3 Wrong Assumptions Church Leaders Make
Much of our angst could be resolved by correcting our assumptions.
It’s easy for people in our congregation to know in their heads that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, but to act and speak in ways that reveal a different understanding: that good works bring good rewards. As a church leader, you’ve probably noticed that when your assumptions are incorrect, you’re more likely... Continue Reading
Will Churches Become the Hotel California?
Do you and I believe freedom of religion should be redefined to become “freedom to worship” only within the walls of church or synagogue?
“Outside those walls—in schools, hospitals and of course, in businesses—the “price of citizenship” is that you relinquish your faith and its life-guiding principles. First Amendment “free exercise” becomes as meaningless as “LGBT tolerance.” “And of course, this church-based “safety” is insecure as well. It’s only a matter of time until the fascist elements decide they’ve... Continue Reading
Why Every Church Will Always Need a Women’s Ministry
An overview of the history of women's ministry and the church
Women’s ministry in the church has always been about knowing God and knowing His word, sharing the gospel with the needy and broken, and caring about the welfare of the country in which one lives. Yes, at times we women have gotten distracted by the fun of tea parties and bazaars; but on the whole,... Continue Reading
Destroy a Church in 4 Simple Steps
How do churches go from thriving to dying? How do they slide from healthy to sick to dead?
We did not get that building. That building was sold and, if I understand correctly, will soon be torn down. In the end the denominational leaders charged with selling it did not want the gospel in that building, they wanted money out of that building. They needed the money to help support two more of... Continue Reading
A Session’s Statement on Opposition to Women Serving in the Military
Trinity Presbyterian Church of Northern Kentucky in Ludlow, Ky., adopted a resolution on Women Serving in the Military
Charles A. Hickey, Pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church of Northern Kentucky (PCA) in Ludlow, Ky., provided this resolution adopted by the Session. He wrote, “The Trinity PCA Session had concerns about women in military service and spent a great deal of time preparing the statement on Women in the Military. We believe it necessary for... Continue Reading
What Questions Should I Ask Before Joining A Local Church?
4 questions to ask yourself as you narrow the search to make a decision.
Finally, there is one essential element that must exist in this process. It is the key to possessing the zeal required in this search. That is, a constant feeling of uneasiness that should exist in you knowing you and your family are not in covenant fellowship with a local church and are not under the... Continue Reading
6 Easy Ways to Contribute to Your Pastor’s Emotional Health
What can churches do to help pastors gain and maintain emotional health?
For some reason, churches have focused on providing more for pastors when they crash rather than offering preventive measures for emotional health. It doesn’t have to be that way. It shouldn’t be that way. You can help your pastor feel better, get better, and maintain his emotional health. You don’t have to be a large... Continue Reading
Why is the Episcopal Church Near Collapse?
The Episcopal Church has suffered a loss of membership from 1992-2002 — plunging from 3.4 million members to 2.3 million for a 32 percent loss
Prominent bishops are pulling out. Convention-goers were told headquarters had spent $18 million suing local congregations. Members are leaving at a record rate. “Liberal Christianity has been hailed by its boosters for 40 years as the future of the Christian church. Instead, as all but a few die-hards now admit, the mainline churches that have... Continue Reading
Are We Expecting Too Much or Too Little From the Church?
“What are you looking for in a church?” “What were you unhappy about in this church?”
The church’s role is really quite simple: to make and train disciples. If we do this then we will create a culture where friendships grow out of the gospel rather than in spite of it. Other programs will see their rightful place in the life of the Christian. As Christians we should all work together... Continue Reading
Christian First, Presbyterian Second
"I'm first and foremost a follower of Christ, a Presbyterian second, and an evangelical a very, very distant third."
I’ve been having conversations with GenX PCA pastors all over the denomination who are walking away from involvement in YRR (Young, Restless and Reformed) events and conferences because they want to invest the next season of life in building a better PCA-style Presbyterianism. They don’t care about the PCA being an “evangelical leader.” Boomers seem... Continue Reading
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