Rick

Although I am not a moderate, I do serve as a moderator.  Since our church bylaws give the Pastor that responsibility, I do this about ten times per year. Occasionally, I run into that fairly rare situation in which my role as Pastor places me in the best position to speak intelligently about a concern, to actively propose or describe a situation in church life, or to address a matter from the perspective of one who is advocating a certain course of action. I certainly understand that it is not the moderator's role to advocate a position, but frankly, to guide the discussion, rule on … [Read more...] about Moderating and Advocating

Christianity is a team sport.  There are no free agents.  There are no Lone Rangers. We simply cannot obey the "one another" passages of Scripture if we are not properly united with a local church fellowship to whom we are accountable and with whom we serve the Lord together.  Frankly, Christians who are unaffiliated are stunting their spiritual growth in the Kingdom of God.  They will be "stuck" right where they are until they make a change. Lately, I have experienced a profound burden for two groups of people within the church I pastor -- and within every church, for that matter.  I named … [Read more...] about Permanent Prospects and Backslidden Baptists

Editor's Note: Rick Patrick is a frequent commenter here.  He sometimes commits the unpardonable sin of disagreeing with me, but he always writes well and makes a clear point.  I'm dying to see which of his five points is going to get the most discussion here today.   These random opinions jump around.  Fortunately, like the best things in life, they are free.  If you don’t like one of them, don’t buy it.  Or better yet, tell me why I’m an idiot, or as we say in our Christian vocabulary, “Share the truth in love.” 1.  Church hoppers should be forced to wear a “Scarlet H” on their … [Read more...] about Five Things I Think I Think (by Rick Patrick)