Episode 158
Modern-day Idols, Tony and Lauren Dungy & An “Online Missionary”
Idols don’t always come in the form of carved statues or reside in places of worship. Many pastors believe modern-day idols can be benign-looking desires with significant influence on people in their congregations. Retired NFL coach Tony Dungy and his wife Lauren see the key parts of their life — football and family — as forms of ministry. And, for Joshua Clayton, talking to people about Jesus has always been a part of who he is, even while playing video games or creating online content.
Transcript
Idols don’t always come in the form of carved statues or reside in places of worship. Many pastors believe modern-day idols can be benign-looking desires with significant influence on people in their congregations.
According to a study from Lifeway Research, more than half of U.S. Protestant pastors believe comfort (67 percent), control or security (56 percent), money (55 percent) and approval (51 percent) are idols that have significant influence on their congregations. When asked to choose the potential idol with the most sway over people in their churches, pastors again point to comfort (30 percent) and control or security (20 percent) above the others.
Younger pastors are more likely than older pastors to identify several of these modern-day idols in their churches – particularly political power, money and control or security. Pastors ages 18-44 are the most likely to say political power (55 percent) and control or security (72 percent) are idols they see in their congregations.
===
Retired NFL coach Tony Dungy and his wife Lauren see the key parts of their life — football and family — as forms of ministry.
The parents of 11 both lead Bible studies in addition to his work as a broadcaster on NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” and hers as vice president of the Dungy Family Foundation.
Their new book, “Uncommon Influence: Saying Yes to a Purposeful Life,” set to release Tuesday (Aug. 9), aims to help people see their family, neighborhoods and workplaces as platforms where they can have a positive effect.
===
Good News for Today is sponsored by The Voice of the Martyrs
Good News for Today is made possible through our friends at The Voice of the Martyrs, a nonprofit organization that serves persecuted Christians around the world. Founded in 1967 by Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, VOM is dedicated to inspiring believers to deepen their commitment to Christ and to fulfill His Great Commission — no matter the cost. Find out more and sign up for their free monthly magazine at vom.org/goodnews.
===
For Joshua Clayton, talking to people about Jesus has always been a part of who he is, even while playing video games or creating online content.
He now uses these two passions together in his new role as “online missionary,” at Claremore First Baptist in Okla.
Clayton began livestreaming his video game play during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
After several months of livestreaming video game content, Clayton garnered more than 40,000 followers across a variety of social media including Facebook, YouTube, Tik Tok, Twitch and Discord.
Claremore First Baptist noticed the impact Clayton was making and reached out to him about joining the church staff in a unique position to help bolster its online influence during the pandemic.
Related Episodes
Doe v. Catholic Relief Services, Doors Opening for David Pollack & ‘The Blind’ Movie
The Maryland Supreme Court has ruled 4-3 that a Catholic employer was lawful in denying health benefits to the spouse of a gay married employee because such unions violate church doctrine. This college football season is unlike any other in David Pollack’s life. For as long as he can remember, the sport dominated his Saturdays in ways most people haven’t experienced. And, from 2012-2017, the reality TV series “Duck Dynasty” told many stories of the Robertson family and their duck-call and decoy business. “The Blind,” coming to theaters Sept. 28, tells the story of Phil Robertson’s life before he became a Christian.
Going Through a Valley, Kidney Day & How to Spend More Time in Prayer
Hard times often are described as “going through a valley.” But Bruce Watson, pastor of First Baptist Jeanerette, La., describes life’s valleys as the place where the soil is the richest. Rudy Kebreau and Randal Lyle are bound by far more than their mutual faith and pastoral calling these days. And, maybe your church has a prayer list. But have you ever considered have a personal prayer list? In a piece in the Baptist Press Toolbox, Kie Bowman says it may help you remain faithful in prayer.
Parents Prayerwalking Schools, Churches Play Critical Role to Military Personnel & Starting Your Day With God
See You at the Pole is engaging parents in prayerwalking schools the weekends surrounding the Sept. 27 event to mobilize families in prayer. Why would a 19-year-old sailor be at church nearly every day of the week? And, many of us are very busy. We go to bed with our to-do list incomplete and wake up with a list of things to try to accomplish.
0 Comments