“While not commenting on the actions taken by the Episcopal Church of the USA, Archbishop Welby said his visit to America was “a real gift in terms of communication. At least there was understanding why we disagreed with each other when we disagreed, rather than simply disagreeing and not understanding each other.” But he added:... Continue Reading

“Documentary and video evidence was sent to the IRS showing PCUSA delegates meeting with members of Hezbollah – which is designated by the US as a terrorist organization – as well as publishing anti-Semitic materials and passing around political advocacy materials in violation of its status.”   In response to the Presbyterian Church USA’s (PCUSA) decision... Continue Reading

Noted canon lawyer Allan Haley says that what this means is that the highest court of a State has now ruled that there is no provision in the governing documents of the Episcopal Church (USA) that keeps a Diocese from withdrawing its membership in that organization. The Church in fact is an unincorporated association of... Continue Reading

There are certain conditions in the church that increase the likelihood of a pastor’s departure well before it takes place….When a pastor leaves a church, whether through firing or voluntary departure for negative reasons, it is rarely a single immediate factor that led to the exit. There are typically negative conditions that created the environment... Continue Reading

The confessing church alters their methods of preaching. The compromising church alters the message they preach. While it is wise and biblical for the body of Christ to be relevant to culture regarding the preaching of the gospel, it should never put being relevant above being faithful. The compromising church puts being relevant before biblical faithfulness. Hence, they not only... Continue Reading

There are hard feelings on both sides. Some who are moving to the new congregation say PCUSA is trying to “change” the Bible. Some on the other side disagree with the church’s growing fundamentalist tilt and say the schism began with the hiring of an assistant pastor who disagrees with the direction PCUSA has taken.... Continue Reading

Reading these words from Billings also reminded me of a sermon Paul Wolfe preached. Pastor Wolfe urged us saying, “The gospel makes us recognize the size of the gulf between the way things are and the way they are supposed to be.” He defined groaning as “the sound at the intersection between pain and hope.”... Continue Reading

The proposal – which has been rejected by 10 presbyteries so far – is aimed at ensuring both sides of the debate are accommodated within the legal framework of the Kirk. The unofficial figures have been collated by observers within the church, and the Press and Journal… A Church of Scotland spokesman said presbyteries had... Continue Reading

The congregation is the only place… in Western culture where we develop relationships, celebrate our faith and life together, and also extend those same relationships all the way through death and dying. A place of employment, a hospice—they have indispensable roles, but in neither is a community life that celebrates the birth of babies and... Continue Reading

Lifers have the ability to see a long-term view of the ministry. They are not enamored with the short term. When struggles arise, they remain calm. They have been there before. When you face difficulties, have a conversation with a lifer. They may impart a perspective that will get you through the struggle. One of... Continue Reading