Category Archives: Uncategorized

Christian Chronicle Rural Revival

A wonderful story just released by the Christian Chronicle on a church that has grown from 30 to 170 by being Jesus to the world. The common tie: a love of God and a belief that helping hurting people leads … Continue reading

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“My Secret Life of Discipleship”

Here’s a link to a beautifully written posting on Brian Mashburn’s blog that reveals the heart of many of our members. My Secret Life of Discipleship Highly recommended.

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The moderate church, Part 3

This brings us to teaching. Moderate churches generally have a very weak educational program, because the doctrines that divide the church are off limits. Either one side dominates the classes and the other side doesn’t listen, or else the tough … Continue reading

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The moderate church, Part 2

In Part 1, we considered the difficulties of managing a moderate church, that is, a church that is divided between progressives and conservatives. While it’s not inevitable that such churches divide, they often do. The reason is almost always a … Continue reading

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The moderate church, Part 1

Some churches are thoroughly progressive, with progressive elders, staff, and members–at least, most of them. Some churches are thoroughly conservative, with conservative elders, staff, and members–at least, most of them. But most are not. Most are something else. Let’s call … Continue reading

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Why it’s ok for women to baptize men

Okay, now that I’ve mentioned that we’ve let a mother and father baptize their daughter, someone will likely get bent out of shape, supposing that God somehow condemns this practice. He doesn’t. Now, for those interested in a thorough study … Continue reading

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A fresh approach to baptism

It seems Sunday was a special day for the sacraments–using “sacraments” in the literal sense of “holy things.” We shared an extraordinary communion experience, as described in the preceding posting, only to be blessed into tears by a baptismal service. … Continue reading

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Do We Teach Another Gospel?

This is the PowerPoint outline from the classes I taught at the ACU Lectureship about a year ago. These materials are taken from the book of the same name, also posted on this site. Do We Teach. This is two lessons, … Continue reading

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What really is a test of fellowship?

The following is the PowerPoint presentation for Saturday’s two lectures at ElderLink in Atlanta: “What Really is a Test of Fellowship?” and “When Does Someone Really Fall from Grace?” ElderLink outline

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Radical autonomy and the disintegration of the Church of Christ

The Churches of Christ are falling apart. Actually, we’ve been falling apart for over a century, and what’s happening now is just a continuation of the same problems. We’ve not be able to hold together for a very long time. … Continue reading

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