I would suggest that the whole of a minister’s life is perpetual training to become the pastor that God calls him to be. There is never a time when pastoral training ends, and professionalism begins… Whatever conclusions you may draw about this subject, of this much we can be sure–the church needs gifted, knowledgeable, thoughtful,... Continue Reading

When we read the Scripture, we see the vision of the church as not one of mere association with a church or a pastor, but glorious participation in the gospel. The word often translated “fellowship” is koinonia in the original language. The word carries the connotation of deep participation. In Acts 2:42, believers devoted themselves... Continue Reading

In the sight of all Israel, Moses charged Joshua to be strong and courageous as he leads the people into the land God has promised. So far so good, but then Moses explicitly states why Joshua should be strong. Surprisingly, it’s not because he’s an effervescent leader, smart, or because he’s been trained by the... Continue Reading

First, when hit with a tsunami of objections, slow things down, especially when facing a group. Part of the power of the gauntlet is its ability to disorient and confuse, so take a moment to collect your thoughts. I’ve sometimes said, “Wow. There’s a lot there. Give me a moment to take it all in.”... Continue Reading

A few years ago, I never thought that I would be coming out to the world through my school newspaper at my Christian university…But my legacy will invariably be different, because I am Calvin University’s first openly LGBTQ student body president. I’m bisexual. I’ve also questioned if I was a lesbian in the past. Usually,... Continue Reading

Last week, one of those male students called to inform me of allegations that Mr. Rice had sexually assaulted him on multiple occasions. While these remain allegations at this point, we are treating them as credible because of the source of the allegations and corroborating evidence we have discovered. Immediately, I informed the police and... Continue Reading

While describing the anti-LGBTQ discrimination as “undisputed,” Judge Marshall wrote that federal law nevertheless protects organization’s conduct motivated by sincerely held, faith-based beliefs within the context of a religious educational institution. “The Court is not permitted to scrutinize the interpretation [the seminary] gives to its religious beliefs,” the judge wrote in Wednesday’s order.   A... Continue Reading

We love our Romanist friends and neighbors and we recognize that we have a family tie. We both claim a lineage in the ancient and medieval church but there are, as this brief sketch outlines, grave differences between us. We do not agree on fundamental matters of the faith. We do not agree on the... Continue Reading

The pastor who counsels, as he enters the pulpit, has a stomach of steel. He is rock-ribbed. He is used to looking across his desk, squarely into the eyes of his straying sheep, and pleading with them to return. He is accustomed to presenting biblical truth to the religiously-proud and challenging them on whether or... Continue Reading

When people worship what is not worthy of worship instead of worshipping God, He will give them over to whatever it is. This giving people up or giving people over is the same thing as giving people a spirit of stupor. This is a spiritual blindness that cannot be overcome by any power other than... Continue Reading