Browse Archives
Check out news and opinion posts across the years
Beginning a Ministry Well: Part 1
Once, in the process of accepting a call to a very expensive part of the country, we were told that the church would help us with a down payment on a home. But by the time we arrived, the committee members remembered...
The Search for Certainty
Authentic faith does not emerge because of facts or evidence. The journey of faith follows paths other than the ones taken by history and science. Or as Jesus put it to an early skeptic: "Have you believed because you...
Buddhism in the United States
No longer an exotic import, Buddhism is firmly planted on American soil. It is growing both in its traditional and non-traditional forms. But this monastery isn't in Asia. It's just off Interstate 35 in Kansas City....
Ministers Can Collect Unemployment, Court Says
The debate over whether churches should provide unemployment compensation has ended in favor of those fired by religious institutions, as the Oregon Supreme Court upheld jobless support for a fired minister. "Church...
Revitalizing Congregations: Refocusing and Healing Through Pastoral Transitions
This is a book about church health, pastoral leadership and the value of intentional interims. If a congregation is about to experience a pastoral transition, this book should be a must-read for the parish leadership....
Remembering Browning Ware: The Gaze from Death’s Door
Near the shadow of death, Browning Ware unflinchingly shared what it was like to stand that close to the doorway separating mortality from eternity. That's the effect thoughts of our dying have upon us. It's like a...
No Law Prohibits Carter’s Expression of Faith
Mr. Carter doesn't quote a whole bunch of Scripture when he makes a speech. But as you listen to his speeches, you get the feeling that Scripture has shaped and molded his thinking. The prevailing application of the...
Chevrolet’s Evangelical Concerts Draw Reaction
Take another look at promotions for the new "Come Together & Worship" Christian concert tour. That's not a cross above the title. It's Chevrolet's "bow tie" logo. That's because the car manufacturer owns the title...
Americans Doubt UN Can Handle Hussein
Americans' confidence in the United Nations' handling of Iraq is wishy-washy, according to a Gallup poll released Oct. 30. The poll indicated that although Americans generally support the UN as an "international...
‘Teaching the Controversy’ Over Evolution Could Be Disastrous
"Teach the controversy" is the latest battle-cry in the never-ending war over the teaching of evolution in public schools. Is this a blow for academic freedom? Or a back-door maneuver to get religion into the science...
Other Religions and the Quest for God
Ever since Paul spoke to the Athenians about the "unknown god," people have asked how a belief in Christianity's unique truth fits into a world of many religions. Today, the unprecedented mingling of cultures and...
Confidence: A Key for Successful Living
All of us have confidence in some areas and are lacking in others. A proper balance is important. Confidence run amuck leads to arrogance. No confidence leads to a poor self-esteem. Henry Ford said, "If you think you...
“The Truth About Charlie”
It has been said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. When it comes to movie remakes, it can also be the source of bad movies that could have been much better. A good case in point is "The Truth About...
Michigan Amish Shun Septic Systems, Plead Religious Liberty
Amish in Michigan are battling to preserve their religious beliefs and practices, as a health agency tries to force several Amish families to install septic systems. "The Amish, who call themselves the Plain People,...
Sitting Down to Eat with Jesus
Jesus himself might not have the credentials for Communion in every sanctuary built in his honor. Except for one thing: Communion. The printed bulletin explained that participation in this ritual (called by some the...
Major Mistakes Churches Make
Churches are prone to make mistakes. Although these mistakes may afford short-term numerical growth, they inevitably diminish the overall health of a congregation and taint the integrity of a local church. Some of the...
Noise, Traffic Keep Houses of Worship Away From Suburbs
Noise and traffic will keep houses of worship out of the suburbs, according to a recent court decision banning churches and temples in residential areas. The Oct. 16 decision by the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals...
Churchgoing Population Declines
New research indicates that baby boomers are ditching church at a higher rate than ever before. "The number of churchgoing Americans who have quit attending has grown to 14 percent of the population in the past decade,...
Annual Meetings of Baptist Associations
For the 167th time, people from the Baptist churches around this area came together for worship, celebration, fellowship and wonderful meals. While the annual meetings of associations have evolved across the years,...
Ag Department Gives Organic Products New Labels
Health-conscious shoppers can confidently buy organic products with new federal labeling rules instated Oct. 21. Consumers don't have to take producers' word for it anymore. The Department of Agriculture's new labeling...
“Hell House”
Here is the church, here is the steeple, open the doors and here are … abortion, homosexuality and gun violence—at least in the annual "Hell House" sponsored by Trinity Church (Assemblies of God) in Cedar Hill, Texas....