My Church Is Closing, and I Don’t Know What Comes Next — for Me, or America
I researched the decline of organized religion while having a front-row view of the change in my own life.
I am having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that I get asked all the time, by pastors, denominational leaders and interested observers, about ways to grow a church. I guess people assume that since I spend my days digging through religion data, that I should have been able to uncover the... Continue Reading
Are Theology Degrees Enough of A Reward in Themselves?
Does acquiring more degrees deserve greater reward or compensation at the expense of the church’s overall ministry?
Does having a higher degree guarantee, in and of itself, that a person will perform better in ministry than one with a basic required degree? Does a pastor with a Ph.D. give more of himself or is more productive in ministry than one with a M.Div.? Does he have greater influence on the spiritual outcomes... Continue Reading
The Teaching Preacher
Every minister brings his flesh with him into the pulpit. It is a sacred thing to heed the spirit of the Word of God while guarding against the flesh.
We don’t come to church to hear a commentary on the latest political issues in America. If we want that, we can turn on CNN or Fox News. We come to church to hear a word from God. We don’t want your opinions. We want to hear a prophetic ministry that prefaces the sermon with... Continue Reading
An Encouragement and Appeal to Concerned Officers and Laypeople in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC)
As we in the PCA and the EPC seek to minister as ambassadors of God’s grace, we must be committed both to the task of loving the lost, and to our duty not to see any sin as beyond the saving grace of our Savior Jesus Christ. So, we pray that we all would remain... Continue Reading
Hope Beyond Politics in Europe
In the Netherlands, over six hundred young people, aged sixteen–twenty-four, turned up to listen to me speak on the roots of modern anxiety and then on the theology of public worship. That was on a school night.
As to the young people, my wife and I had many conversations that indicated a real desire to find roots in the historic Christian faith. Many had backgrounds in Brethren churches, rooted in Anabaptism. They were appropriately grateful for the love of Jesus and the pastoral care that their Brethren churches had shown them, but... Continue Reading
Christian Reformed Church Synod 2024 – What Happened?
Synod 2024 was a clash of two competing visions: One defined by its heritage and history, the other by its beliefs from Scripture as described in the creeds and confessions.
Synod 2022 clarified that “unchastity” in the Heidelberg Catechism “encompasses adultery, premarital sex, extra-marital sex, polyamory, pornography and homosexual sex,” all of which are violations of the Seventh Commandment…That Synod instructs churches who have made public statements, by their actions or in any form of media, which directly contradict synod’s decision on unchastity to repent... Continue Reading
White Lies and Biblical Truth
Surrounding your soul with sound counselors with Jesus in their heart.
Lots of preachers out there telling it like it is without speaking to anyone present. Paul’s call to Timothy to preach the word in-season and out is a word to remind the gospel proclaimers that the gospel is always relevant to the life of men and women, to sinners of all stripes, and we can’t... Continue Reading
Downgrade in the SBC?
The debate after the “women pastor” debate will be about gender and marriage.
No one has the authority to say it is permissible to willingly violate the Lordship of Christ as expressed in His Word. So ultimately, this issue is about the authority of the Word of God and the authority of Christ Himself. I will not make a biblical case for complementarianism in this article. But I... Continue Reading
Dear Pastor, Avoid the Common Pitfall That Will Sabotage Your Ministry
As Paul charges Timothy, we should be reminded, “not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers” (2 Tim. 2:14).
Many preachers who desire to “contend for the faith” (Jude 3) and recognize our responsibility to “rebuke those who contradict” with sound doctrine (Titus 1:9) will adopt a defensive posture in the pulpit. While these are crucial aspects of our role, our preaching should not be characterized by an argumentative demeanor or confrontational rhetoric. And... Continue Reading
The Episcopal Church Considers Motion on Polyamory (Updated)
A mainline American church considers a motion on affirming Polyamrous relationships among its clergy and laity.
I got several earnest messages informing me that my facts were out of date. The motion went to TEC’s legislative committee where it was rejected, it did not reach the house of deputies or bishops for a formal vote. If I had known that, I would certainly have said so, but none of the research... Continue Reading
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