Pastor Eric Echols preaching

Recent Blog Posts

  • 3 Categories of Parenting

    Raising children is one of the most difficult and most fulfilling jobs in the world – and one for which we often feel least qualified. There’s plenty of information and resources for parents today. Just try doing a Google search on parenting […] Read More

  • Is your system working?

    “Your system is perfectly designed to provide the exact results you are getting.” – Andy Stanley Are you satisfied with the results you’re getting? Do you want to improve your spiritual discipline, physical fitness, or financial position? How about your family? Are […] Read More

  • Children’s Ministry: From Flannel Graphs to MacBooks

    Clearly the times are changing in Children’s Ministry. The kids we have in our ministries are Digital Natives; having grown up with digital technology such as computers, the Internet, mobile phones and MP3s for their entire life. Rather than steering clear of […] Read More

  • The #1 Way To Keep Students From Dropping Out Of Church

    We’ve all heard the statistics that anywhere from 60-80% of students drop out of church within 2 years after graduating from high school. The question we have to ask ourselves is, HOW do we put an end to this trend in the […] Read More

  • Elementary Small Groups in 3D

    When I consult with churches about their children’s ministry I’m often asked, “How do you organize your elementary small groups?” I recommend transitioning between large group & small groups at various times during your service to examine the Bible Story and maintain […] Read More

  • Legalism Kills…

    Legalism is the religion of human achievement. It is when we exchange our relationship with Jesus for our own rules and rituals. Legalism takes the focus off of what God has done for us and puts the focus on what we have […] Read More

  • Urgent vs Important

    “The lion does not turn around when a small dog barks.”~African Proverb There is no cumulative value to the urgent things we allow to interfere with things that are important.So often, I allow the urgent to get in the way of the important. As […] Read More

  • 5 Types of Church Cultures

    I’ve been reading “Cracking Your Church’s Culture Code: 7 Keys to Unleashing Vision & Inspiration” by Samuel Chand. In his book, Dr. Chand lists five types of organizational cultures found in churches. Based on my experience over the years, I’ve seen these […] Read More

  • 2 Vital Truths To Introduce Kids To God

    Of all the character traits and truths we can teach children about God, I believe there are two vital truths that every child needs to understand. If they can grasp them, the rest of their faith journey can be built on these […] Read More

  • Live Like Christ

    I was reading J. I. Packer’s devotional, Knowing God’s Purpose For Your Life, the other day and thought I’d share his thoughts on our call to live like Christ. “In Christ believers are involved in a process of character change. The Holy […] Read More

  • Technology’s a Must in Reaching the Next Generation

    Technology is a way of life for the next generation. They are not impressed with the latest iPhone app or piece of technology…they expect it. Technology is influencing how younger generations learn and retain information. Our smartphones, laptops, and tablets have transformed […] Read More

  • What Our Next Generation Ministries Need

    In the parable of the mustard seed, Jesus asks two questions that have huge ramifications for our approach to next gen ministry. In Luke 13:18 Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like? How can I illustrate it?” The answers to […] Read More

  • Child Size Your Children’s Ministry

    This summer I flew from Atlanta to Uganda for a mission trip. The time in Uganda was amazing; the 18 hours of traveling…not so much. I was cramped, uncomfortable, and nothing seemed to fit right. The chairs were too small, the legroom […] Read More

  • Spiritual Rhythms are Necessary for Spiritual Growth: Creating Spiritual Rhythms

    As followers of Christ, we must take personal responsibility to grow in our relationship with God. The truth is that spiritual growth doesn’t just happen. It involves the intentional practice of spiritual rhythms to help you connect with God on a regular […] Read More

  • Pass The Baton of Faith To Our Kids

    If you’re like me, every four years, you stay up far too late watching the Summer Olympics. I particularly love watching the 4×100 relay. The exchange of the baton in these races is crucial to the team’s success. Missing the exchange can […] Read More

  • “So What?”: The Question Every Children’s Ministry Must Answer

    I have to admit (though it may seem a little sacrilegious for a pastor), I was not a big fan of church as a kid. One of my first memories of going to church was when I was 5 or 6 years […] Read More

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