Church Leadership

The Sky is Falling

It’s only been a few days since what has been referred to as the “blue tsunami” wiped out “God’s chosen representatives” in the midterm election (tongue firmly planted in cheek).  I try not to let politics influence my faith but instead attempt to live the reverse, let faith influence my politics. I am not going to sugar coat it; this has, for most people, become impossible. I am not suggesting that we compromise our beliefs when I say it’s time to step back from the Christianizing of political parties but rather I want to urge each one of us to stop letting a party with a beam in their eye influence our view of the other party with a beam (speck would better maintain the biblical narrative) in theirs.

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Natural vs Supernatural Evolution

I know what I would think if I read this title, but then I would be wrong! I am not talking about the origins of our universe. The evolution I am referring to has nothing to do with God and science being reconciled, affirmed, found lacking or even false. While many argue over six-day creation, I simply ask myself: do I believe in a God that is powerful enough to achieve the literal understanding of the creation story in Genisis? If so, then that is all that matters! But I digress from the point of this blog which is to compare the natural and the supernatural evolution of…

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What is Church Really Supposed to Be?

There has been a remaking of church in my lifetime. While change is inevitable, all change is not necessary or good. I struggled with a concept that at one time I could have supported. I am unsure why I entertained this definition of the purpose of the church, but I am sure of one thing; the concept of what the church does, embraced by many Christians, is actually lazy Christianity.

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Everybody Needs a Little Jesus

A pinch of this, a dab of that, and I can be palatable to those who call themselves Christians and still be popular with those who do not identify in this way. A little Jesus will get me sober. A little Jesus will comfort me when I mess up. A little Jesus comes in handy when I need to feel that I am more than just me. A little Jesus means I can be what I am while claiming to be something more.

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Take the Cult out of Culture

The dictionary defines culture as, “the beliefs, customs, arts, etc., of a particular society, group, place, or time” (merriam-webster). There are variations of the definition, but they all point to a way of acting and interacting based on shared values/beliefs in a group of people. To have a culture is to have an identity or at least the beginnings of an identity on which we can build who we are and how we interact. I am fine with an accepted set of values defining how we involve ourselves in each other’s lives especially when they are based in the Bible. But even in communities of believers, it doesn’t take much to go from biblical culture to biblically based unbiblical behaviours.

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The Best Offence is…

…an outside observer with no actual issue taking issue with something or someone on another’s behalf. There was a time when the best offence was a good defence, but things have changed. Instead of playing defence people have taken to making others go on the defence because they find what they are saying offensive. Yes, there are universally offensive actions, at least there used to be, but what was once black and white has become grey while what was once no big deal has become the thing most offensive to a select group of self-appointed defenders of those they perceive in need of defence.

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