“A legal dispute erupted between the breakaway leadership and the national denomination, as well as those within the diocese who remain loyal to the denomination, over who rightfully owned the diocesan church properties.”   A judge has ruled that a diocese in Texas which broke away from The Episcopal Church over theological differences is the... Continue Reading

“The Bible categorizes homosexual sin differently than it does heterosexual sin.  While both are contrary to God’s law, only homosexuality is contrary to nature in such a way that it is inherently perverse and shameful. “   I am grateful to Sean Lucas for pointing out via facebook an excellent article by David Prince, answering... Continue Reading

“The suggestion that Scripture doesn’t condemn modern homosexuality is one component of the controversy surrounding Weatherly Heights Baptist Church in Huntsville, Ala., and its alleged approval of same-sex unions. Weatherly Heights pastor David Freeman asserted in a 2013 sermon that “the Bible does not address” “adult, loving, monogamous, same-sex relationships.”   It’s common for proponents... Continue Reading

“Although public opinion has been moving rapidly in favor of same sex marriage, a recent AP-GfK poll found that most Americans thought it was even more important to protect religious liberties when they conflict with gay marriage. Indeed, there should be room to accomplish both.”   Perhaps you have missed it amid all the heated... Continue Reading

“Potential members should understand what membership means before they make a commitment to the congregation. Churches without a membership class are essentially inviting members to join with no expectations. Little zeal toward the church – mediocrity, that is – is often the result.”   I suspect this post may offend someone, but that’s not my... Continue Reading

Among LifeWay’s findings: About half of Americans view denominational names favorably, while the other half feel either negatively or indifferently. “It would depend on who you’re trying to reach,” said Scott McConnell, vice president of LifeWay Research. “But some denominational groups have as much ‘brand equity’ as nondenominational churches, which have been growing the fastest.”... Continue Reading

“Most Protestant senior pastors (66 percent) seldom speak to their congregation about mental illness, according to a study by LifeWay Research. That includes almost half (49 percent) who rarely (39 percent) or never (10 percent), speak about mental illness. About 1 in 6 pastors (16 percent) speak about mental illness once a year.”   In... Continue Reading

“I know that Christian communities are often not the places where we can “come out ” – to be transparent, to acknowledge the things with which we struggle. That is something that needs to be fixed in the Christian church. But when we “come out” it is not that we are to be “proud of... Continue Reading

“When I mention historic hymns, maybe you cringe as you recall a “worship war” in your local church. Maybe you’re eager to only sing the old hymns. Or maybe you wonder why it is important at all. My aim is not to renew local church disputes or bolster mere sentimentality, but to commend something else... Continue Reading

“Religion is a helpful word we use to describe our Christian faith, which encompasses every aspect of our Christian lives, rooted in and flowing out of our spiritually regenerated new hearts and minds, and founded on the relationship that God has established with us by uniting us to Christ.”   I have heard people say... Continue Reading