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Hometown Hope Ministries
A Comprehensive Independent Baptist Church Revitalization Ministry
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Hometown Hope equips struggling Independent Baptist churches for revitalization and sustainable spiritual health, empowering leaders and congregations to thrive faithfully in their mission.
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Understanding Inspiration: Returning to the Biblical and Historical Definition
Over time, the word inspiration has been used in ways that differ sharply from its biblical and historical meaning. What once referred specifically to God’s direct act in giving His Word has, in some circles, been stretched to include translations or even devotional impressions. This shift in language has produced confusion about what we actually mean when we say, “The Bible is inspired.” Before we can understand preservation or translation rightly, we must recover what inspi

Brent Madaris
Oct 24, 20257 min read


Covenant or Dispensation? The Battle for Biblical Consistency and Israel’s Future
In my previous article, The Scofield Controversy: The Rapture and the Resurgence of Reformed Revisionism, I addressed the rising hostility toward dispensationalism, the suspicion cast upon C. I. Scofield, and the growing anti-Israel sentiment among certain corners of modern theology. The discussion clearly struck a nerve. The controversy surrounding Scofield is not merely historical—it represents a deeper, ongoing debate about how we interpret Scripture, how we understand Isr

Brent Madaris
Oct 21, 20257 min read


Before You Say Yes: 25 (26) Questions Every Assistant Pastor Should Ask a Church
Stepping into an assistant pastor role can be one of the most formative decisions in your ministry journey. Before you say yes, take time to pray, evaluate, and ask the right questions. These 25 conversation-starting questions will help you discern fit, philosophy, and future direction — because clarity protects both your calling and your family.

Brent Madaris
Oct 20, 20254 min read


Why Christians Should Bless the Jewish People: Recovering a Biblical Perspective in an Age of Rising Antisemitism
Antisemitism is rising again—even among those who claim Christ. But the Bible is clear: God’s covenant with Abraham has not expired, and His love for Israel endures. Christians are called to bless what God has blessed, pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and stand against the tide of hatred with truth and grace.

Brent Madaris
Oct 17, 20256 min read


The Church’s Call to Confront Islamization in America: While We Were Busy Here and There
America stands at a spiritual crossroads. Islam, not merely as a religion but as a comprehensive ideology, is expanding within our borders. Mosques multiply. Islamic schools rise. Cultural institutions shift. And the Church sleeps.

Brent Madaris
Oct 12, 20258 min read


Awakening Our Senses: Mosque Growth in America and the Urgent Call for Church Renewal
Across the American landscape, a quiet transformation is unfolding. Since the year 2000, the number of mosques in the United States has more than tripled, while thousands of Christian churches have closed their doors. The U.S. Mosque Survey (2020) documented over 2,700 mosques, up from fewer than 1,000 two decades earlier—a remarkable expansion that continues today. During the same period, the Lifeway Research and Barna Group studies estimate that 3,000 to 4,000 churches clos

Brent Madaris
Oct 11, 20257 min read


Understanding Israel and the Church Today: Paul’s Perspective on God’s People and the Covenants That Still Stand
In today’s Christian world, confusion abounds regarding the Jewish people, the promises of God, and the Church’s role in redemptive history. On one extreme, some claim that Israel has no continuing significance in God’s plan; on the other, some insist that all ethnic Jews are automatically part of God’s covenant people. Both positions are errors.

Brent Madaris
Oct 8, 20258 min read


Church Closures - Why 15,000 Churches Could Close — and What We Can Do About It
When headlines announce that as many as 15,000 churches are expected to close in America this year, the numbers should drive us to prayer and reflection. Instead, the response in many circles has been to shrug, smile, or spin it into a positive narrative. Some voices are saying, “Well, some churches need to close,” as though the shuttering of congregations were merely market correction rather than a spiritual emergency.

Brent Madaris
Oct 7, 20257 min read


Evangelism and Church Revitalization: Why “Oikos” Still Works Today
When pastors think about revitalization, evangelism often feels like the most obvious solution: “If we just reach more people, the church will grow again.” Yet research shows evangelism is not just about numbers—it’s about restoring the health of a declining church. Evangelism is also not a standalone remedy!

