Author Archives: Jay F Guin

About Jay F Guin

My name is Jay Guin, and I’m a retired elder. I wrote The Holy Spirit and Revolutionary Grace about 18 years ago. I’ve spoken at the Pepperdine, Lipscomb, ACU, Harding, and Tulsa lectureships and at ElderLink. My wife’s name is Denise, and I have four sons, Chris, Jonathan, Tyler, and Philip. I have two grandchildren. And I practice law.

Lies About Christians: Are We Really Losing Our Young People?

We are continuing a series considering the excellent Christians Are Hate-Filled Hypocrites…and Other Lies You’ve Been Told: A Sociologist Shatters Myths From the Secular and Christian Media, by Bradley R. E. Wright. Chapter 3 asks whether we’re really losing our … Continue reading

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Life Outside the Blog

Well, I’m back from Abilene, where I badly overdosed on Tex-Mex food. It’s better there than in West Alabama for some reason. And I’m way, way, way behind on the comments. I had enough energy to post ahead a few … Continue reading

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Elders: The Care and Feeding of Elders in a Progressive Congregation: Retreat

* Retreat I imagine it’s pretty common for elders and staff to occasionally take a weekend off together, to sort through church issues and build relationships. It’s a good idea. Here are some keys to making it work — — … Continue reading

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Lies About Christians: Is American Christianity on the Brink of Extinction?

We are continuing a series considering the excellent Christians Are Hate-Filled Hypocrites…and Other Lies You’ve Been Told: A Sociologist Shatters Myths From the Secular and Christian Media, by Bradley R. E. Wright. In chapter 2, Wright considers the much ballyhooed … Continue reading

Posted in Lies About Christians, Uncategorized | 12 Comments

ACU Summit: Language Guide

I made it to the Summit (aka ACU Lectureship) last night, along with my fellow elders, preacher, and worship minister — all riding in an SUV thing from Saturn. It was a little cramped, but a great bonding opportunity, that … Continue reading

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Elders: The Care and Feeding of Elders in a Progressive Congregation: Unresolved Anger with Parents and Former Employers

* Don’t invite former employers and parents into the room Sometimes a minister carries around gaping wounds from previous elderships. He feels betrayed or abused, and so he has trouble imagining that the new eldership will be any better. Whatever … Continue reading

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Lies About Christians: Why So Much Bad News?

One of the most enjoyable books I’ve read lately is Christians Are Hate-Filled Hypocrites…and Other Lies You’ve Been Told: A Sociologist Shatters Myths From the Secular and Christian Media, by Bradley R. E. Wright. Wright is a sociologist — and … Continue reading

Posted in Lies About Christians, Uncategorized | 32 Comments

Elders: The Care and Feeding of Elders in a Progressive Congregation: Honesty; Seminars

* It’s fine for ministers to collaborate with each other, but not against the elders. No block voting. Ever. A minister feels oh-so strongly that the parking lot needs to be restriped. He’s afraid the elders will say no. And … Continue reading

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The Millennium, Part 4

Verse 5 (Rev 20:5 ESV) The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. This is a highly controverted passage. The text implies that the faithful were resurrected … Continue reading

Posted in Revelation, Uncategorized | 8 Comments

Elders: The Care and Feeding of Elders in a Progressive Congregation: Not Destroying the Relationship

* No surprises We say to the staff: “Don’t assume that you have to drag us kicking and screaming into a more progressive worship style. Don’t try to push and manipulate us piecemeal. Don’t dare add innovations to the worship … Continue reading

Posted in Elders, Uncategorized | 6 Comments