“Ministering to men and women who are victims of sexual abuse can be tricky; there are several common mistakes that pastors make. By being aware of these pitfalls, you can be better prepared the next time an incident arises within your church.”   When individuals tell you, Pastor, that they were sexually abused or raped,... Continue Reading

Because reality sets in. The honeymoon is that period where each of two parties sees the other through idyllic lenses. But the pastor and the congregation will soon discover that neither is perfect. Indeed, each party may be even more critical of the other because the idyllic period seemed so bliss. The new era becomes a stark contrast.

When we remember that it is the same God who served up our circumstances through his providence that calls us to be content in him, then we can rest in him. It is natural for us to complain and desire a change of circumstances. However, it is supernatural to be able to joyfully rest in God when things are not going the way we want them to.

Many began to notice a growing trend within PCA churches and ministries that put an almost exclusive emphasis upon justification, to the considerable neglect of sanctification. Some taught that sanctification was no more than looking back to one’s justification, with no real emphasis upon spiritual growth and godliness. Thus, these pastors began a conversation about... Continue Reading

“For now, let me share some key reasons many of our congregations have become more like country clubs than churches, a place where some members demand their way instead of serving and self-sacrificing.”   In 1974 Burger King made a bold move to take market share from McDonald’s. At the time, McDonald’s made burgers en... Continue Reading

“Other prominent Christian leaders unwelcome in Vancouver churches include a chap with no surname calling himself Jesus, who alienated ecclesiastical panjandrums by calling them snakes and Saul of Tarsus who demonstrated a worrying, dehumanizing insensitivity when he invited his opponents to remove their own testicles.   A growing number of Christians in Metro Vancouver want... Continue Reading

“The task force is trying to solve an internal examination problem when the deeper issue is those preparing to pastor PCUSA churches don’t resonate with Psalm 119. They are not hungering, thirsting, aching nor yearning to know the Word of God nor to have their lives conformed to it,” added LaBerge.   The Presbyterian Church... Continue Reading

“This is one of the great challenges of pastoral ministry, and therefore, of preaching too.  We need to grow in sensitivity to the people we care for, and we need to grow in discernment too.  Some of us will tend toward a harshness with others that will bruise and harm many of the sheep.  Some... Continue Reading

“Baptizing yourself is silly. And going to the nations without the support of a local church is a little like baptizing yourself. Being a self-proclaimed lone-ranger missionary is as ridiculous and arrogant as baptizing yourself.”   Recently, I felt a burden in my heart for an unreached people group in the Middle East. So I went and visited.... Continue Reading

One resource for understanding this distinction is in Samuel Miller’s book The Ruling Elder. In the tenth chapter, “The Distinction between the Office of Ruling Elder and Deacon,” Miller develops the biblical and historical foundation of the two offices and their differences. He then summarizes his conclusions at the end of the chapter.