Titus, Church Planting, & a Local Church Refresher
Consider Titus’ task: among other things, he was to plant strong churches in the sense of gathering existing, unassimilated believers, into NT kind of churches in the midst of a godless, gluttonous, religious culture
Once saved through faith in the Person and finished work of Christ, God’s people get brought into the most glorious organism in the universe; the church. Though often messy and seemingly mundane, the NT kind of local church is God’s best, no-alternative plan for humanity this side of heaven. In and through such churches, God brings... Continue Reading
Is Family-Integrated Worship the Historical Norm?
Whatever the merits of including children from early on in church services (and there are, I think, many), I'm not convinced the evidence for such being the unequivocal practice of previous ages is all that strong.
Perhaps the most appropriate lesson to be learned on this point, then, is simply not to make assumptions too quickly about how Christians did things in the past. It’s all too easy to project our own ideas and customs on to persons or groups that inhabit days gone by, and then to turn around and... Continue Reading
The PCA and Race: Reflective Review of “The Dangers of National Repentance”
An Essay by C.S. Lewis in response to a drive to declare a national repentance and confession of sin for the guilt of England’s part in the war.
Lewis in my opinion is right to warn of some of the self-righteous dangers of an endeavor of group repentance. Often this can be confessing the sins of one’s neighbor, rather than your own sins. In those cases “we” really means “they.” Thus, there must be some reflection on the personal nature of such a... Continue Reading
The Most Used but Least Understood Phrase in the Church
Jesus said, “If you ask anything in my name, I will do it” (John 14:14). So what does it mean?
When we pray in Christ’s name, we are saying, “I have no confidence in my own name, my own character, my own merits.” We are saying, “We have complete confidence in Christ’s name to give us access and authority in prayer.” “In Jesus name” is more than a full stop or a comma. It’s a... Continue Reading
What are 10 Qualities Every Pastor Needs to Possess?
Pastors, look for these in the future pastors in your church and consider your own character in light of these qualities.
Scripture must first be our guide when evaluating a young man’s desire for pastoral ministry (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Pet. 5:1-4). This blueprint needs to then be evaluated by the young man’s desire for the work (internal calling), and then by the pastors and congregation of his local church (external calling). Although those... Continue Reading
Presbyterian Governing Body Orders Pastors to Vacate Seattle’s First Presbyterian Church
Seattle Presbytery (PCUSA) orders pastors of First Presbyterian Church to vacate building alleging a “pattern of duplicity” as they sought to unilaterally separate from the denomination.
The Seattle Presbytery is trying to take back a historic church after a report found pastors and other leaders engaged in financial impropriety and a “pattern of duplicity.” A lawsuit will now determine the fate of Seattle First Presbyterian — and its $20 million property. The regional governing body of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)... Continue Reading
Church Planting Mathematics: 10 x 100 > 1 x 1000?
There are quite a number of benefits of planting 10 church plants that will reach 100+ throughout a geographical region.
Several years ago, one of my mentors noted that it may, in fact, be more advantageous for a church or Presbytery to call godly and faithful men to plant 10 churches that will each reach 100+ members in any given geographical area than it would be to call one extraordinarily gifted individual to plant 1 church that would... Continue Reading
Don’t Be Embarrassed By Your Ordinary Church
When we think about the church in general and our church in particular, we might be a bit embarrassed to call it “ordinary.”
Is your church ordinary? Small? Well, my Christian friend, if it is preaching the gospel and endeavoring to help others to know and follow Jesus then it is not insignificant. It is powerfully important and surpassingly glorious. And, you should praise God for it–even as you get to work in it! In the grand... Continue Reading
Joint Declaration of Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill
Pope Francis and Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia met in Havana, Cuba on Friday (2016-02-12) to sign an historic joint declaration.
By meeting far from the longstanding disputes of the “Old World”, we experience with a particular sense of urgency the need for the shared labour of Catholics and Orthodox, who are called, with gentleness and respect, to give an explanation to the world of the hope in us (cf. 1 Pet 3:15). Pope Francis... Continue Reading
Worldview Loneliness in the Church
This is what it’s like to feel alone because of your Christian worldview in the Church.
My worldview loneliness is not provoked by the awkward discomfort that comes from sharing the Christian faith with an unbeliever in secular culture. Which is not to say evangelizing is easy for this introvert. No, that challenge is different. I expect a lost soul to find the Gospel offensive. The mocking, callousness and avoidance of the... Continue Reading
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