10 Signs That Say “You Are Not Welcome in This Church”
One wonders if pastors and other leaders realize just how scary it can be for a person new in the city to venture into an unfamiliar church.
The congregation sends its own signals: This week, a pastor and I had lunch at a diner in downtown New Orleans, which I’ve visited only once and he not at all. We were amused at some of the signs posted around the eatery. One said rather prominently, “Guests are not to stay beyond one hour.”... Continue Reading
Baptist, Methodist, Episcopalian and Presbyterian Clergy Participate in Rally for Abortion
Pro-abortion clergy held a rally at the Kentucky State Capitol to advocate for abortion and other issues. The event was called the Higher Ground Moral Day of Action.
Two pro-abortion Reverends, Dr. Alethea Smith-Withers and Harry Knox, wrote an article arguing that people of faith should not oppose abortion: “Decisions about reproduction are morally complex,” they wrote. “And clergy do not always use Bible verses as political weapons — a misrepresentation too often promoted in the media. The wisdom found in our faith... Continue Reading
Russia Restricts Religious Liberty…Again
Russia recently imposed new restrictions on religious groups outside the Russian Orthodox Church
“The penalties for violating the religious restrictions are draconian. The law carries a fine of up to nearly $800 for individuals and over $15,000 for organizations who violate the rules. Foreign visitors, such as missionaries, can be immediately deported.” Russia recently imposed new restrictions on religious groups outside the Russian Orthodox Church. Although some... Continue Reading
Stop the Revolution. Join the Plodders.
What we need are fewer revolutionaries and a few more plodding visionaries.
It’s possible the church needs to change. Certainly in some areas it does. But it’s also possible we’ve changed—and not for the better. It’s possible we no longer find joy in so great a salvation. It’s possible that our boredom has less to do with the church, its doctrines, or its poor leadership and more... Continue Reading
8 Hallmarks Of Attractional And Gospel-Centered Churches
Essential defining characteristics of the attractional church model and some hallmarks of gospel-centered churches
Hallmarks of gospel-centered churches: …Meaningful membership encompassing whole-life discipleship, pastoral care, and church discipline. Emphasis on members as missionaries & emphasizing “go and tell” over “come and see.” A total trust in the gospel to be the power of transformation that no amount of inspiration can be. Regular commitment to the Lord’s Supper. Reliance on robustness of... Continue Reading
The Monster We Created: Councils, Brand Names, and Celebrities
When you extract the work of the church from the structure of the church you begin to create an environment ripe for dangerous problems.
Now at this point it would likely be very easy to begin naming names. The culture I’m speaking of has many faces from the popular councils and networks, to the brand names, platforms, blogging empires, promoters, and celebrity pastors all of whom give life to the monster. I should note that I’m not opposed to... Continue Reading
Canadian Church Moves to Defrock Atheist Pastor
The United Church of Canada (UCC) is the latest denomination to confront how to handle an outspoken pastor who freely claims to be an atheist
The 57-year-old Vosper says that she does not believe in an interventionist, supernatural God. Her views are not new, in 2008 she authored With or Without God: Why the Way We Live Is More Important Than What We Believe. Later she published Amen: What Prayer Can Mean in a World Beyond Belief. However, it was... Continue Reading
States Say Churches (And Church Childcare Centers) Must Open Bathrooms to Transgenders (At Times)
Any time a church is used for a secular purpose – such as when it operates as a polling place – it must allow a person to choose the restroom based on his or her perceived "gender identity"
The law defines a place of public accommodation as any place, licensed or unlicensed, which is “open to and accepts or solicits the patronage of the general public.” It also claims that such places may not restrict access or deny services to a person because of gender identity. The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD)... Continue Reading
Is There Something Dangerous About Focusing on the Family?
“Our perfect Father has prodigal children. What right do we have to expect our children will be different?”
I think there is a subtle danger in American evangelicalism, and it’s highlighted in Dr. Baucham’s title. To put it simply, I would suggest that the next generation does not need a family-driven faith. It needs a faith-driven family. We should never reverse the order. Here are a few ways I believe that family ministry... Continue Reading
Three Ways of Looking at Pastoral Ministry
The most important qualification for a pastor is Christian character. The Bible insists on character first, conduct second, and competence last
During the course of each school year dozens of inquiries come across my desk regarding men who are being considered by churches and mission boards. I am supposed to rate those individuals according to qualifications that are specified in the reference form. Without exception, each inquires as to the abilities of the person being considered,... Continue Reading
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