In reviewing news stories for potential discussion on this blog, I have encountered many unusual happenings. The latest to make that list is the preparation being undertaken by not one but two "Christian" television networks to ensure they have the resources necessary to provide live coverage of Jesus' second coming. Daystar, one of the two networks, now features a live stream from the Mount of Olives on its website. So What? Over the years I have heard Read More …
Discipleship
My Visit to Next Level Church (#0891)
Next Level Church in Fort Myers, FL was featured in Outreach Magazine as one of the top ten fastest growing churches in America (for more on the article that sparked my curiosity, read this post). Since this was the only congregation within a reasonable driving distance to make the list, it was an easy decision to visit. This past Saturday, accompanied by a seminarian, I attended the 4:30 p.m. service: the first of five identical weekend services (Saturday at 4:30 p.m. and 6:15 Read More …
Faith & Voting (#0888)
Geoffrey Black, General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ, recently wrote about how being a disciple of Jesus leads him to vote and shapes how he votes. For me voting is love in action. It is about loving God, neighbor and about self. Therefore, I vote for candidates who are likely to enact policies that honor God and are in the best interest of my neighbors. Of course, I also vote in my own self-interest and that too is an act of love. However, I Read More …
Adult Enrichment in 2013 (#0887)
I have the privilege of developing adult educational opportunities at Naples United Church of Christ. These holistic growth opportunities, along with our musical enrichment offerings, are open to our congregation and to the community. The following brochure is a second annual brochure covering many of the events that will occur between Advent 2012 and Pentecost 2013 (for more, read about and view the 2012 edition). I welcome your feedback. Read More …
Restoring Hope (#0886)
Diana Butler Bass, author of Christianity After Religion (my review), recently wrote a piece about hope in the fall 2012 edition of Reflections, a magazine of theological and ethical inquiry produced by Yale Divinity School. She writes: I wonder if hope and courage will join hands to forge a new sense of the common good. But hope comes not through political campaigns. Rather, lasting hope will spring from a rebirth of courage in faith communities, when God’s people prophetically act Read More …
Implied Messages (#0878)
Jim Palmer is the author of three books, including Being Jesus in Nashville (2012). Recognizing the wisdom of Marshall McLuhan's idea that the medium is the message, he recently constructed a list of ten implied messages given by the institutional church. Church is a place, a location, a building. Christianity happens in services, classes, meetings, events, and programs. What people need most is good information about God. "God’s work” needs organizational or corporate Read More …
What is Freedom? (#0877)
Roger Olson, professor of theology at Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary, wrote an article in the October 2012 edition of Christianity Today exploring how different the popular American view of freedom is from the biblical view (p.35-38). No truth is more pervasive in Scripture and Christian tradition than this one – that real freedom is found in obedience and servanthood. And yet no truth is more incongruous with modern culture. Here we stand before a stark Read More …
The End of Children’s Sermons? (#0875)
Mary Jacob's recent article considers the role of children's messages/sermons in worship. Most importantly, she provides perspective that allows readers to more fully consider if the practice is appropriate in their congregation. It hasn't always been this way. Children's messages/sermons began appearing in worship services in the late nineteenth century, but didn't become common until the 1970s and 1980s. Children's messages/sermons often lack focus or are directed at a Read More …
Good Liturgy? (#0873)
Glenn Packiam is the lead pastor of new life DOWNTOWN, an extension of New Life Church (Colorado Springs, CO). He recently shared his list of five marks of good liturgy: A Good Liturgy Invites People to Participate. A Good Liturgy Reinforces the Right Desires. A Good Liturgy Challenges Our Desire for Novelty. A Good Liturgy Confronts Our Obsession with Originality. A Good Liturgy Breaks Our Addiction to Activity. So What? I have been involved in Read More …
Religious Taxes (#0871)
A week ago today, Germany’s top administrative court sided with Roman Catholic bishops by upholding the longstanding practice of allowing the Catholic Church to deny full access to the church to German believers who refused to pay a special church tax. Under the current system registered Catholics, Protestants and Jews pay a monthly tax to the government, and the government distributes those funds to the appropriate religious communities. With this system, the tax provides the most Read More …