoint slides.
3. How to Broadcast your Church Worship Services Live Online
A comprehensive guide to streaming video in your church building. In this guide, we cover everything from microphones to the most important item: patience.
4. How We Edit Our BibleTalk.tv Videos
In this video, we'll dive into Premiere Pro and edit a class together.
5. How to Build a Church Website
We're asked pretty regularly about websites for churches. Here are our recommendations for both.
6. How to Include A cappella Music in Your Live Stream Worship
In this video, Hal Gatewood will show you how we are using Praise and Harmony TV singing videos in our live stream services each week.
7. How We Stream 24/7 on Twitch and YouTube
In this guide, we will look at how we create our never-ending Bible study by stream our on-demand videos to platforms using remote computers.