Praying Together
Brothers and sisters, like all the saints before us, we must be praying people
“We must be praying people, first, because we know that our only help is in the name of the Lord. It is the Lord who builds the house and watches over the city—who gives success to the church’s mission and spiritual life to its worship. In prayer together, we admit that we are helpless.” ... Continue Reading
Being Professional in Ministry?
The problem of professionalism in ministry is endemic to those living under the influence of the American dream – in a business and marketing driven society where money rather than Christ is King
“We must resist the temptation to believe that the church is a business in light of the insistence that there are organizational and financial aspects to the church. The church does not sell products. The minister is not a business man. The minister is a servant of Christ called to be His ambassador in a... Continue Reading
Seven Habits of Long-Tenured Pastors
The longer-term pastor is a step in the right direction for greater health and more fruitful ministry
“They take care of their families. They know their families are their first lines of ministry. In fact, they grasp clearly that they cannot lead their churches for the long haul unless they take care of their families (1 Timothy 3:5).” They have been at their present church at least ten years, often much... Continue Reading
Church Installs Stained Glass LGBT Window
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Fargo, ND, recently dedicated a new window dedicated to the LGBT community.
Dubbed “Integrity Window” the installation also commemorates English writer St. Aelred of Rievaulx. Aelred authored the treatise “On Spiritual Friendship” and is claimed by some in the gay community for his own deep friendships with men. The window also features a quote from Galatians, a pride flag, the logo of Integrity USA (the unofficial LGBT caucus within... Continue Reading
Meet Those Who “Love Jesus but Not the Church”
These individuals have a sincere faith (89% have made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ that is still important to their life today), but are notably absent from church.
Despite leaving the church, this group has maintained a robustly orthodox view of God. In every case, their beliefs about God are more orthodox than the general population, even rivaling their church-going counterparts. For instance, they strongly believe there is only one God (93% compared to U.S. adults: 59% and practicing Christians: 90%); affirm that... Continue Reading
Keeping the “Para” in Parachurch Ministries
Parachurch ministries never need forsake a biblical approach to the New Testament church to be effective.
It’s one thing for a parachurch ministry to have a document which states biblically sound doctrine. It’s quite another to weave the truth and implications of that doctrine into the daily doings of that ministry. The most important qualification for a parachurch ministry is not proficiency in a needed skill, but embracing of sound doctrine.... Continue Reading
A Truth Worth Dividing The Church (Sproul)
In order to get into heaven, will I be judged by my righteousness or by the righteousness of Christ?
“When you hear this glorious truth preached on Sunday rejoice and be thankful for the gospel of grace! If you don’t hear it preached, lovingly talk to your pastor and elders and discuss it. It’s not a side issue, nor is it a dry doctrine that is impractical for our daily living. “ At... Continue Reading
WCF 25: The Church
The distinction between the invisible church and the visible church is an important one
“When we look upon the church, we can only see the outward appearance (those who profess faith and their children); however, when God looks at that same church, He can see not only the outward appearance, but also the true nature of His church – not only those who outwardly profess the true religion and... Continue Reading
What is the Point of Church?
Put more simply: the church is an army for good and a community for growth.
This is a burning question for many today, especially Millennials. They find Christians a group of people they don’t want to associate with. They are turned off by pervasive hypocrisy and legalism among modern American Christians—at least in the conservative circles in which this friend and I have moved. They especially don’t like the overt... Continue Reading
An Inside Look at China’s Remarkable Religious Resurgence
Journalist Ian Johnson sees faith on the rise where it was once ruthlessly suppressed
Under Mao Zedong’s dictatorship, Christianity, Buddhism, and Taoism suffered persecution and near-extinction. In recent decades, however, they have each made an astounding comeback. In The Souls of China: The Return of Religion After Mao, Ian Johnson, a Pulitzer Prize–winning author who has covered China for The Wall Street Journal, The New Yorker, and other publications,... Continue Reading
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