by Philip Jenkins | Feb 19, 2014 | Opinion
This year marks a singularly grim anniversary in Christian history. In 2014, it is exactly 400 years since the start of the horrific persecution that destroyed the once flourishing church in Japan. When we think of persecutions on this scale, we normally tend to set...
by Bill Wilson | Feb 18, 2014 | Opinion
It is becoming a consistent scenario in my work with conflicted churches – anxious congregations overreact to symptomatic issues. In its simplest form, it involves a congregation that notices that weekend Bible study or worship attendance (or both) is declining....
by Colin Harris | Feb 18, 2014 | Opinion
The worst of times and the best of times (so to speak) came two weeks apart in Atlanta, in a rare back-to-back visit of “winter events.” The first resulted in thousands of commuters being caught in traffic gridlock for up to 20 hours while students were...
by Larry Eubanks | Feb 17, 2014 | Opinion
Quite often Malachi 3:8-10 will be invoked in a sermon series on stewardship. It makes for a powerful message due to its strong accusation in verses 8-9. “Will anyone rob God? Yet you are robbing me!” the prophet declares on God’s behalf. “But...
by Dennis Bickers | Feb 17, 2014 | Opinion
There is an old joke that says the typical church seeks a pastor who is 35 years old, has 25 years of ministry experience, two children and a wife who plays the piano. After working with many churches in their search for a pastor, I can tell you that is the...
by Larry Greenfield | Feb 14, 2014 | Opinion
In a nation that cherishes choice, most of the time a decision between alternatives is made on a nonconsequential basis. It’s simply a matter of preference. Should I choose one brand over another? One store over another? One size over another? It really...
