Connect with us

Faith

Over 5,000 Christians Gather for Family-Focused Faith Revival in Tennessee

Published

on

Faith Facts

  • More than 5,000 Christians from across the nation gathered in Sevierville, Tennessee for the annual Polishing the Pulpit conference, with an additional 2,300 attending a sister event in Branson, Missouri
  • The weeklong event featured Bible teaching sessions for all ages, from toddlers to grandparents, with keynote messages exploring Jesus Christ’s role as the Great Physician healing every aspect of life
  • Families from military communities and across the country described the conference as a vital opportunity for spiritual renewal, fellowship, and strengthening faith in the next generation

In the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, thousands of Christian families converged for a powerful week of worship, Bible study, and spiritual renewal. The Polishing the Pulpit conference in Sevierville, Tennessee drew believers from as far as Hawaii, Maine, and even Australia for intensive Christian education that strengthened faith across generations.

Dan Winkler, minister for the Spring Meadows Church of Christ in Spring Hill, Tennessee, delivered a compelling message about Jesus as the Great Physician during the keynote series.

“He went to the university of hard knocks. He majored in humanity, not humanities. He graduated summa cum laude because he never made anything but A-plus. And he stepped into his post-grad work to become the Great Physician, not doing classes online but on the front line — healing the leper, giving sight to the blind, making whole the lame. And he can make a difference in your life.”

The conference’s family-focused approach sets it apart from typical religious gatherings. From toddlers to grandparents, attendees found age-appropriate biblical instruction throughout the week. Popular sessions filled to capacity, with many standing at room edges or sitting on floors to hear teachings on theology, Christian living, and scriptural truth.

Ellis Thorne, a 43-year-old member of the U.S. Coast Guard who worships with the North Hamilton Church of Christ in Soddy Daisy, Tennessee, brought three generations of his family to the event.

“One of the great things about Polishing the Pulpit is there’s something for the entire family,” said Thorne, who attended with his parents, wife, and three children ages 6 to 12. “And, you know, it’s extremely important to us to make our family as strong as possible in Christ.”

For military families like the Thornes who relocate frequently, the annual gathering provides crucial continuity. “It’s not just our physical family, but I’m in the military, and we have to move around a lot, and so there’s a lot of people that we get to see here that (are) part of our Christian family from various congregations — as far away as Hawaii, Maine, South Carolina, Alabama.”

“We get to reunite with our family here and many people that my kids were very close to when they were growing up,” he added. “It’s just a great experience to be around and show them how many people that there are that love the Lord and want to do his will.”

Chanel Smith, 41, made the journey from New Orleans with her husband, children, and in-laws for her fourth time attending. The Smith family worships with the Degaulle Drive Church of Christ.

“It’s been really great because there’s classes for the kids, and it’s just a really good time for my husband and I to recharge because we both work,” she said. “It gives us time to recharge and really focus in on God.”

From Small Beginnings to National Movement

The conference’s humble origins stand in stark contrast to its current scope. In 1994, three preachers and alumni of Faulkner University in Montgomery, Alabama — Allen Webster, Mark Howell, and Floyd Bailey — began meeting to workshop sermon plans, rotating among their offices in different states.

As word spread, the gathering expanded to include other preachers, then church elders, deacons, youth ministers, and eventually all church members. The first Sevierville conference in 2008 drew just under 1,000 attendees. Growth necessitated adding a second location in Branson in 2024.

Allen Webster, now 60 and director of Polishing the Pulpit, reflected on the conference’s remarkable expansion.

“You look back on it, and you see the hand of God in it. We always wanted it to glorify God, and we wanted it to be good for his kingdom. … It’s amazing what God has done with this.”

Webster, who also founded the House to House, Heart to Heart ministry, emphasized the conference’s multigenerational impact. “When you’re a parent … it really helps to broaden the educational experience with others who reinforce what you’re teaching. So that helps them to see a wider spectrum of the brotherhood and reinforce the Scriptural teaching.”

This year’s keynote series explored lesser-discussed aspects of Jesus Christ, examining how the Savior heals and transforms every part of a Christian’s life as physician, counselor, and redeemer.

“Let’s bring Jesus back into the focus,” Webster said. “What does the church need now? We need to be close to him. You know, we need to understand him. … So it’s just a new way to look at some old truths.”

Worship and Fellowship Draw Thousands

Beyond the teaching sessions covering theology, doctrine, Scripture, Christian lifestyle, culture, and law, the conference featured extensive a cappella congregational singing. Evening singing sessions in the convention center atrium drew over 1,000 voices in traditional hymns and worship songs.

Tiffany Bryan, a 19-year-old first-time attendee from the West Metro Church of Christ in Yukon, Oklahoma, found the worship particularly moving.

“The singing was really, really good. Like, it was tear jerking.”

Bryan attended after encouragement from her sister Zoey, who had experienced the Branson conference. The young woman emphasized the importance of Christians understanding their beliefs more deeply.

“Sometimes we just trust everything the preacher says, you know,” she explained after attending a session on “The Myth of Neutrality.” “And sometimes we just walk along not doing anything … not doing our part.”

