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
Overloaded on the Argument, so I’m Out.
I think I have had my fill of the conversation. I have been part of the Calvinist/ Anti-Calvinist/ Traditionalist/ Reformed argument dialogue, and I am making my public declaration that i'I've had enough. It's become a fruitless dialogue filled with anger and lacking in reason and civility. I am going to unpack for you exactly what I think the issue is, and then you agree or disagree, up to you. First off, the labels are not working. If you have followed my writings, you know I call myself a Wovenist. Yes, Wovenism incorporates much of Reformed soteriology. Being so, most non-Calvinists … [Read more...] about Overloaded on the Argument, so I’m Out.
The Lost Book: The Wesleyan Quadrilateral Conundrum
There was great joy in Israel during the days of King Josiah (2 Kings 22-23). The lost book of truth had been found! Truth is of utmost importance. But, it’s not enough to simply claim truth. It’s important to critically reflect on how we come to know that our “truth” is really true. Through a recent conversation, a theological principle known as the Wesleyan Quadrilateral or the Methodist Quadrilateral was brought to my attention. I had briefly heard of it before in passing, but this time it sort of grabbed me. It in a sense became the centerpiece of the conversation I was having and … [Read more...] about The Lost Book: The Wesleyan Quadrilateral Conundrum
A Biblical Evaluation of the Homogeneous Unit Principle, Part 3
Other Biblical and Theological Considerations In addition to one’s interpretation of the Great Commission, there are a number of other biblical and theological considerations that have a bearing on the legitimacy of the HUP as a missionary strategy. God’s Plan for Diversity and the Tower of Babel Proponents of the HUP argue that ethnic and cultural diversity has been a part of God’s plan for mankind from the beginning. Wagner maintains that the scattering of humanity into different language groups at Babel should not be understood merely as God’s punishment for building a tower unto … [Read more...] about A Biblical Evaluation of the Homogeneous Unit Principle, Part 3
Is the Bible Clay in Our Hands?: The Importance of Authorial Intent
Recently, I began preaching through the book of Philippians. What an awesome word from God to us! For my first sermon, I focused in on v1:6, For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. That verse is one of the most encouraging verses in all of Scripture! As I was preparing, I wanted to illustrate how God molds us and makes us into a work of beauty in the image of Jesus Christ. So, my mind immediately went to the potter with clay illustration that we often hear about. I searched YouTube for a video of a potter … [Read more...] about Is the Bible Clay in Our Hands?: The Importance of Authorial Intent
Fat Pastor, Fit Pastor Final Weigh-In
My two weeks on vacation have been great. Lord willing, we are home by supper time tonight. But one thing is for sure, it ruined any chance I had of bragging about the success of my weight loss efforts. Christmas...Vacation...eating out...FAIL. I'm wondering how the rest of you made out. Any great success stories? How did you do it? Why do you think we can't lose weight, though we know we should? Let's talk about it. … [Read more...] about Fat Pastor, Fit Pastor Final Weigh-In
The Potency of Proclamations
According to this story, Mayor Tom Hayden of Flower Mound, TX, has proclaimed 2014 to be the Year of the Bible in Flower Mound (complete with website that is performing about as well as healthcare.gov under the increased load that accompanies media attention). Hayden collaborated with area churches in making the proclamation, and he hopes that his community will "connect through the Bible" (those are the reporter's words, not necessarily Hayden's). If you are a Bible-believing Christian, this kind of thing FEELS good. In an environment of heavy-handed government oppression of the … [Read more...] about The Potency of Proclamations
A Biblical Evaluation of the Homogeneous Unit Principle, Part 2
Editor: This is a continuation of the first post in what promises to be an excellent series. The first post can be found here. Criticism of McGavran’s Understanding of the Great Commission Various critics, however, have found elements of McGavran’s exegesis of the Great Commission to be seriously flawed. The Meaning of Ethne First of all, while it is undeniable that ethne as an isolated word refers to ethnic groups and not to nation-states, it is not so clear that matheteusate panta ta ethne implies discipling each and every ethnic group on a one-by-one basis. New Testament scholar … [Read more...] about A Biblical Evaluation of the Homogeneous Unit Principle, Part 2
Reflections on 2013; Focusing on 2014
I'm at a family reunion with my wife's family after enjoying some time with my side the last few days. We leave tomorrow for home (a depressing thought - not sure if you are aware but Florida has nicer weather these days than Iowa). So I'm not going to be around much the next couple of days. But I thought a discussion post might be fun. What are your blessings and memories from 2013? (Don't preacher-brag! That is annoying.) What are your goals, hopes and dreams for 2014? Talk to Uncle Davey. … [Read more...] about Reflections on 2013; Focusing on 2014