How many of you watched the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle just about a year ago? Do you remember the preacher? It was an American, Bishop Michael Curry of the Episcopal Church. I remember listening to that sermon thinking to myself, “Wow, that guy just brought an astounding message.” But in theContinue reading “False Ideas Christians Believe About…Church”
Tag Archives: church
False Ideas Christians Believe About…Money
Today, as we continue our series on False Ideas that Christians believe, we are fact-checking statements about money and generosity. You can’t out-give God. Give and you will receive. It’s my money; I worked hard for it. Money is the root of all evil. Let’s start with… On the surface, this one is true. GodContinue reading “False Ideas Christians Believe About…Money”
Of Slaves and Apostles – Titus 1:1-4, Part 2
Have you ever called yourself a slave to your boss? A slave to your job? Maybe you have slaved over a project in school. Or perhaps you worked slavishly doing yard work. We use the word “slave” in many ways, even though that word has a horrid connotation because it describes the very awful andContinue reading “Of Slaves and Apostles – Titus 1:1-4, Part 2”
How to have loving diversity in a church family
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Sometimes church families are like any other family, and that means we can butt heads. We don’t always see eye to eye. With the exception of ethnic diversity, my congregational is quite a diverse. Young and old. Male and Female. Rich and poor. Conservative and Progressive. IntrovertContinue reading “How to have loving diversity in a church family”
Are Christians in America being oppressed?
This week we are studying 1 Peter 3:13-17. As you turn there, remember that the backdrop of this letter is that the Christians were being persecuted for their faith. You might remember three months ago when we started this series, I talked about the situation that these Christians found themselves in. They were being persecuted. Continue reading “Are Christians in America being oppressed?”
Why and how to submit to governing authorities
Yesterday we looked at Peter’s principle in 1 Peter 2:13a, “Submit to human created authorities, for the Lord’s sake.” As he continues teaching, Peter illustrates this principle three ways: Illustration #1 – verses 13b-17 – respect and submit to the governing authorities. Illustration #2 – verses 18-20 – slaves respect and submit to your mastersContinue reading “Why and how to submit to governing authorities”
Would you go to a church named “The Church of the Holy Royal Priesthood of the Living Stones”?
I would like to propose a new church name: Church of The Holy Royal Priesthood of the Living Stones. Do you like it? Would you go to that church? I don’t know if I would. I’d be thinking, “Huh? Something is off there.” I would really be suspicious of going to a church with thatContinue reading “Would you go to a church named “The Church of the Holy Royal Priesthood of the Living Stones”?”
The one thing needed for a church to become a family
One church I visited during sabbatical did something that weirded me out a bit. You know what they did? During the worship service they introduced themselves to new guests by saying, “We’re a family here, and we want you to be a part of our family.” You might be thinking, “Joel, why did that weirdContinue reading “The one thing needed for a church to become a family”
When I visited other churches (What I Learned on Sabbatical, Part 4)
One of the most frequent questions I got before going on sabbatical was, “Where will you go to church?” When I asked people what they thought I should do about church, they had many responses. Some people suggested I take a break, which is essentially the definition of sabbatical. I seriously considered not going toContinue reading “When I visited other churches (What I Learned on Sabbatical, Part 4)”
Why I am Going on a Three-month Sabbatical
I started sabbatical January 1st. For the first three months of 2018 I will put my pastoral duties on pause. I have so much gratitude to Faith Church for allowing this, and for facilitating it. Over the last few years, as the church considered and planned for the sabbatical, there have been numerous people inContinue reading “Why I am Going on a Three-month Sabbatical”
Engaging Scripture 