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Hometown Hope Ministries
A Comprehensive Independent Baptist Church Revitalization Ministry
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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 298 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 265 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 2419 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 216 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 183 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 1610 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 154 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 912 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 59 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 296 min read


Surviving Betrayal: How to Win When Life Turns Against You
Betrayal is one of the most painful and potentially devastating experiences that one can have. Almost everyone will face it at some point...

Brent Madaris
Aug 269 min read


Same Circus, Different Tent: How Independent Baptists Paved the Way for Today’s Church Spectacles
In the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, the Independent Baptist movement in America exploded with growth. Bus ministries filled pews. Sunday School contests brought in droves. Preachers got slimed. Clowns told Bible stories. One pastor offered a brand-new bicycle to the child who brought the most friends. Another swallowed a goldfish during revival week. These weren’t fringe stunts—they were part of the mainstream effort of some churches to build big churches, fast.

Brent Madaris
Aug 257 min read


What’s the Dress Code?” Navigating a Common Question with Biblical Clarity and Historical Honesty
The question, “What’s the dress code?” reflects cultural shifts, historical baggage, and fear of judgment. Churches can answer with clarity, grace, and biblical fidelity.

Brent Madaris
Aug 2210 min read


Marijuana, Moderation, and the Christian Mind: Christian Sobriety - A Biblical Theology of Intoxication
The debate over marijuana is not just about a plant, but about the Christian mind. Scripture never blesses intoxication, whether mild or severe. The consistent biblical ethic is sobriety—clarity of thought, vigilance in spiritual warfare, and Spirit-filled self-control.

Brent Madaris
Aug 208 min read


Discernment in Public Ministry Associations (Part II): A Biblical Rubric for Evaluating Platforms and Invitations
When it comes to ministry affiliations, not every question can be answered by a single verse or quick judgment. Discernment requires weighing doctrine, character, reputation, and fruit together. This article introduces a practical four-category rubric that condenses broader biblical principles into a usable tool, helping pastors and believers evaluate potential partnerships with clarity and peace of conscience.

Brent Madaris
Aug 185 min read


One Bible, One Voice: Why Multi-Version Preaching is Failing Our Churches
When pastors preach from multiple Bible versions, they may think they’re offering variety—but instead they sow confusion, weaken authority, and rob the church of clarity. We must stand with one Bible, one voice.

Brent Madaris
Aug 165 min read


When God Sends a Friend to a Faithful Shepherd
On a summer evening in rural Michigan, ten people gathered in a church. The pastor preached on the mighty hand of God, but after the service he shared something even more powerful: the story of how God met his loneliness through the friendship of a visiting believer. This quiet testimony reminds us that struggling churches need more than programs — they need friends who show up, listen, and encourage.

Brent Madaris
Aug 143 min read


Discernment Rubric for Evaluating Ministry Invitations and Associations
From fallen leaders to compromising leaders, there is challenge on every side. Jesus did not align with everyone or every group to get His message “out there.” He literally started his own group! And that group was given guidelines on how to operate! This tool for evaluating potential associations is designed to help ministry leaders make wise, biblically grounded decisions about whom to partner with. It serves to protect our testimony while encouraging healthy, purposeful en

Brent Madaris
Aug 1112 min read


Why Independent Baptist Identity Still Matters—And Where It Fits in the Baptist Landscape
Where Do We Go From Here? Introduction: Navigating Baptist Identities with Faithfulness In an age of denominational drift, moral...

Brent Madaris
Aug 118 min read


From Three to Thriving: A Story of Church Revitalization
After retiring from pastoring, George couldn’t ignore his burden for struggling churches. One Sunday, he walked into a congregation of three

Brent Madaris
Aug 102 min read
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