small, rural, white clapboard church on left; large red brick church on right; statue of Jesus with outstretched arms in center

We Are Part of the Body of Christ

By Rev. Dr. Carl K. Ellis |

It is time to remember we are the Body of Christ. When one person suffers, we all suffer, and when one succeeds, we all succeed.

Ruby Casebourn Murphy

The Academy Receives $30,000 From the Guy and Ruby Casebourn Murphy Charitable Trust

By Rev. Dr. Carl K. Ellis |

​​​​​​​The Academy for Small Membership Church Ministries (TASMCM) has received a $30,000 grant from the Guy and Ruby Casebourn Murphy Charitable Trust to continue their training of lay pastors and develop innovative programs which support small membership churches.

Two women walk down the street chatting and smiling.

Don't Invite People to Church; Have Faith and Bring Your Neighbor to Church

By Rev. Dr. Carl K. Ellis |

The definition of paralysis is "the inability to move." Every person sometimes suffers guilt and shame that can lead to inaction and losing faith in themselves. However, as in the story, we all need four friends who have faith in Jesus and faith that we are worth healing.

A disorganized pile of pink, orange, yellow, green, blue square slips of paper with "To Do List" written on each one

Living Discipleship Everyday, Not Just Sunday

By Rev. Dr. Carl K. Ellis |

Do we parade our Christianity Sunday morning or live out our faith in Jesus daily? Or maybe, like Martha, we are too busy to practice our faith.

Man standing on edge of diving board over blue water in pool, with back to water and arms outstretched.

Taking a Leap of Faith Into Ministry, Take One

By Rev. Dr. Carl K. Ellis |

For some of us, deciding to go into ministry feels like standing on a high dive platform and wondering if we want to jump.

chalkboard in front of open door says "Welcome Please Come In"

The Living Room Was Never Used

By Rev. Dr. Carl K. Ellis |

In Junior High, I was invited to a friend’s house for a sleepover. We were not allowed in the house except to use the bathroom. His parents pitched a tent in the backyard so that we would not mess up the house.

person serving a fresh-baked round loaf of bread

Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread

By Rev. Dr. Carl K. Ellis |

During this season of Lent, I would like to challenge us to focus on our relationship with God and commit to deepening our faith. Here are a few suggestions for our Lenten Journey.

Man walking in rain holding umbrella over companion in wheelchair

Hearing and Living God's Call to Love Others... in Word and Deed

By Rev. Dr. Carl K. Ellis |

Jesus commands us to "love our neighbor as ourselves." That is one challenging commandment to follow.

Two loaves of round bread from a wood-fired oven in the background, on a wood bread board held by person in a blue plaid shirt

Hearing and Living God's Call to Share With Others... Through Presence and Compassion

By Rev. Dr. Carl K. Ellis |

We love to talk about being in the church and helping our brothers and sisters with physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. However, we don't take our discipleship with us when we leave the church.

Ocean water between two steep mountains under a dark, starry sky showing the Milky Way

Hearing and Living God's Call to Discipleship ... Let Us Not Just Raise Our Hand but Be a Disciple

By Rev. Dr. Carl K. Ellis |

Every day, we witness our words and actions. Sometimes making disciples happens when we listen to others, and at other times, we make disciples by sharing a kind word, warm smile, or act of kindness. Each one of us has a "Ministry of Presence."