This is Part 5 of a 5-part series. The other parts can be found here: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4. CONCLUSION The lessons learned by many in diverse settings around the world have proven time and time again that racial and social reconciliation, even among those who have experienced the transformative power of the new birth, is hard work. [62] Due to the ubiquitous sinfulness inherent in human nature, the goal of demonstrating the unity of Christ through the structures of the local church will require an intentional effort on the part of its members. According to DeYoung et al., “A … [Read more...] about A Biblical Evaluation of the Homogeneous Unit Principle, Part 5
Six Principles for Partnerships Between Large and Small Churches
This post first appeared at the RPM Ministries blog as part of their series on large churches. ________ Having been a part of both large and small churches, I have seen the tremendous potential of large and small churches working together. There can be great benefit when churches join forces and the combined effort can result in a greater impact for the cause of Christ. Not all joint efforts, however, are healthy partnerships. For a partnership between large and small churches to be successful, there must be active participation, contribution and benefit for all churches involved. Too … [Read more...] about Six Principles for Partnerships Between Large and Small Churches
Why I Reject Evolution (And Am Intellectually Satisfied Doing So) (by Alan Cross)
Alan blogs at Downshore Drift, where this post originally appeared. Apparently, I am part of the 33% of Americans who do not believe in Evolution, according to a recent Pew Research Religion & Public Life Project study (Al Mohler's article yesterday got me thinking about this today). And, I am completely fine with that. I am not trying to be different or unique or have my head in the sand when it comes to Science and its claims. I have actually studied and read quite a bit on this subject over the past 20 years, and although I am not a scientist by any means, I consider myself at least … [Read more...] about Why I Reject Evolution (And Am Intellectually Satisfied Doing So) (by Alan Cross)
When Pharisees Attack (Addendum: What SHOULD Have Happened)
Authors Note: I have added a section at the end of this post spelling out what I believe would be a redemptive approach to this sad situation. As Christians, as the redeemed, our duty is to be avenues of redemption and healing. Okay, I will admit that the title is a bit melodramatic, but it reflects the angst I feel over an issue I have been made aware of in a Baptist College; one that reflects values I consider to be more Pharisaic than Christian. Let me tell you the story, then you can weigh in on whether I am right or wrong in my feelings about this. It all started when a young man who … [Read more...] about When Pharisees Attack (Addendum: What SHOULD Have Happened)
Is Interreligious Dialogue Possible? (By Russ Robinson)
Russ Robinson is the lead pastor at First Baptist Church, Provo, UT. This article first appeared at Paul Thompson's "The Bridge." It’s a cool fall morning on the campus of Brigham Young University, and I’m in a hot, high-ceilinged auditorium filled to capacity with clean-cut Mormon students and faculty. As far as I know, the only evangelicals in a room of more than 800 people are myself, the six friends that came with me, and the speaker that everyone has come to listen to: Dr. Albert Mohler. As a Southern Baptist pastor with a church that meets a mile from Brigham Young’s campus in Provo, … [Read more...] about Is Interreligious Dialogue Possible? (By Russ Robinson)
Helping Heretics Come Home
This year's SBTC Empower Evangelism Conference features at least three former heretics as a part of the official program. These are men whose previous spiritual affiliation was theologically deficient and—according to the teachings of scripture and the consensus of orthodox Christianity for two millennia—accomplished their damnation to eternal hell. The three men in question are Ed Stetzer, Russell Moore, and Fred Luter. In fact, after looking a bit closer, every name on the program represents someone who was formerly a heretic, a blasphemer, a rebel against the rightful rule of God, and … [Read more...] about Helping Heretics Come Home
Let’s Be Honest about Sexual Temptation
Let's face it, the sexuality and sexual sin in this country is out of control. The sexual sin in the church is rampant. The sexual issues faced by pastors, leaders, missionaries and men in general is a problem. Lots and lots and lots of men are addicted to pornography, including pastors. Lots of men struggle with temptation and many are losing the fight. We are bombarded, it's on tv, billboards, magazines, ads and signs. You can't even walk down the street anymore without seeing more than you need to see. Don't even try to go to the mall these days. I was a substitute teacher for 6 … [Read more...] about Let’s Be Honest about Sexual Temptation
Singleness and Pastoring
Sometimes it just seems like you have to write something that you weren’t planning on and for which you don’t necessarily have the time…but here it goes. Recently Mark Driscoll wrote a blog piece that was generally against the notion of being single and being a pastor; and Dave Miller wrote a piece on marrying young, where some of the blog comments turned to the issue of being single and being a pastor. My Story. Having reached 33.5 years of life upon this spinning marble we call home, a lot of people still look at me as a young pup. I guess in some ways that’s true, though my hairline and … [Read more...] about Singleness and Pastoring
A Biblical Evaluation of the Homogeneous Unit Principle, Part 4
THE PRACTICE OF UNITY Having established that racial and social unity is the theological ideal that should be manifested in the Church, we are still left with the thorny question of how to most effectively and edifyingly put into practice this ideal in the everyday contexts in which missionary and local church ministry take place. When faced with the reality of the global church, it is tempting to accept homogeneous churches as an inescapable element of the evangelical landscape. As Wagner observes, “There is no question that the vast majority of the world’s Christian churches are … [Read more...] about A Biblical Evaluation of the Homogeneous Unit Principle, Part 4
The Case for Marrying Young
It is almost a truism today that it is best to wait until one is older to get married. I've heard Christian parents joke that they weren't going to let their kids (often daughters) date until they turned 25. People are marrying later and later than they ever have and many in the church approve of the trend. The assumption is that people who marry late have grown up, learned more about life, attained financial stability and personal maturity, and are therefore more ready for marriage. It is my belief that this reflects a fundamentally unbiblical mindset about marriage. God's plan is not the … [Read more...] about The Case for Marrying Young