WWJD - What Would Jesus Do - was an incredibly popular theme during the 1990s. Jodi Detrick, recently shared that she has been thinking about a modification created by adding the letter N: WWJND - What Would Jesus Not Do. She explored the idea more fully in a chapter in her recently published book: The Jesus-Hearted Woman (2013). In that context she offers a list of things Jesus would not do, including He did not seek human popularity. (John 8:50) He did not pander Read More …
Pastoring Isn’t Glamorous (#1205)
Eugene Peterson (b.1932) is a pastor's pastor. He is the author of the best-selling The Message, which is his translation of the Bible into contemporary American language. He is an ordained Presbyterian (PCUSA) pastor who served as the founding pastor of Christ Our King Presbyterian Church in Bel Air, Maryland for twenty-nine years before retiring in 1991. Following his retirement from parish ministry, he served in academia until retiring from that role in 2006. Read More …
A New Mainline (#1204)
Mainline Protestantism has transitioned from American's dominant form of Christianity to a mere 18% of the adult population. Many forecast continued decline. Recognizing the issue with the name, Cathy Lynn Grossman is inviting you to take a poll to propose a new name for the mainline, which includes a "dozen church groups . . . including United Methodists, Episcopalians, Evangelical Lutherans, Presbyterians (USA) and American Baptists)." The options she offers are Old Read More …
Sermon: Persisting for the Children (#1203)
Sermon Text Luke 18:1 -8 Sermon Excerpt In both the modern retelling and the original parable, you can't miss the huge power difference between the judge and the widow. The widow has limited resources, limited mobility, and limited options. The judge is supposed to play by the rules but has decided he is above them. The persistence of the marginalized widow is appealing. It is an admirable quality that resonates with readers and viewers alike. They want what she Read More …
US Jews = Less Religious (#1202)
A recently published Pew Research Center’s Religion & Public Life Project survey shows that American Jews are becoming less religious. Currently, just over one-in-five Jews (22%) self-identify as having no religion. While the rise in the percentage of Jews who label themselves as not being religious is noteworthy, the generational divide is of even greater significance. The percent of Jews who have no religion increases from the oldest living generation to the youngest Read More …
Christian TV: More & More Irrelevant (#1201)
Phil Cooke is a filmmaker, author, and speaker. Additionally, he is the founder and CEO of Cooke Pictures. In light of the non-response by Christian television to the conflict in Syria, he shared his concern about the growing irrelevance of their product: Christian television continues to grow more and more irrelevant because we refuse to take the time or trouble to address issues that really matter—when they matter. If you work at a Christian station or network, think about it. I’m Read More …
Worship Songs & Copyright (#1200)
Steve Thorngate's "Revise Us Again: Should Churches Alter Worship Texts?" (October 2, 2013 print edition of the Christian Century, also available online) is important enough that its content should find its way onto a committee, board, or other standing leadership body's meeting agenda at every house of worship in America. At issue is the legally and ethically appropriate use of worship songs and hymns, including making modifications to words in order to more accurately convey the theology Read More …
Catholics, Protestants, & Sexual Abuse (#1199)
For the last several years the Catholic church has received considerable attention related to clergy sexual abuse. In reality, such an issue is not confined to the Catholic Church. Boz Tchividjian is a Liberty University law professor, executive director of Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment (GRACE), and the grandson of Billy Graham. Last week at the Religion Newswriters Association conference he stated that the response by Evangelical Read More …
Reinventing Liberal Christianity (#1198)
Last week I read Theo Hobson's new book: Reinventing Liberal Christianity (2013). It is the sort of work that warrants deeper and more thoughtful consideration than my first read allowed. Since I am not likely to return to it for awhile yet find the content engaging and relevant, I will forgo a book review in favor of a book recommendation. Those interested in a thoughtful and thought provoking exploration of what liberal Christianity (largely Protestantism) is Read More …
Church Social Media Community Building Opportunity (#1197)
Marcus Cylar, itinerant elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, is seeking your help with his Doctor of Ministry project centered around the question: "What are the characteristics and benefits of an effective, life-giving online pastoral support group in a social media setting?" The working title for this project is Examining Social Media's Role in Community Building and Spiritual Formation. Get Involved Marcus is looking for 30 participants of all ages (3 groups of 10) Read More …