IC’s ride the top of the wave when it comes to modern trends. We seem to catch all the currents of our times, as well as the winds that blow. In today’s Christian world there are several trends that we must deal with. Most IC’s have a healthy amount of inter- denominationalism in their fellowships, […]
“My mouth will declare Your righteousness and Your salvation all day long, though I cannot know their full measure” (Psalm 71:15 BSB). “The Spirit of God brings justification with a shattering, radiant light, and I know that I am saved, even though I don’t know how it was accomplished” (Oswald Chambers). Pastor, do you […]
If you have not read John Piper’s Brothers, We Are Not Professionals, let me encourage you to get a copy and to read it. It is thought-provoking, ministry-enlightening, and can change your view of ministry and church. His appeal is to focus not on professionalism but on spiritual matters, on God changing our hearts, burdening […]
People attending for a long time without becoming members is common for all churches, especially for international and multi-cultural ones. Some join quickly, some more slowly, and some not at all. Why? The answer comes down to the issue identity. People join churches that they identify with. Pastors expect (and hope) for God to lead […]
The Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan leading to Ephraim, and whenever a fugitive from Ephraim would say, “Let me cross over,” the Gileadites would ask him, “Are you an Ephraimite?” If he answered, “No,” they told him, “Please say Shibboleth.” If he said, “Sibboleth,” because he could not pronounce it correctly, they seized […]
In light of this worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, many of us are dealing with unique ministry-related challenges. Much of the pop-theology that has flooded our airwaves and filled our memory banks is proving to be too weak in true biblical content to be of much use. And, from the other side, the tendency to theologically speak […]