Retiring the “Worship Leader”
The contemporary worship movement ushered in nearly universal use of a new title: “Worship Leader.”
If we consider that all the things we do in a worship service are to be acts of worship, it’s a little ridiculous to give the soloist the title of “worship leader.” After all, praying is an act of worship. Actively listening to proclamation through sermon is an act of worship. Reading Holy Scripture is... Continue Reading
Breakaway Episcopalians Win Texas Church Property Fight
A Texas state court has sided with a group of breakaway Episcopalians, ruling that they can keep their property after leaving the national church
Judge John P. Chupp of the 141st District Court in Tarrant County, Texas, ruled Monday (March 2) that more than 60 parishes in greater Fort Worth can retain their property and remain independent of the Episcopal Church. “We are grateful for the ruling in our favor,” said Bishop Jack Iker, the former Episcopal bishop of Fort... Continue Reading
Young, Restless And Anglican
What could be sending students to older faiths like Anglicanism?
“It’s my guess that students who are familiar with theology are also familiar with how much people can waver between points of view, and they gravitate towards older, more conservative faiths that adhere to the points of view that they ascribe to.” “I’m Kirkland An — I grew up in a nondenominational church, but... Continue Reading
6 Ways to Become a Welcoming Church
What can be done to foster spiritual friendliness and a welcoming culture in our churches?
“While it is impractical to have visitors over for lunch every Sunday, get in the practice of having a meal ready for guests on a somewhat regular basis. Then, seek out visitors after the service. You will find that almost anyone visiting will jump at the invitation to come to your home for lunch.” ... Continue Reading
Presbyterian Foe Of Gay Unions Now A Supporter
While many opponents of same-sex marriage now support it, this reversal is especially significant
“Rev. Benton is an adjunct professor in communication at Harrisburg Community College and York College of Pennsylvania. He served as pastor at Pennsylvania congregations and at one in the Hudson River Presbytery in New York State. As a member there, he brought a complaint against the presbytery for failing to discipline another minister for conducting... Continue Reading
Studies, Experts Suggest Why Some Christians Like Church Shopping
Reasons include an aversion to congregational conflict and the trappings of denominationalism
“Why would members choose to leave their church for another? Why would they switch denominations — from Baptist to Methodist, for example? Why would they completely switch faith traditions — letting go of Christian tenets to follow Buddhist teachings, perhaps?” You’ve been a member of the same church for a few years. While you... Continue Reading
Division and Reunion: A Reflection On American Presbyterianism – A New Documentary
Union Presbyterian Seminary has produced and released this new documentary
“This is not a comprehensive documentary on American Presbyterianism, far from it. But it is a reflection on history of division and reunion in the mainstream branch. And since that is the focus you can understand why another word in that description – reconciliation – is emphasized throughout the piece.” Union Presbyterian Seminary has... Continue Reading
Judge Rules That Church, Not Presbytery, Owns Property
A judge has ruled in favor of First Pres. Church in Houston in its battle with New Covenant Presbytery
“The judge’s decision included a permanent injunction that barred the presbytery, the Presbyterian Church (USA) and any people or entities related to it from doing anything that would interfere with or disturb First Presbyterian’s “ownership, use, control or disposition” of the property.” A judge has ruled in favor of First Presbyterian Church in Houston... Continue Reading
What Do You Really Want Your Church to Be Known For?
That’s what I would want our church to be known for – our glorious Savior.
I definitely want to pursue excellence in our preaching of God’s word for the sake of strengthening God’s people, and proclaiming the Gospel. And I want our worship to be as excellent as possible to encourage us to glorify Jesus with our singing. But I don’t want these things to be the first thing that... Continue Reading
The Table of the Nations, the Tower of Babel, and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb: Part 2
Looking at ethnic and racial diversity through the lens of biblical theology.
The gospel is the only story that offers real hope and the only story that celebrates what the world fears. Principalities and powers offer many plans but no real hope. The gospel offers a hope that celebrates the breaking down of ethnic barriers and celebrates the sound of the gospel in different languages and tongues.... Continue Reading
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 334
- 335
- 336
- 337
- 338
- …
- 553
- Next Page »