By Scott Armstrong Along with the rest of the world I watched yesterday as the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France went up in flames. The unspeakable tragedy became clear as its famous spire tumbled to the ground below. Millions of people correctly lamented such a horrendous loss and attempts to raise funds in order to... Continue Reading →
At Arm’s Length: A Lenten Reflection
In this season of Lent, I have been reflecting on a haunting phrase: “at a distance.” Doesn't seem too scary or even noteworthy, right? Why would I say it is haunting? It was the night of Jesus’ betrayal, the night before he would be crucified. Feet have been washed, Passover has been served, and the soldiers... Continue Reading →
Dear American Church…I Am Not Renewing My Membership This Year
By Frank Powell Dear American Church, Let me cut to the chase. I am tired of this club. I want out. Here is the thing. I didn’t sign up to join a club. Maybe there was a misunderstanding. Maybe I contributed to the confusion. I am not sure how we arrived here, but things are... Continue Reading →
Real Life Church in Quito, Ecuador
Some of our friends and colleagues in ministry have planted a new church in the heart of Quito, Ecuador. A few weeks ago they described their initial months and their strategies and philosophy in an article published by Ardeo Global. What do you notice about their approach? Can you see this working in your city?... Continue Reading →
Welcoming the Wilderness During Advent
The following excerpt is from “Advent is a Season of Longing,” written by Carolyn Arends and published in Christianity Today. People are rarely neutral about the approach of Christmastime. Some of us reside at a North Pole of intense anticipation and excitement, while others of us hole up at a South Pole of irritation and... Continue Reading →
We Saw the Rising Sun
By Hiram Vega Of all the names of Jesus, one rarely mentioned is the Rising Sun, or the New Dawn. The name evokes the image of the soft red light that comes before the sun. It is the prelude to a new day. In Chapter 1 of his gospel, Dr. Luke tells us that God... Continue Reading →
Analysis and Interpretation of the Pastoral Role
By Rev. Ernesto Bathermy As we analyzed and interpreted the images of a shepherd/pastor from the Old and New Testaments in the previous article, those texts shed light on our work and responsibilities as pastors: Feed the flock When we speak of feeding the sheep, we refer to teaching and instructing the believers in the... Continue Reading →
The Image of a Pastor in the Old and New Testaments
By Rev. Ernesto Bathermy The Bible teaches that God calls individuals into different ministries for the benefit of the community of faith, which is the Church, and for building up the Kingdom of God. This calling is obvious in the close relationship between the spiritual gifts and the One who gives them. Nevertheless, we must... Continue Reading →
Pastors, the Church is not our Personal Platform
By Karl Vaters The church does not exist to give us an audience for our ideas, projects or egos. It exists to fulfill Christ’s purposes. The church belongs to Jesus. It is not owned by its denomination, its donors, its members, its staff or its lead pastor. Jesus said he would build his church –... Continue Reading →
3 Ways to Become the Godly Elders/Mentors Today’s Youth Need – and Want to Follow
By Karl Vaters The best way to help foster the Fruit of the Spirit in others is not by demanding it of them, but by living it out with them. This generation wants to honor its elders and be mentored by them. That may not feel like it’s true – especially if you, like me,... Continue Reading →