“All 15 people who signed the open letter are members of the national church’s New York Conference, a region that encompasses New York City, Long Island and part of Connecticut. Methodist leaders in that jurisdiction have previously rebelled against the church’s policy by announcing they would not consider sexual orientation when evaluating candidates for clergy.”  ... Continue Reading

So here is the bottom-line: for the Christian and the Christian pastor, the way down is the way up. Like our Master himself, any exaltation from God will come through humility and service (Phil 2.3-12). Remember John the Baptist, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”   In recent years there have been many public... Continue Reading

I wish Hybels hadn’t tried so hard to ride the fence as closely as he can. What does he mean when he says “gay Christian?” Specifically, when dealing with such a topic it’s helpful for our church leaders to clearly define their terms. What does an “open embrace” look like? What does “inclusive” mean and... Continue Reading

The SJC’s decision in Hedman vs. Pacific Northwest Presbytery is a precedent setting case. It is a denial of the rights of due process and the denial of the rights of protest in any and every case where the right procedures have been followed by the lower court. The SJC essentially has taken the position... Continue Reading

“We went to Canterbury out of a desire for unity,” the GAFCON primates wrote in a statement issued after the meeting. “In our hearts we desire to see the tear in the fabric of the communion mended. The sanctions passed at that meeting were the mildest possible rebuke to only the worst of the offenders,... Continue Reading

“High visibility can also set pastors on a correction-course with humility that evangelical Christians call getting right with Jesus. The Rev. Darrin Patrick, 45, of Webster Groves, is one of the latest on such a path. Elders at The Journey, a popular megachurch he founded with his wife in 2002, fired him a few weeks... Continue Reading

“Today, I let these pastors and church staff persons speak for themselves. I made minor modifications to a few so the story does not inadvertently reveal the church members. I don’t want the pastor to get fired. No comments on my part are necessary.”   “Pastor, I have a rat in my house. Please come... Continue Reading

“We’ve got an annual meeting of the SBC coming up. Awaken America. You may have heard about it. Rev. Alvaro’s little story here about a girl in his pulpit highlights the EXACT reason we should worry less about Awakening America and instead pray for a reformation within our ranks.”   It’s not a click-bait headline. It’s... Continue Reading

Bradley added that most Christian leaders are also not willing to sacrifice the convenience of ministering in a city neighborhood located about 25 to 30 minutes from their home for a small town that is hours away. “You can’t do that when addressing issues of lower class white poverty because those communities primarily live in... Continue Reading

“I’m glad that the elders at Bent Tree have stated their views so clearly and have opened up a public conversation. Although I disagree with them, I hope and pray the best for Bent Tree. I think the elders are mistaken on this one and would do well to reconsider what the Bible teaches.”  ... Continue Reading