Avoiding the temptation of building one's own identity by copying any of today's cultural icons is a matter of making the right decision, says Pastor Miles McPherson of Rock Church in San Diego.

"I think we have to decide in whose image we were made in the first place," McPherson told The Christian Post on Friday. "If you have come to a conclusion that you remain in society, that is changing, then you should copy it, but the problem that you are going to have is that you are going to be constantly changing and never discover who you really are – versus accepting the fact that you were made in the image of an eternal God who has an eternal plan for your life and it doesn't change."

McPherson, who recently released his book, God in the Mirror – Discovering Who You Were Created to Be, believes that people in our culture have an identity crisis about who they are supposed to be and they are striving to be something they were never created to be. more >>

A memorial service for longtime National Religious Broadcasters board member Dr. Alex Leonovich is planned for Emmanuel Baptist Church in Manville, N.J., on Saturday. Leonovich, who was the director of Slavic Missionary Service, "went to be with the Lord" on Wednesday after nearly seven decades of missionary, pastoral, and evangelistic work, NRB stated.

"Alex was a giant among the NRB faithful. He never lost sight of his calling and never lost his love for NRB," said NRB President & CEO Dr. Frank Wright.

SMS, an organization dedicated to reaching Slavic people for Christ, stated, "Alex not only preached with his words, but even more so with his actions. Alex would always tell you that he is ready to be with the Lord at any time, and God truly helped Alex to fulfill his ultimate desire: 'When it's time for the Lord to take me home, I want to go with my boots still on!'" more >>

A Christian ministry worker who encourages and equips believers and the local church inside Pakistan to face persecution, said that the recent rioting against a Christian colony in Lahore, in which 150 homes were burnt, was further evidence of increased Islamization in the country.

"The event did not come as a surprise to the residents of the area called Badami Bagh, in which there is a smaller colony called the Joseph Colony where Christians live," Hana, whose real name was not given for her protection, told The Christian Post earlier this week.

Even though Pakistan's National assembly condemned the action, Hana said it will take more than a proclamation by the government to help curb the problem. more >>

Evangelist Greg Laurie and his congregation plan to celebrate a milestone observance this coming weekend (March 16,17) in honor of four decades of ministry led by the Harvest church and crusades leader.

"Looking back," says Laurie, whose church is based in Riverside, Calif., "I can see God's hand at work from the very beginning. It has always been a part of God's plan for us to know Him and make Him known."

As the church observes its 40th anniversary with "ReEnvision Weekend," it plans to look ahead at what the future may hold. more >>

The first spiritual town hall meeting initiated by Christian apologist Alex McFarland, aimed at reviving a Christian worldview in America, was held Tuesday evening and broadcast over the Internet from First Baptist Church in Charlotte, N.C.

"Awaken – America's Spiritual Town Hall" was considered a success by McFarland, who is the director for Christian Worldview and Apologetics at the Christian Worldview Center of North Greenville University in Greenville, S.C.

"The spiritual town halls are off and running. We had attendees come from hours away and questions emailed from across the country," he said. "I believe that God is raising a segment of the population who love God and country with a love similar to the love of freedom held by our founders. God is raising a people who are committed to prayer and to doing everything possible to preserving our freedom." more >>

Pastor and theologian Mark Labberton was named as Fuller Theological Seminary's new president on Tuesday, chosen unanimously by the school's Board of Trustees. Labberton will begin his term on July 1 while replacing current president Richard J. Mouw, who announced his retirement last May.

"I feel an incredible sense of joy and hope to be given this opportunity," said Labberton. "Thanks to Rich Mouw's generous, gracious, and irenic leadership, Fuller is well positioned to influence how the gospel is communicated, understood, and embodied in the world."

Announcing the decision by the trustees of the seminary located in Pasadena, Calif., Board Chair Clifford L. Penner said, "Along with my fellow trustees, I am delighted to welcome Mark Labberton to the presidency of Fuller Seminary. We are excited and inspired by the outstanding qualities and accomplishments he brings to this position. He is a scholar and academic leader, pastor for more than 25 years, accomplished author, and leading voice in many international ministries. Mark brings strong spiritual leadership, a wide range of experiences, and the vision to guide Fuller into a new era of global leadership in seminary education. As a Fuller alumnus (MDiv) and professor, he fully comprehends Fuller's rich and diverse legacy." more >>