Vern S. Poythress (VSP): I was grateful for the conference being held at all. In the completed statement, I was grateful also for several things. First, there was a clear positive statement of what the doctrine of inerrancy is. Second, there were statements designed to head off misunderstandings and caricatures. For example, some opponents have... Continue Reading

In a world that prizes autonomy and convenience, the church can model a different way—a way of sacrificial love, covenantal commitment, and the beauty of generational faithfulness. It’s true the “nones” are on the rise in the West, but globally, Pew Research Forum predicts “secular” people in 2060 will make up a smaller percentage of the world’s... Continue Reading

Younger pastors and other church leaders were reaching out to me for help and advice. This consumed more of my time and was God’s way of preparing me for what was next. I sensed God leading me into a new ministry focused less on a single local church and more on the health of many local... Continue Reading

For many long-term missionaries, their greatest need upon returning home is not financial support but connection. Imagine coming back to your church after being away for eight years—so much has changed. Veteran missionaries often seek reconnection with those who sent them out to the nations. Church leaders should prioritize efforts to facilitate reintegration and reconnection for... Continue Reading

Ordained PCA ministers (as well as those considering ministry in the PCA) who differ from the PCA’s theological Standards have two options before them: (1) They may lay aside their personal freedom and respect the denomination’s doctrine for the good of others and in the service of others, or (2) They may seek to enter... Continue Reading

From time to time we enjoy either singing or hearing a hymn with a descant. The descant is a melody or counterpoint sung above the simple melody, usually by sopranos. As the descant rises distinctively above the simple melody, so praise rises above simple thanksgiving.   The Scriptures abound with plaudits of praise to God.... Continue Reading

Having regular times of family worship or devotions throughout the week is not only a good way to disciple your family and worship together but also a great way to prepare for Lord’s Day worship. Times of reading God’s Word and singing His praise as a family demonstrate to your kids the centrality of worship... Continue Reading

I think another thing that really contributes to pastoral burnout is practical questions like, Are we sleeping well? Are we exercising and getting outside? Are we eating things that are actually good for our body? Embodiment is very crucial to understanding how to be a good pastor. A lot of times pastors sort of see... Continue Reading

The fact is that taking our children to church each Sunday to worship the living God—rain or shine, good attitudes or bad—is shaping their hearts and minds about what is important. Maybe we hear the whole sermon or only a couple of lines. Either way, God blesses us for our obedience to him. Our kids... Continue Reading

In Ukraine, an evangelical minority living in the shadow of the Orthodox Church is now blooming in the fog of war. After 2½ years the conflict grinds on, with more than 90,000 Ukrainian troops and civilians killed so far, hundreds of thousands wounded, and millions internally displaced. But interviews with local pastors suggest the good... Continue Reading