Expectation obfuscation takes place when a church or its leaders fail to adopt, document, communicate, and evaluate ministry expectations.
I believe in salvation by works, and so should you
salvation by faith needs to be referenced in relationship to Jesus’ works of the law
Straw Towers?
Pastors should avoid building unstable straw towers and instead assemble sound, healthy churches that will stand up to the Father’s inspection.
What Should We Expect of a Pastor?
God sets the expectations. We must align ours with His.
The flaws in “Don’t judge” theology
A few weeks ago, my colleague Dr. Channing Crisler posted some very helpful comments concerning the (in)appropriateness of judging and judgments. Coming from a different angle I’d like to diagnose a different problem endemic to the spirit of our age. The precise wording differs on context but I’d say the phrase “We shouldn’t judge” or “Don’t you judge me” or … Read More
Marriage Licenses, sold by Verizon (w/ a 2-year commitment)
Cultural views on marriage are changing rapidly. The previous slow march of allowing same-sex couples to marry has sped up recently. A decade ago the question seemed to be: should homosexual couples be allowed to marry? After the initial and resounding “no” by multiple state referenda, by all accounts the cultural, electoral, and judicial answer seems to be moving in … Read More
Appreciation
Kris Barnett, Associate Professor of Practical Ministries at Clamp Divinity School, speaks on pastor appreciation in the local church.
What Does It Mean to Be Missional?
The term “missional” shows up in lots of conversations among church leaders these days. Clearly we are trying to gain a renewed focus on what we are to be and do as the church in the 21st century. In fact, our 2012 National Conference on Preaching will use the theme “Preaching on Mission” as we explore the relationship of preachingto … Read More
Dealing with Demands
(This week’s blog postings are adapted from the theme address, “Preaching Under Pressure,” presented at the EK Bailey International Conference on Expository Preaching in July.) demands Declining numbers are only one factor in the church’s struggle. The church is also struggling because the people are demanding. We live in a consumer-driven culture, where we want what we want when … Read More