The conference’s reach extends internationally. Andrew Young traveled from Queensland, Australia, where he serves as a missionary preacher for the Gipps Street Church of Christ in Toowoomba. The former salesman and father of three first attended while studying at the Southeastern Institute of Biblical Studies in Knoxville, Tennessee.

“In the entire country of Australia, there are 1,700 members of the Church of Christ, which basically means there are more Christians in this room than there are in the entire country of Australia,” Young said from his exhibitor space, where he was raising funds for a 12-seat church bus to transport workers to rural congregations across Queensland, a region nearly three times the size of Texas.

“It’s insane to think that you get this many people who are like-minded Christians, like-minded in our belief. … It was just unbelievable to have that many people together singing, praising God. It was just amazing.”

The conference continues to serve as a vital gathering point for Christian families seeking to strengthen their faith, educate their children in biblical truth, and connect with fellow believers committed to living according to Scripture. As American culture increasingly challenges traditional Christian values, events like Polishing the Pulpit provide essential community and spiritual fortification for families determined to raise the next generation in the faith.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Faith

Mark Wahlberg Opens Up About Faith’s Role in His Life

Published

on

Faith Facts

  • Mark Wahlberg reveals how daily prayer helps him choose mercy over judgment in his personal and professional life
  • The Hollywood star credits his Catholic faith with shaping his approach to forgiveness and how he views others
  • Wahlberg’s new film ‘By Any Means’ explores themes of justice and vengeance that resonate with his faith journey

Mark Wahlberg continues to stand out in Hollywood not just for his acting prowess, but for his unwavering commitment to his Christian faith. In recent interviews promoting his latest film “By Any Means,” the actor opened up about how prayer and his Catholic beliefs guide his daily decisions and interactions with others.

The Boston native has never been shy about his faith, and his latest comments reinforce his reputation as one of the entertainment industry’s most vocal Christian conservatives. Wahlberg explained that his spiritual practices help him navigate the complex moral landscapes both on-screen and in real life.

“By Any Means” presents a particularly fitting backdrop for these reflections. The film explores the blurred lines between justice and vengeance, themes that resonate deeply with Christian teachings about forgiveness and mercy. For Wahlberg, the role provided an opportunity to examine his own beliefs about how believers should respond when wronged.

The actor’s commitment to prayer isn’t just talk. Wahlberg has been documented attending church regularly and has spoken frequently about how his faith transformed his life after a troubled youth. His journey from streetwise kid to devoted family man and believer serves as a powerful testimony to the redemptive power of Christ.

In discussing his approach to judgment, Wahlberg emphasized the importance of viewing others through the lens of mercy rather than condemnation. This perspective aligns with biblical teaching about removing the plank from one’s own eye before addressing the speck in another’s. For the father of four, these aren’t abstract theological concepts but practical guidelines for living.

Wahlberg’s public witness in Hollywood carries particular significance in an industry often perceived as hostile to traditional Christian values. His willingness to speak openly about prayer, faith, and morality provides encouragement to believers who sometimes feel isolated in secular workplaces.

The themes in “By Any Means” also reflect broader cultural conversations about justice that resonate with many Christian conservatives. As society increasingly seems to embrace retribution over restoration, Wahlberg’s reflection on mercy offers a counter-cultural message rooted in gospel truth.

Throughout his career renaissance, Wahlberg has consistently credited his faith with keeping him grounded. He’s spoken about early morning prayer routines and regular Mass attendance, practices that undergird his ability to make choices aligned with his values rather than Hollywood’s often conflicting standards.

The actor’s transparency about his spiritual life serves as a reminder that authentic Christianity isn’t confined to Sunday mornings but influences every aspect of a believer’s life. From script selection to how he treats colleagues on set, Wahlberg attempts to live out his faith in practical, visible ways.

His latest comments about choosing mercy over judgment particularly resonate in our current cultural moment. As political and social divisions deepen, Wahlberg’s reminder to approach others with grace rather than condemnation offers wisdom drawn from timeless biblical principles.

For Christian audiences, Wahlberg represents hope that believers can maintain their convictions while achieving success in secular fields. His career demonstrates that compromising core values isn’t necessary for professional achievement, and that public faith can coexist with mainstream success.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Continue Reading

Faith

Mark Wahlberg Reveals How Faith Guides Him Through Hollywood’s Toughest Moral Questions

Published

on

Faith Facts

  • Mark Wahlberg discusses how his Christian faith shapes his understanding of justice versus vengeance in his latest film role
  • The Hollywood star opens up about his daily struggles to live out forgiveness and patience as a husband and father
  • Wahlberg portrays a morally conflicted character in “By Any Means,” drawing on his personal faith journey to inform his performance

Mark Wahlberg is once again using his platform to share how his Catholic faith influences both his professional choices and personal life. In discussing his latest role in “By Any Means,” the acclaimed actor reveals the spiritual principles that guide him through Hollywood’s moral complexities.

