Category Archives: Index

The Future of the Progressive Churches of Christ: Article by Elizabeth Achtemeier

For some time now, I’ve advocated for all churches in a given community — across denominational lines — to join forces to pursue God’s mission in that community as a single body. I think the cure for denominational division isn’t … Continue reading

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The Fork in the Road: A Different Gospel, Part 5 (Gal 5 part 2)

Obedience The usual objection heard at this point is that the scriptures obviously require obedience (insert citations to numerous well-known verses), and therefore we are saved by both faith and works, and because instrumental music (or weekly communion etc.) is … Continue reading

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The Fork in the Road: A Question About Galatians

Jimmy S asked, Why therefore do you have to throw out the moral law to defeat your opponents? Is you agenda perhaps much wider than you let on? Jimmy, I have no interest in promoting immorality. In fact, I oppose … Continue reading

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A Different Way to Do Teen Ministry Campus Ministry Church, Wrapping Up

Imagine that you’re a minister founding a congregation’s first youth ministry. Quite naturally, you’re going to ask what all church leaders should ask: What is the purpose of this ministry? How will I know whether the ministry is successful? What … Continue reading

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The Fork in the Road: A Different Gospel, Part 3 (Gal 5 part 1)

Chapter 5 We skip to chapter 5 for the sake of space. 1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. V. 1 recalls that Paul had said … Continue reading

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BibleWorks 8.0: Now That I’ve Read One of the Instructions

BibleWorks 8 is definitely growing on me. Much of the awkwardness is gone, and my skills are growing. But I had to actually read one of the instructions — but just one. The program bugs seems to have cleared with … Continue reading

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A Different Way to Do Teen Ministry Campus Ministry Church, What This is Not

Family-centered ministry. Some congregations have seen the problem with overly segregating teens from adults and so have responded by having families do events and projects together. It’s a good idea. But it’s not the best idea. I mean it has … Continue reading

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The Fork in the Road: A Different Gospel, Part 2 (Gal 3)

Galatians 3 In a truly astonishing passage, Paul explains that our salvation is found not in the Law of Moses (no surprise) but in the covenant with Abraham (big surprise) — (Gal 3:2 ESV) Let me ask you only this: … Continue reading

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Business Advice for Church Leaders: Cash Reserves for a Church

I get emails — Hi Jay. I frequent your blog and enjoy your thoughts. Although I don’t always agree I find your blog very thought provoking and helpful. For example, we now serve communion from the back of the auditorium! … Continue reading

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The Fork in the Road: A Different Gospel, Part 1A (Further on the “Law”)

In Part 1, I stated that although Paul is discussing the Law of Moses in Galatians, his logic tells us that the conclusions he reaches apply to all efforts to be saved by works rather than by faith. I’ll explain … Continue reading

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