I recently read a post by a pastor who, with a broad brush, condemned all “discernment ministries” as being unloving and promoting disunity in the church. The concern is that such statements could be construed as saying that it is wrong to exercise discernment. Are we to take the position that anyone who claims his […]
A Challenge from Os
I was challenged by this paragraph and thought I would share it: The faith-world of John Wesley, Jonathan Edwards, John Jay, William Wilberforce, Hannah More, Lord Shaftsbury, Catherine Booth, Hudson Taylor, D. L. Moody, Charles Spurgeon, Oswald Chambers, Andrew Murray, Carl Henry, and John Stott is disapearing. In its place a new evangelicalism is arriving […]
On Selective Denouncement
The author of Hebrews says this about Jesus: “You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.” Hebrews 1:9, ESV One thing we should keep in mind as church leaders is our tendency to be selective in the things we denounce. I […]
Os Guinness on Progressivism
In some churches, the words tradition or traditional are used in a pejorative sense. Anything that smacks of tradition is considered harmful to the desire to grow a large church. And since bigger is always better, tradition cannot be good.
An attitude of gratitude
In his book “Overcoming Toxic Parenting” Rick Johnson writes the following about having a positive attitude: “Part of having a good attitude is developing gratitude for what we have. Do you have a faithful spouse and children who love you? Then you are blessed beyond words. Be grateful. Do you have a home to live […]
Theology vs. Experience?
There are some who would downplay theology and doctrine in favor of renewed experience of the power of God. “It’s not about doctrine” is a phrase that I’ve heard a few times within Christian circles. I found this quote from Tim Keller helpful when thinking about theology vs. experience: “We are not called to choose […]
On the pursuit of relevance
So while I think there is nothing inherently wrong with wailing guitar solos and smoke machines as part of the worship experience, perhaps we should pump the brakes on the drive to make worship like a rock concert and the sermon like a motivational seminar.
Totally not like Jesus
While strolling through Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia, we could hear an amplified voice near one corner. From a distance, I could not identify the purpose of the speech, but I did have some idea that the speaker was angry about something. I was curious to see if it was a political protest or a speech […]