Category Archives: Uncategorized

Life Outside the Blog

Posted on September 22, 2010 by Jay F Guin

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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments

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

Posted on September 22, 2010 by Jay F Guin

* 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 →

Posted in Elders, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

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

Posted on September 21, 2010 by Jay F Guin

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

Posted on September 20, 2010 by Jay F Guin

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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | 19 Comments

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

Posted on September 20, 2010 by Jay F Guin

* 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 →

Posted in Elders, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Lies About Christians: Why So Much Bad News?

Posted on September 19, 2010 by Jay F Guin

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

Posted on September 18, 2010 by Jay F Guin

* 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 →

Posted in Elders, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

The Millennium, Part 4

Posted on September 17, 2010 by Jay F Guin

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

Posted on September 16, 2010 by Jay F Guin

* 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

The Millennium, Part 3

Posted on September 15, 2010 by Jay F Guin

Verse-by-verse Verses 1-3 (Rev 20:1-3 ESV) Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain.  2 And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is … Continue reading →

Posted in Revelation, Uncategorized | 7 Comments