Jeremy Parks

This is an IMB worker's response to  Anthony Russo's post "Should Christians Express Their Political Views?" For starters, I am uninterested in re-hashing the various points made during Mr. Russo's post, as well as those presented during the discussion.  Others have done an excellent job in raising perspectives that apply to the situation.  Instead, I would like to present a different view of the subject; this requires us to leave the North American environment and even the current year. Consider situations where Christians or the church have wed themselves to a particular political, … [Read more...] about Should Christians Express Their Political Views: A Response to Anthony Russo

When Stacy and I first married, we had the usual quirks and issues to work out.  We had to decide, for example, if working three part time jobs while attending graduate school exempted me from having to hang the clothes on the line outside.  We also debated whether slamming an entire basket of wet clothes on the floor next to the bed was truly the best way of communicating, "Could you help with the clothes, dear?"  I'll leave you to figure out what we decided. One issue that came up was communication, but not like you think.  You see, Stacy was born deaf, and I was born hearing.  However, I … [Read more...] about What Did She Say?

We are five Christian Americans living in Ecuador.  We eat Chinese stir fry, Italian pizzas, Southern pot roast, Spanish paella, Mexican burritos, Ecuadorian salsa de aji, Chilean empanadas, and Venezuelan arepas.  We were born in Texas, Louisiana, North Carolina, Maryland, and Venezuela.  We’ve celebrated birthdays in Texas, Louisiana, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Israel, Gaza, Croatia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Tennessee, to name a few.  We use  American Sign Language and English at home.  The kids use English and Spanish at school.  We use Spanish and … [Read more...] about What Determines Identity?

Gee, Pastor White, I really appreciate your seeing me like this. I’m sort of stuck in an awkward position, and I can’t quite figure out what to do. What I mean is I’m trying to help a friend of mine, and I just can’t seem to figure out how. I’m hoping you could advise me in some way. What? No, it’s like I said: a friend of mine. I’ve got this pal, a buddy named Juan Pablo Montoya. He’s Cuban; well, Cuban-American. His folks are Cuban, but Juan was born here and grew up in South Florida. He’s got the whole Latin family thing going on there. I mean, it’s crazy how many cousins he’s got, … [Read more...] about Apparently, You Are What You’re Named

In Ephesians 4:11 Paul listed and described some roles within the church.  He wrote," And He personally gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers.." (HCSB).  I was reading over this passage this morning and happened to check the comments at the bottom of the page. This is what it said: "Pastors do all for the church that a literal shepherd does for the sheep: feeds, nurtures, cares for, and protects from enemies.  A shepherd's task is not to acquire sheep.  However, if a shepherd does what he is supposed to do, he will have healthy sheep and his … [Read more...] about Pastors: Sheep Acquisition Professionals?

Stay in missions long enough and you’ll hear the stories, accounts of faraway events.  Somewhere, a missionary has discovered the Grail, the Promised Land, and the Ark of the Covenant all rolled into one.  Yes: it’s a church planting movement. I’ve been working in missions for about 10 years.  I’ve seen the work in 5 countries among various people groups.  I have yet to see, experience, or begin a church planting movement.  In fact, from what I have heard, only people in certain far-off inaccessible parts of the world get to see this elusive goal; you know, places I’ll never get to see, … [Read more...] about The Other Guy’s Church Plant

In AD 324, Constantine the Great defeated his rival claimant to the Roman throne. After deciding that Rome was a poor location for his capital, Constantine choose the city of Byzantium for the seat of government. Straddling the connection point between Europe and Asia, Byzantium was the perfect spot for managing the European, Asian, and North African territories of the Roman Empire. There was a catch: it was too small. In AD 330, the city was named Constantinople. An enormous building project began to enlarge the rather small metropolis, with armies of workers, craftsmen, and artisans. The … [Read more...] about Whose Clothes Are These?