Over the last few decades, criticisms of the church have become commonplace. Scores of books and blogs unpack the failings of the church. There’s truth in many of these criticisms and concerns. The church gains nothing by burying its head in the sand. Our hope is in...
I chose to go to Bible and theological college in my late twenties. (In Australia, we tend to call seminaries theological colleges). I’d spent close to 10 years serving with a church planting team and felt that I needed further equipping for ministry. I also wanted to...
The church needs to get better at talking about mental health issues (including depression, bipolar, and anxiety) and about addictions (including alcohol, drugs, pornography, gambling, work, and sexual). And we need spaces where Christian leaders, pastors, and...
Today, Saturday November 25, is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Global research into domestic and sexual violence reveals some shocking and intolerable facts. 1 in 3 women and girls experience violence in their lifetime. In one...
Supervision interrupts practice. It wakes us up to what we are doing . . . The supervisory voice acts as an irritator, interrupting repetitive stories (comfort stories) and facilitating the creation of new stories. – Sheila Ryan All pastors, missionaries, and other...
Prelude to this Series: Five Integrated Approaches Transforming World Christianity and Our Mission, Theology, and Ministry – Polycentric, Integral, Pentecostal, Polyvocal, and Intercultural (P.I.P.P.I.) Welcome to exploring Christian mission and ministry, invigorated...
Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.” (Matthew 22:29). Spirit baptism has been a defining experience in my discipleship to Jesus Christ. I remember the night well. I was sixteen, angry, wounded, and insecure. I...
“To lead with courage and pastoral wisdom in the twenty-first century requires ministers to make a transition from simply imagining ministry to embodying pastoral imagination.” Recently, some colleagues and I read the Auburn Report on “Learning Pastoral Imagination.”...
Here are 12 gifts we can give others on social media all year round.1. Highlight someone else’s achievement, milestone, or success.2. Recommend books, podcasts, or resources that have enriched your life.3. Respond respectfully and graciously to criticism and when...
I'm sorry for the way many Christian men have treated women in the name of faith. I'm sorry for the way these men have twisted Scripture and faith, and used these as justification to hurt and control women and families. I'm sorry that many Christian leaders haven't...
“福音派。看来你还是继续用这个词，但我不认为它代表了你要表达的意思。” – 这是Inigo Montoya在电影The Princess Bride里面的台词，她对Vizzini使用“福音派”...
