Dear pastor or elder, your congregants need to know that you don’t share everything with your wife. Trust can quickly disappear otherwise; and, your wives need to be protected from carrying unnecessary burdens. We are shepherds of the church–and of our spouses. Let us be wise in fulfilling our callings and responsibilities. Ask yourself a... Continue Reading

A defining moment — that “first link on a memorable day” — can set the direction of a marriage for years to come. How newlyweds respond to these moments determines whether they stumble along separately or move forward together. Young couples, mark these four moments as divine opportunities, and allow the good news of the Father’s love for... Continue Reading

Like training for a marathon, rest from ministry will produce great results. It will keep you from burning out or getting injured. You need rest, perhaps especially when you’re feeling strong.   I’ve been working my way through a half marathon training plan for a race in May. The plan has me running a few... Continue Reading

Vanguard is a denomination that holds to what is called Old School Presbyterianism, and as such believes the Westminster Confession of Faith and Larger and Shorter Catechisms provide the theological foundation for the Church’s ministry. Vanguard welcomes ministers and churches who desire to be a part of a denomination which holds to these confessional principles... Continue Reading

The development of spiritual discernment and courage comes only by a deep understanding of and commitment to the truth as it is in Christ. This goes far deeper than following a few moral commands. It involves seeing how to live as part of His Kingdom while on earth. As our culture moves further and further... Continue Reading

According to Peter, God’s process of purifying the church and the world of sin and its impurities has begun with fiery trials at His house, and first in line for purification are the elders. And so our assignment is set before us: would we who are elders show others the lessons of perseverance that we have learned during recent... Continue Reading

What the PCA doesn’t need is another mission drift into social work and social engineering.  If one wishes to see the world changed, it will happen in the same way that it has for the past 2000 years—through the work of the Holy Spirit regenerating hearts and turning them to Christ.  The PCA needs to... Continue Reading

Abstract truth tends to remain on the surface. Real transformation comes when we get concrete and personal. And I’m no artist, real or otherwise. But I am a teacher and a preacher. And I love to teach and preach. And reading Lewis on the danger of mistaking the means for the end challenges me precisely at this... Continue Reading

The assumption of the General Assembly appears to be that the current economic and conditions of many blacks today are manifestations of racism by whites, past and present, and only through repentance by whites from this past and current (inherent?) sin can blacks escape the negative effects of these sins and find their way out... Continue Reading

It isn’t always the case that the fears of a crisis are unfounded. Just occasionally it is as bad as you fear, but still Paul’s advice holds firm: Keep your Head. There are challenging and fearful times in ministry and church life, but rarely is an instant reaction the right reaction. Quick decisions are often bad... Continue Reading