All tagged faith

Rev. Aaron Long: Evangelize, Educate, Empower

In his latest column, Rev. Aaron Long reflects on the challenges facing today’s Church, noting both cultural pressures and internal shifts that he believes have weakened Christian commitment. He highlights how early Christians grew through personal evangelism, thorough instruction, and empowering members for ministry—practices he argues the modern Church must recover. Long says that returning to these first principles is essential if congregations hope to thrive and pass on the faith to future generations.

Rev Aaron Long: What are You Reading?

Social media is turning our brains into blurb-addicted zombies, and we don’t even crack open the books behind the beliefs we shout about. In this reflection, I’m challenging us—Christians, socialists, nationalists, everybody—to log off, pick up real books (especially the Bible), and let deep reading shape our convictions instead of TikTok clips and T-shirt theology.

Pastor Aaron Long: Two Simple Rules

Pastor Aaron writes: Christianity isn’t complicated, people make it so, but it isn’t.  There are just two simple rules and if you get them right you got the rest of this.  Jesus says everything comes down to loving the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind, with all your strength and to love your neighbor as yourself.

Rev. Aaron Long: A Faith That Works

This column challenges Christians to live out their faith beyond labels and politics. Drawing on James’ teaching that faith is shown through works, it calls believers to stop “playing church” and start being the church—loving God, loving others, and following the Lamb rather than political parties. True Christianity, the piece argues, should transform lives so visibly that issues like hunger and homelessness would diminish if believers actually practiced what they profess.

Mickey Bell Brings Laughter and Mental Health Awareness to Davidson County, With a Local Twist

Nationally touring comedian and mental health advocate Mickey Bell brought his Laugh Responsibly Tour to Center Church of Welcome, sharing both laughter and an important message about resilience and mental health. The night included a surprise moment when Davidson Local intern and Central Davidson High senior Riley Elliott — recently crowned Ms. Central Davidson — joined Bell on stage, handling the spotlight with professionalism and positivity.

What House of David on Netflix taught me about power, prophets, and the politics of legacy

Let’s be honest—biblical dramas usually fall into two camps: reverent to the point of boredom or spicy enough to offend every Sunday school teacher from here to Galilee. Netflix’s House of David manages to split the difference, delivering a dramatized take on one of the Bible’s most fascinating figures—David, the shepherd boy, outcast, turned king, poet, warrior, scandal magnet, and all-around ancient rock star.

Want to serve others and your community? First Reformed UCC welcomes you

Are you looking for a new way to help others, serve your community, give back, or act on your faith? First Reformed United Church of Christ in Uptown Lexington manages more than a dozen community services or ministries that need community members like you so that we can grow and serve even more people. You do not need to attend First Reformed or even go to church at all to participate and serve your community. All are welcome!