“What if a terrific coach and mentor of student athletes is only marginally committed to the Christian mission of the college?” he said. “To earn a place among college football’s elite programs, will Liberty alter its student conduct policies to attract more student athletes?”   Liberty University, the nation’s largest Christian school, wants an invitation... Continue Reading

The interview was simple. I asked one open-ended question: “What regrets do you have about the years you have served as a pastor?” Each of the men could provide as many responses as they desired.   I recently interviewed more than twenty pastors who had been in ministry for at least 25 years. All of... Continue Reading

Stephen Um is the Korean-born pastor of the Citylife Church in Boston, a 10-year-old Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) congregation that meets in a hotel and attracts 800 weekly attendees. He ministers to Boston’s youthful and professional elite: 35 percent of his half-white, half-Asian congregation has at least one postgraduate degree.   But his ministry... Continue Reading

If a young man came to me, and said he was thinking about a particular girl, I would ask him two questions:  Is she godly? If yes, proceed to question number two.  Do you think she is attractive?   Recently Mike McKinley and Tim Challies both wrote articles which argued that young people, particularly men,... Continue Reading

In terms of sheer reader interest, nothing on The Gospel Coalition website in 2012 compared to the discussion surrounding Jefferson Bethke’s spoken word video: “Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus.”   The end of the year brings lists galore recounting the best books and top news stories. But I’ve never seen anyone else attempt... Continue Reading

This is the time of year when we remember that God sent his only son ‘to serve, not to be served’. He restored love and service to the centre of our lives in the person of Jesus Christ.   This past year has been one of great celebration for many. The enthusiasm which greeted the... Continue Reading

Mr. Mom more prevalent; Amish fastest growing U.S. religios group; Number of Christians in U.K. down; Southern Baptists See Membership Decline for Fifth Straight Year Mr. Mom More Prevalent. More fathers are becoming their children’s primary caregiver. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 32 percent of fathers who have a wife in the workforce took... Continue Reading

Mathematicians (please do not let that word keep you from continuing to read) talk about relationships that are inversely proportionate to one another. A simple equation such as y=1/x is an example of an inverse relationship. As x gets larger, y gets smaller. For instance, if x = 10 then y is 1/10 or 0.1,... Continue Reading

This past year has been not just the hardest, but the slowest of my life. I wake earlier than I wish, and lie awake at night while wanting to sleep. The things I once looked forward to no longer appeal. Isn’t half the blessing of a blessing having someone with whom to share it?  ... Continue Reading

(Frank) Schaeffer’s image of Jesus ignores where he says: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6), or declares “the way is narrow that leads to life” (Matthew 7:14)   Frank Schaeffer, the son of well known evangelical missionaries and founders of... Continue Reading