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.

Elders: The Shepherd Model, Answers to Questions

[Relocated from the comment section] Jim asked, We, as Shepherds, have and do struggle with this from time to time, especially when we first became Shepherds. I am interested in seeing the various opinions and suggestions that will be put … Continue reading

Posted in Elders, Uncategorized | 14 Comments

A Bon Mot for the Tedium Sufferer

“Bored Out of My Soul” — unconventional Christian music by Chris Guin (Jay’s oldest son), sung by Kyle Sapp, piano by Chris Guin (2005). Additional material may be found at Chris Guin Creations. Got a tradition, the mission of old, … Continue reading

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Elders: The Shepherding Model, Part 1

I get emails — I thought I’d get your perspective on what a biblical eldership looks like. Our current elders are using the Lynn Anderson material (DVD, workbooks, etc) “They Smell Like Sheep,” to try to become better shepherds, but … Continue reading

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On Imperfect Baptisms: For Example (It’s Friday!)

Thanks to reader XRay.

Posted in Uncategorized | 8 Comments

Clergy & Laity: He says he’s suffering from burn out. Is he serious? (The Minister)

In my view, most cases of preacher burn out are the fault of the elders, the congregation, or our unchallenged traditions. But sometimes, it’s the preacher. Preachers can burn themselves out by — * Not praying enough * Not taking … Continue reading

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Church Finances and Business: Student Loan Reduction for Ministers and Others

Following up his earlier comment, reader Cary McCall has provided this explanation for how ministers (and many others) can reduce or even eliminate student loan payments. Student Debt Relief for Ministers: The Basics Cary McCall One of the most burdensome … Continue reading

Posted in Church Finances and Business, Uncategorized | 5 Comments

The Holy Spirit: Romans 1 – 7

You may have noticed that I skipped Acts. I did. I’ll get there, but I think it’ll help to let Paul teach us some more about the Spirit before we take on some of the very challenging texts in Acts. … Continue reading

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Clergy & Laity: He says he’s suffering from burn out. Is he serious? (Simple Church)

One of the most important books in church literature to come out in a while is Simple Church: Returning to God’s Process for Making Disciples. It’s a quick and easy read — and very powerful. It’s premise is, well, simple: … Continue reading

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The Holy Spirit: John’s Gospel, Jesus’ Departing Lesson

Just before the crucifixion, John includes a lengthy discourse by Jesus to his disciples in preparation for the coming changes. Among the major themes of the discourse is the coming Holy Spirit of God. The meal at which the discourse … Continue reading

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Church Finances and Business: Update on the Housing Allowance

I need to pass along two bits of news on the “housing allowance” ministers of the gospel are allowed to exclude from their federal taxable income. Background The Internal Revenue Code allows ministers of the gospel to exclude from their … Continue reading

Posted in Church Finances and Business, Uncategorized | 21 Comments