Category Archives: Index

GraceConversation

Greg Tidwell has just posted a statement of agreed principles, “As We Begin.” Debate in earnest to begin shortly. PS — I’ve been working on the blog’s look. I think it’s getting better.

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The Blue Parakeet: Covenant Community

Background After sin entered the world through Adam and Eve, God began the work of putting things right. This work begins most significantly through Abraham. Now, in my childhood, I was taught that there are three dispensations: Patriarchal, Mosaic, and … Continue reading

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How to Argue Like a Christian: The Last-Verse-Read Argument

Perhaps the biggest failing of believers of all kinds is our persistent use of the last-verse-read argument. For example, in the Churches of Christ, we deny once saved, always saved (the perserverance of the saints), as we are Arminian in … Continue reading

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The Future of the Progressive Churches of Christ: Shrinking Congregations, Part 4 (Community)

Alan Rouse noted in an earlier comment that congregations won’t lose members if the congregation is a genuine community. I agree. Community is a critically important part of the Kingdom. I’d just want to emphasize that the way we do … Continue reading

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Dealing with Tough Financial Times: Money, Morale & Momentum, Part 5

Here are Driscoll’s final 5 suggestions for maintaining morale and momentum in lean economic times — 5. Budgeting Eat what you kill and have a monthly and quarterly budget that you watch so you do not get too far behind. … Continue reading

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The Future of the Progressive Churches of Christ: Shrinking Congregations, Part 3 (Preaching Hebrews)

So what does yesterday’s post have to do with shrinking congregations? Well, not as much as my conservative friends might think, but it does matter a lot. Churches that forget to get around to teaching the boundaries of grace will … Continue reading

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Dealing with Tough Financial Times: Money, Morale & Momentum, Part 4

Driscoll continues the series with 9 suggestions for keeping staff morale up and church momentum going in lean times. Here are the first four — 1. Morale The big dissatisfiers of staff are pay (including benefits) and policy, so the … Continue reading

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The Future of the Progressive Churches of Christ: Shrinking Congregations, Part 2 (Boundaries)

My Tuesday conversation with Greg Tidwell and Phil Sanders was illuminating in lots of ways. It certainly confirmed the rightness of the decision to meet. I had asked that we find a time to meet face to face before beginning … Continue reading

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Dealing with Tough Financial Times: Money, Morale & Momentum, Part 3

Continuing the series based on Mark Driscoll’s suggestions for coping with the recession — 7. Real Estate This is the time for multi-campus churches to pursue real estate from dying and struggling churches that are facing an uncertain future and … Continue reading

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Amazing Grace: Can the Reader be Restored?

I get emails — Jay, I’ve been reading The Holy Spirit and Revolutionary Grace online, and based on what the bible says and your interpretation of what the Hebrews passages say about a christian losing their salvation, I am pretty … Continue reading

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