I was on my way to an early morning appointment, listening to NPR, getting their spin on world news. Later on I will switch to another news source, CNN or Fox news, usually both. At some point today, I will see the ABC News affiliate out of Charlotte, get the 1440 feed on the news … More The Danger of the New Media World
How can we show the world the unity in so much of the diversity of our Christian expression in the fractured culture that we live in? How can we work harder at forging that unity without theological compromise of our convictions? What might be some practical things that local groups of Christians leaders could do … More Serving the Community through Existing Associations
These twelve things, are more important than whatever your pastor preaches from week to week and whatever music is used from week to week. If these results are happening in your church, stop complaining about EVERYTHING else and rejoice in what God is doing in your midst. If they aren’t happening, pray for your leadership … More Twelve Things that are More Important than Preaching and Music at Your Church
The world owes a great debt to Charles Wesley as a pastor, missionary, theologian and hymn writer. But the much-love hymn, “And Can It Be”, has some very bad theology in the third stanza. He left His Father’s throne above So free, so infinite His grace— Emptied Himself of all but love, And bled for … More Did Christ “Empty Himself” of all But Love?
This past Friday and Saturday I attended and spoke at the annual Disciple-Makers Conference dreamed up and organized by one of my former students and staff members, Tom McElroy. Years ago Tom and I got connected through the church planting classes I taught for 14-15 years at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL. … More When the Gospel Creates Unity
Kingdom Life, Church Hopping and Grace Years ago I heard a short radio spot on John 13:35: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another”, the point being that authentic relationships among believers are the greatest evangelistic tool of all. I would also add, they are the greatest … More Kingdom Life, Church Hopping and Grace (Guest Post by Pam Bush)
Weekend Musings These are culled from my notes on a seminar by Larry Osborne from last year’s national Free Church Conference. Six thoughts and a few quotes about winning teams from Larry Osborne: Winning Teams have Winning Players. Losing Teams have . Good Players. “Two biggest derailment … More Assembling the Right Team for Your Church or Church Plant
Thursday is for Discipleship My friend and fellow EFCA Pastor from the great state of Pennsylvania, Matt Mitchell, has just released a book called Resisting Gossip: Winning the War of the Wagging Tongue (CLC Publications, 2013). As I’ve said before, I think that sinful gossip is more destructive to the loving unity of the church … More An Interview about Resisting Gossip with Matt Mitchell
Tuesday is for Counseling: A Great New Book On Thursday, I will post an interview with Matt Mitchell, a fellow EFCA pastor from the great state of Pennsylvania. I’m not sure where Matt and I crossed paths but I have appreciated his ministry for some time. His blog, Matt-Mitchell.blogspot.com, is filled with pastoral insight and … More Coming: An Interview with the Author of a Book I Hope Becomes a Runaway Bestseller
Weekend Links Busy week packing, moving, hoping for the sale of our house in Bolingbrook. But a good week. A week where God drew near, where plans produced fruit, where men and women heard (and glory!), believed in the Gospel and trusted in the Savior. Have a great weekend celebrating the wonder of our great … More Links to Wonder; Links to change Church Culture; Links to Sanity about American Military Developments and much more
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