Church

The Lord Be With You … And Also With You

A regular part of the liturgy in many Christian gatherings, this phrase is not something that has been a part of my (low-church protestant) worship experience. I think I’ve been missing out. As with all “traditions,” words like this can become lifeless Tradition, hardened in stone, uttered in droning tones … thoughtless. However, think of [...]

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A Missional Response to Kentucky’s Struggles?

My home state of Kentucky is ranked next to last among the states in “well-being,” according to a recent Gallup poll.  Based on responses to questions on work environment, emotional health, physical health, basic access, healthy behavior, and life-evaluation, Kentucky scored a “D minus,” 62.3%.  The Well-Being Index is calculated on a scale of 0 [...]

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Reaching Across the Counter

This morning, I had an interesting conversation, but it’s what I over-heard afterward that has stuck with me. Over the past year or so, when I’ve come into a local restaurant for breakfast, I’ve had occasional conversations with a certain employee.  At some point I realized she knew that I was a pastor, though I’d [...]

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The Christian Sub-Culture’s Newest Product

Coming in 2010 to your neighborhood Christian trinket – er, “book” – store:

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Authenticity and Hypocrisy from the “Pulpit”

As a pastor, I try to be authentic and transparent to people in our community.  I’m generally fine with admitting mistakes, confessing sin, and telling people I’m still a work in progress.  But, what if I don’t want to be completely transparent?  What if I’m going through a rough season (or even a rough morning)?  [...]

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Bonhoeffer on Church, Endowments, Clergy, and Social Life

Dietrich Bonhoeffer writes about the church: ‘The Church is her true self only when she exists for humanity.  As a fresh start she should give away all her endowments to the poor and needy.  The clergy should live solely on the free-will offerings of their congregations, or possibly engage in some secular calling.  She must [...]

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Tithing and the New Testament Church

Some provocative words from Michael Spencer (aka, ‘Internet Monk’) at his blog this week: Tithing to a local church … is a practice that I can’t see being scripturally required in any new covenant sense. I was taught my entire life that God commanded me to tithe to my local church. Awareness of the larger [...]

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Swiping the Offering at Church

I know of other churches that do this, but Tim Stevens blogged about the decision his church made to put “giving kiosks” in their church building.  I will say that my reaction to these “money machines” in a church building has always negative, bordering on disdainful. What do you think? Take a minute and read [...]

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