Why Our Churches Need More Gray Hair
The “older men” are those who have advanced age. Paul says that these men must have several exemplary characteristics.
The world puts the old people on the shelf and the young people on the podium. But it really should be the other way around. Every believer should aspire to the crown of splendor—to the honor that is due to those who have learned to live well and faithfully to what God has called them.... Continue Reading
Princeton Seminary Letter on Its Long Range Planning
The Seminary is facing certain financial realities that require careful planning and prudent stewardship.
As you may know, our endowment provides nearly 70% of the annual income for our operating budget. This means that changes in market conditions can have a direct and significant impact upon our annual budget. Our investment advisors are projecting lower market returns in the coming years that could compromise our long-term financial health if... Continue Reading
Whence Methodist Liberalism?
When did United Methodism become theologically liberal?
According to one historian, the “last fifteen years of the nineteenth century saw the theological leadership of American Methodism change hands almost completely.” Orthodoxy and creedalism became passé and even John Wesley became infrequently cited, often more for criticism than instruction. When did United Methodism become theologically liberal? Many assume only recently, in their... Continue Reading
Praying Together
Brothers and sisters, like all the saints before us, we must be praying people
“We must be praying people, first, because we know that our only help is in the name of the Lord. It is the Lord who builds the house and watches over the city—who gives success to the church’s mission and spiritual life to its worship. In prayer together, we admit that we are helpless.” ... Continue Reading
Being Professional in Ministry?
The problem of professionalism in ministry is endemic to those living under the influence of the American dream – in a business and marketing driven society where money rather than Christ is King
“We must resist the temptation to believe that the church is a business in light of the insistence that there are organizational and financial aspects to the church. The church does not sell products. The minister is not a business man. The minister is a servant of Christ called to be His ambassador in a... Continue Reading
Seven Habits of Long-Tenured Pastors
The longer-term pastor is a step in the right direction for greater health and more fruitful ministry
“They take care of their families. They know their families are their first lines of ministry. In fact, they grasp clearly that they cannot lead their churches for the long haul unless they take care of their families (1 Timothy 3:5).” They have been at their present church at least ten years, often much... Continue Reading
Church Installs Stained Glass LGBT Window
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Fargo, ND, recently dedicated a new window dedicated to the LGBT community.
Dubbed “Integrity Window” the installation also commemorates English writer St. Aelred of Rievaulx. Aelred authored the treatise “On Spiritual Friendship” and is claimed by some in the gay community for his own deep friendships with men. The window also features a quote from Galatians, a pride flag, the logo of Integrity USA (the unofficial LGBT caucus within... Continue Reading
Meet Those Who “Love Jesus but Not the Church”
These individuals have a sincere faith (89% have made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ that is still important to their life today), but are notably absent from church.
Despite leaving the church, this group has maintained a robustly orthodox view of God. In every case, their beliefs about God are more orthodox than the general population, even rivaling their church-going counterparts. For instance, they strongly believe there is only one God (93% compared to U.S. adults: 59% and practicing Christians: 90%); affirm that... Continue Reading
Keeping the “Para” in Parachurch Ministries
Parachurch ministries never need forsake a biblical approach to the New Testament church to be effective.
It’s one thing for a parachurch ministry to have a document which states biblically sound doctrine. It’s quite another to weave the truth and implications of that doctrine into the daily doings of that ministry. The most important qualification for a parachurch ministry is not proficiency in a needed skill, but embracing of sound doctrine.... Continue Reading
A Truth Worth Dividing The Church (Sproul)
In order to get into heaven, will I be judged by my righteousness or by the righteousness of Christ?
“When you hear this glorious truth preached on Sunday rejoice and be thankful for the gospel of grace! If you don’t hear it preached, lovingly talk to your pastor and elders and discuss it. It’s not a side issue, nor is it a dry doctrine that is impractical for our daily living. “ At... Continue Reading
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