Civil Righteousness and the Gospel in the American Church
The role of the Christian Church in American civil society is not a matter of indifference
“Tocqueville contrasts the moral witness of the Church in the U.S. with its Gospel witness—setting the clarity and harmony with which churches preach the law or morality against the public discord caused by their differences in worship.” In Democracy in America, Tocqueville discusses what he thought was a strength of American Christianity—and it is... Continue Reading
To Avoid Spiritual Abuse Church Leaders Should Do This
Anyone in a power position recognizes the possibility of abusing that power.
These are simple and general measures you can take to reduce the likelihood of abusing spiritual power that leaders have over congregants. While you may think such abuse is extremely rare, our call to be like our head Jesus demands that we hoist no millstones around the necks of vulnerable members. Anyone in a... Continue Reading
How Not to Be a Heretic
Of course, no one ever plans to become a heretic, but it still happens.
Second, know what your church believes. If you haven’t done so already, become informed regarding your church’s positions on key biblical teachings. Most churches have a statement of faith. Are you familiar with what your church’s statement declares? Who taught the person who is teaching you? How do his or her positions differ from those of other... Continue Reading
Three Reasons Rural Churches Matter More Than You May Think
Pastor, if you are serving in a rural church, you are not in the minor leagues. You are on the front lines.
I have several friends who live in these kind of towns and their Sunday morning options are bleak. There’s the church where you’re sure to hear a rousing sermon on how bad the liberals have messed everything up in America. There’s the church where the pastor shares a few tips picked up from a conference... Continue Reading
The Four Cs of Presbytery: What is the Purpose of Presbytery?
When I was Moderator of my Presbytery I talked about the four Cs of Presbytery
Presbytery naturally becomes a catalyst for ministry. We need to beg, borrow and steal good ideas from one another. Often from spending time together, ideas and initiatives proceed. Presbytery must not just be meetings; it must be a band of brothers. The famous quote that ‘The Battle of Waterloo was won on the playing fields of... Continue Reading
You Know You’re Really Preaching the Gospel When…
You can’t lead others to drink from a stream you haven’t yet discovered yourself
“If you’ve been called to ministry, it’s not because God needed you on his team. It’s because he delights in you and wanted you in his family. When we get our minds around this monumental truth, it allows us to quit trying to be impressive. God isn’t impressed with us, and we shouldn’t be either.”... Continue Reading
Gospel-Driven Humility
Paul’s gospel-centered encouragement for humility, found in Philippians 2:1-11, serves as a model for all Christians, but especially for leaders and pastors
“Spiritual pride is a destructive force within the church. This force is most devastating when it finds its way into the heart and actions of the spiritual leaders in a church. The solution, of course, is humility.” “If the Lord were to honor me any more, he would make me the janitor.” With those... Continue Reading
What is the Nature of Pastoral Authority? – A Presbyterian Perspective
The pastor’s authority in Presbyterian polity is an authority shared with all the elders and exercised jointly through the Session and the other courts of the church.
This means the pastor’s authority may look big or small depending on your church experience. Pastoral authority in Presbyterianism can look big because almost every formal decision resides with the Session (rather than the whole congregation). Apart from calling a pastor and voting on church officers, most congregational votes in Presbyterianism are only advisory. So,... Continue Reading
3 Quick Questions Before Quitting Your Church
In other words, love grows cold where there is no love—no expression of love through prayer, through deeds, through fellowship.
Under many circumstances we have freedom before God to move from one church to another. In some cases this is a necessary course of action while in others it is a sinful course of action. Most of the time, though it is discretionary, depending on the particulars, the circumstances, the heart. Before you make such... Continue Reading
Oh No! Mega Church Just Moved Into The Hood!
Dealing with that mega-church that moves into your area, buys an old warehouse, and plants a new site with an instant congregation.
Is Christ preached? Are people being saved? Then rejoice, though through gritted teeth. You cannot stop free enterprise in religion, and you will only ruin your own reputation if you are a cynical despiser and a gossip. Pay attention to your own vineyard, let God sort things out as to motives, he can do that... Continue Reading
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