Brent Madaris
Oct 6, 20255 min read


Why Study the Bible’s Original Languages?
When we open our King James Bible, we are holding a faithful translation that was carefully rendered from the original tongues of Scripture—Hebrew (with some portions in Aramaic) for the Old Testament and Greek for the New Testament. The translators labored with great care, seeking to convey God’s words into English with accuracy and reverence.

Brent Madaris
Oct 3, 20254 min read


When Loyalty Becomes Dangerous – A Call for Truth, Honor, Transparency and Courage
Loyalty is a noble virtue. Scripture commends faithfulness, friendship, and devotion. David treasured the loyalty of Jonathan; Paul valued the companionship of faithful co-laborers. True loyalty reflects the steadfast love of God Himself.
But like every virtue, loyalty can be twisted. When loyalty to a man or movement overshadows loyalty to Christ, it becomes dangerous. Misplaced loyalty does not protect truth—it distorts it. It does not build unity—it breeds confusion.

Brent Madaris
Sep 29, 20258 min read


Is Debating Scriptural? Why I Refuse to Debate
Every so often, when a man stands up and boldly proclaims what he believes to be true, somebody will come along and say, “Let’s debate...

Brent Madaris
Sep 26, 20255 min read


Charlie Kirk and Independent Baptists: A Theological Comparison in an Age of Celebrity Influence
Charlie Kirk has drawn attention among Independent Baptists for his political activism. This article examines where his theology aligns and diverges from Baptist convictions, encouraging discernment without personal attacks.

Brent Madaris
Sep 24, 202519 min read


The Loyalty Dilemma - Biblical Loyalty: Standing with Christ Above All Else
True Loyalty is not Blind; It Bows to Christ Above All Loyalty is powerful. It can bind families, strengthen churches, and inspire...

Brent Madaris
Sep 21, 20256 min read


How Pastors Can Read and Use Research for Church Revitalization
Think of research like a stethoscope—it doesn’t cure the patient, but it helps the doctor listen more carefully.

Brent Madaris
Sep 18, 20253 min read


The Death of Good Men: Martyrdom, Assassination, and the Witness of Stephen
Our country is hurting right now. Many people are shocked and saddened after the recent killing, the targeted killing, of the well-known public leader, Charlie Kirk. It was not random. It was not a tragic accident. Someone decided that because of what this man believed, and because of the stand he took, he no longer deserved to live.

Brent Madaris
Sep 16, 202510 min read


When “Peace” Becomes an Excuse: Rethinking God’s Will
It comes up in all kinds of situations—whether someone is asked to serve in a ministry, consider a calling, reconcile a strained relationshi

Brent Madaris
Sep 15, 20254 min read


Shepherds, Beware the Wolves in the Church: Discernment & Response Guide For Difficult/Problematic Members
Churches today face a wider range of challenges than ever. We are called upon to care for all the flock. And it is defintely not "one size fits all." The degree to which a pastor can effectively engage interpersonal relationships is often the degree to which he can successfully pastor his church and move forward. Some men are better at this than others, but we can all learn.

Brent Madaris
Sep 9, 202512 min read


Northeast Church Closures - Empty Pews, Quiet Steeples: What’s Happening to Churches in the Northeast?
Walk through almost any town in New England or the Mid-Atlantic, and you’ll see it: the spire rising above trees and rooftops, a church stitched into the skyline like an anchor to the past. But step inside, and the story is different. Many pews are half-empty. Some sanctuaries are silent, locked, and listed on LoopNet as “redevelopment opportunities.” In the Northeast, the steeple remains visible — but the congregation is dwindling.

Brent Madaris
Sep 5, 20259 min read


Worm Theology, Pharisees, and Uriah Heep: False Humility in Christianity Still Misleads Us
Let me ask you a question. "Are We Evil?" or "Do I have an Evil, Wicked Heart?"
The answer to that question will determine a great deal about how you live and function in this world.

Brent Madaris
Aug 29, 20256 min read
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