Category Archives: Uncategorized

A Different Way to Do Teen Ministry Campus Ministry Church, What This is Not

Family-centered ministry. Some congregations have seen the problem with overly segregating teens from adults and so have responded by having families do events and projects together. It’s a good idea. But it’s not the best idea. I mean it has … Continue reading

Posted in Church Ministries, Multi-generational/Orange Ministry, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

At Last, Absolute Proof that the Churches of Christ Existed During the Renaissance

Thanks to the Sacred Sandwich.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Comments Off on At Last, Absolute Proof that the Churches of Christ Existed During the Renaissance

The Fork in the Road: A Different Gospel, Part 2 (Gal 3)

Galatians 3 In a truly astonishing passage, Paul explains that our salvation is found not in the Law of Moses (no surprise) but in the covenant with Abraham (big surprise) — (Gal 3:2 ESV) Let me ask you only this: … Continue reading

Posted in Fork in the Road, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 98 Comments

Re Marcion

Dear readers: A few days ago, I began receiving several posts from someone arguing in favor of Marcionism, a Second Century heresy related to Gnosticism. The posts struck me as anti-Semitic and blasphemous, and so I blocked the sender — … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | 11 Comments

Business Advice for Church Leaders: Cash Reserves for a Church

I get emails — Hi Jay. I frequent your blog and enjoy your thoughts. Although I don’t always agree I find your blog very thought provoking and helpful. For example, we now serve communion from the back of the auditorium! … Continue reading

Posted in Church Finances and Business, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 1 Comment

The Fork in the Road: A Different Gospel, Part 1A (Further on the “Law”)

In Part 1, I stated that although Paul is discussing the Law of Moses in Galatians, his logic tells us that the conclusions he reaches apply to all efforts to be saved by works rather than by faith. I’ll explain … Continue reading

Posted in Fork in the Road, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 30 Comments

A Different Way to Do Teen Ministry Campus Ministry Church, Putting Theory into Practice

Practice I’m a big fan of youth ministry and youth ministers. I’m just not such a big fan of turning youth ministry into a sub-congregation that practices a Christianity unlike that practiced by the rest of the church. It’s unhealthy … Continue reading

Posted in Church Ministries, Multi-generational/Orange Ministry, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 13 Comments

The Shepherding Model, 21st Century Version

At last, rather than talking about sheep in pens and leading sheep through the wilderness and protecting sheep from wolves, we have a catchy modern metaphor. Announcing a new seminar for elders: Teaching the Sheep to Surf!* * Involves no … Continue reading

Posted in Elders, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 6 Comments

Bad Elders: Leadership Hubris

Thom S. Rainer is a well-known author, consultant, and speaker on church growth and leadership. He recently posted an article in his blog about hubris among church leaders. “Hubris,” of course, means pride. It’s the Greek word for the kind … Continue reading

Posted in Elders, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 11 Comments

The Fork in the Road: A Different Gospel, Part 1 (Gal 1 -2)

In a recent post regarding the “progressive agenda,” I wrote, Of course, my view of the gospel differs from the gospel as taught by conservatives in important ways. I’m persuaded that if they’ll understand the gospel as I teach it, … Continue reading

Posted in Fork in the Road, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 12 Comments