The film presents Wahlberg with a character torn between seeking justice and pursuing vengeance, a distinction the actor says his faith has helped him understand deeply. For Wahlberg, the role offered an opportunity to explore themes that resonate with his Christian worldview — the tension between human nature’s desire for retribution and God’s call to forgiveness.

“My faith really shapes how I view these questions of right and wrong,” Wahlberg shared. “There’s a big difference between justice and vengeance, and that’s something I think about a lot, both in the roles I choose and in my own life.”

Beyond the silver screen, Wahlberg opened up about the daily challenges of living out his faith as a husband and father. He acknowledged that embodying Christian values like forgiveness and patience isn’t always easy, even for someone committed to their faith.

The actor’s willingness to discuss his spiritual struggles reflects a broader pattern in his career. In recent years, Wahlberg has become increasingly vocal about his Catholic faith, attending daily Mass when possible and speaking openly about how his beliefs inform his decisions in an industry not always friendly to traditional Christian values.

His role in “By Any Means” allows him to bring these personal convictions to a character grappling with moral dilemmas. The portrayal of a hero wrestling with the temptation to cross ethical lines mirrors Wahlberg’s own testimony about the ongoing nature of the Christian walk — a journey marked by both conviction and the recognition of human weakness.

For Christian audiences, Wahlberg’s transparency offers encouragement. His success in Hollywood while maintaining his faith demonstrates that it’s possible to work in challenging environments without compromising core values. His admission of daily struggles with patience and forgiveness reminds believers that sanctification is a lifelong process, not a destination reached overnight.

The actor’s commitment to roles that allow him to explore moral and spiritual themes represents a countercultural choice in an industry often focused on superficial entertainment. By selecting projects that engage with questions of justice, mercy, and human nature, Wahlberg continues to use his influence to elevate conversations about values that matter to faith-driven Americans.

As “By Any Means” reaches audiences, Wahlberg’s reflections on faith, justice, and daily Christian living serve as a reminder that our beliefs should inform every aspect of our lives — from our careers to our families to the entertainment we create and consume.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Continue Reading

Faith

The Hidden War Behind Putin’s Tanks: Ukraine’s Churches Under Siege

Published

on

Faith Facts

  • Russian forces are systematically targeting Ukrainian churches and clergy as part of a broader campaign against religious freedom
  • The conflict represents not just territorial aggression but an ideological assault on Ukrainian Christian identity and independence
  • Ukrainian children and religious institutions face deliberate campaigns aimed at erasing their distinct cultural and spiritual heritage

While Russian tanks and missiles dominate news coverage, a darker campaign unfolds beneath the surface of the Ukraine conflict. This war extends beyond territorial conquest into a deliberate assault on the soul of a nation — targeting churches, imprisoning clergy, and attempting to erase the Ukrainian Christian identity that has flourished independently for generations.

The targeting of religious institutions reveals the true nature of this conflict. It is not merely about land or geopolitical influence; it is a spiritual battle for the hearts and minds of the Ukrainian people. Houses of worship that have stood for centuries as symbols of faith and national identity now find themselves in the crosshairs of an ideology that cannot tolerate religious freedom or cultural independence.

Ukrainian clergy have faced systematic persecution, with many imprisoned or forced to flee their parishes. These spiritual leaders represent more than just religious authority — they embody the Ukrainian people’s connection to their heritage and their right to worship according to their own conscience, free from Moscow’s control.

The campaign against Ukrainian children is perhaps the most disturbing aspect of this ideological warfare. Attempts to re-educate and assimilate young Ukrainians into a Russian worldview represent a long-term strategy to eliminate Ukrainian identity at its roots. This echoes the darkest chapters of totalitarian regimes that understood controlling the next generation meant controlling the future.

For Christian conservatives who value religious liberty and the right of nations to preserve their God-given identities, Ukraine’s struggle resonates deeply. The same forces that seek to suppress Ukrainian Orthodox Christianity abroad often align with those hostile to traditional Christian values in the West. This is not merely a regional conflict — it is part of a broader global contest between freedom and authoritarianism, between faith and state-enforced ideology.

American Christians must recognize that the persecution of believers anywhere threatens believers everywhere. When churches are destroyed and pastors imprisoned for their faith, the universal Body of Christ suffers. Supporting religious freedom in Ukraine aligns with our core values of defending the persecuted and standing against tyranny.

The resilience of Ukrainian faith communities offers inspiration to believers worldwide. Despite bombardment, occupation, and systematic oppression, Ukrainian Christians continue to gather, worship, and maintain their spiritual witness. Their courage demonstrates that authentic faith cannot be extinguished by force — a truth that has sustained the Church through two millennia of persecution.

This spiritual dimension of the conflict demands attention from the international community and especially from Christians committed to defending religious liberty. Sanctions and military aid address the physical warfare, but prayer, advocacy, and support for persecuted believers address the deeper battle for souls and freedom of conscience.

As this conflict continues, Americans of faith should remain vigilant about the true stakes involved. Beyond geopolitical calculations lie fundamental questions about human dignity, religious freedom, and the right of people to preserve their Christian heritage without state interference — principles that form the bedrock of our own nation’s founding.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Continue Reading

Trending