While most Protestant denominations either require or strongly recommend those preparing for ministry as pastor earn a seminary degree (normally the Master of Divinity) few groups have established protocols requiring that academic preparation include significant training in business or organizational leadership. Since most congregations are small in size (approximately two-thirds have fewer than 200 members), pastors are often tasked with the daily oversight of the daily operations of the Read More …
Does Distance Matter? (#0926)
Cor Chmieleski, senior associate pastor at Hope Community Church (Minneapolis, MN), recently asked "how far is too far?" when it comes to the distance people will travel to participate in a community of faith. Chmieleski lives six miles from the church he serves, but passes "more than 50 churches" on his commute. He questions whether, in the current era, distance should matter and if there is a point at which a congregation should encourage those who travel over a certain distance to Read More …
Review of America’s Blessings (#0925)
Meet the Author Since 2004, Rodney Stark has been a University Professor in Social Sciences and the Co-Director of the Institute of Studies of Religion at Baylor University. Stark is an American sociologist of religion who previously taught for over thirty years at the University of Washington. He has published 30 books (my review of What Americans Really Believe / my review of The Triumph of Christianity: How the Jesus Movement Became the World’s Largest Read More …
Sentence: Attend Church (#0924)
There are some things in life that I simply cannot understand. That list grew by one when I read about Oklahoma District Court Judge Mike Norman sentencing a 17 year old convicted of manslaughter to weekly church attendance for the next ten years. Incredibly, this isn't the first time Norman has resorted to mandatory church attendance. Thankfully, many have noticed and are speaking openly about how Norman's latest sentence differs prior cases in which he ordered Read More …
Consumerism as Idol (#0923)
Tony Campolo is an ordained American Baptist pastor, professor emeritus at Eastern University, founder of the Evangelical Association for the Promotion of Education, author of 35 books, and popular speaker. Recently he wrote these challenging words: . . . the enemy of the Church is consumerism. We have made an idol out of the things that are being sold. We bow down and worship the commodities that are paraded before us on television. We are enslaved to a mindset Read More …
Review of What Money Can’t Buy (#0922)
Meet the Author Michael J. Sandel is the Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Professor of Government at Harvard University, where he has taught political philosophy since 1980. Sandel is best known for his undergraduate course, "Justice," which is the first Harvard course to be made freely available online and on public television. His accompanying book on the topic, Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do (2009), is an international bestseller. Additionally, he is the author of Read More …
Thankful America Is Not a Christian Nation (#0921)
On this Thanksgiving, I am especially thankful that America is not a Christian nation. Parker Palmer, a best selling author, regularly dispenses incredible wisdom in his writings. In a Huffington Post Thanksgiving article, Palmer shares why he is "grateful that America is not and cannot be a Christian nation." More specifically, he argues that historical and present-day reality clearly show that America is not a Christian nation: Lack of a government established Read More …
I Need a Miracle (#0920)
"I Need a Miracle" is the title track on Third Day's latest album: Miracle (released November 2012). The chorus is a powerful reminder that at some point in life everyone needs a miracle: Well no matter who you are And no matter what you've done There will come a time When you can't make it on your own And in your hour of desperation Know you're not the only one Prayin' "Lord above, I need a miracle" I need a miracle So What? An unofficial theme song of American culture might include Read More …
Safety is Not a Virtue (#0919)
John Richardson, communications director at Generous Church, recently blogged about how the Christian faith calls adherents to step away from a life of safety and security. After quoting Craig Groeschel, Erwin McManus, David Platt, Francis Chan and Jesus, he summarizes the big idea thusly: Here’s the problem with playing it safe - safety is not a virtue in the Kingdom of God. Instead, the Gospel calls us to the exact opposite: a radical departure from the “safe” Read More …
Review of Shaping the Journey (#0918)
Meet the Authors Richard R. Dunn and Jana L. Sundene both have experience as professors and in parish ministry. Dunn is lead pastor at Fellowship Evangelical Free Church (Knoxville, TN), and formerly served as chair of educational ministries at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Sundene serves on the leadership team of the Vine Christian Community (Long Grove, IL), and is associate professor of Christian ministries at Trinity College. Book Basics Given the limited Read More …