Anglicans Ablaze

Can a Dying Church Find Life? — Rainer on Leadership #006

noreply@blogger.com (Robin G. Jordan) — Fri, 24 May 2013 20:21:00 +0000

In last week’s podcast episode on An Autopsy of a Deceased Church, we examined what had led to the death of a church I had previously consulted. But the story doesn’t end there. In this week’s episode, we look at six steps to turning around a church that is either dying or not growing. Once again, three themes emerged.... Read more

New Pastors, Change, and Churches that Resist: Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Robin G. Jordan) — Fri, 24 May 2013 20:18:00 +0000

It’s my first week, what should I change here?” Perhaps new pastors don’t vocalize the question, but I know they think it. At least, I don’t believe I’m the only one. The default setting to change something is only natural for a good leader. Having a vision means being dissatisfied with the status quo.

“The search committee said they were bringing me on to make needed changes. Why is the church resisting the obvious?!” Why have so many pastors’ honeymoons ended after the first month? Resistance to change is one of the largest hurdles in leadership. I once had a handful of pencils launched my way when my tweaks to a potluck dinner were discovered. I learned not to mess with potlucks. Luckily the pencils weren’t that sharp, and they no longer contain lead. No blood, no foul.

Every church leader has been there. We’ve all met the resistance. Here are a few reasons why people resist change. Read more

The Boy Scouts Should Have Seen It Coming: The Gay Agenda Certainly Did

noreply@blogger.com (Robin G. Jordan) — Fri, 24 May 2013 19:55:00 +0000

Sixty percent of the 1,400 voting members of the Boy Scouts voted to allow openly gay members, but not leaders yesterday, in a predictable change to the 103 year-old civic organization. What are the possible outcomes? Litagation? Most likely. Defections? Definitely. The response by faith groups who are the most vested with the Scouts-the Catholic Church, the United Methodist Church, and the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints (Mormons)- remains varied.

More telling is that seventy percent of those who operate Scouting units are faith-based organizations that will most likely not be able to host the Scouts in the future because the language in the resolution prohibits them from being who they are-organizations that hold religious beliefs.

These groups will no longer be able to "give definite attention to religious life" because if they did they would violate the injunction not "to promote or advance any social … position or agenda." Any orthodox Christian organization that adheres to Biblical definitions of marriage, family, and sexuality will no longer be able to teach their beliefs because the Scouts position now defines a religious belief as a prohibited "social position." Read more

Gay marriage: Christians are experiencing our own kind of exile

noreply@blogger.com (Robin G. Jordan) — Fri, 24 May 2013 19:23:00 +0000

I guess Christians throughout the UK will be reacting to the progress of the same-sex marriage bill with a mixture of emotions. For some there will be a sense of despair, even anger that the Prime Minister could attempt to reshape an ancient institution in such a calculating and willful manner - feelings that will not have been helped by the unusual outbreak of applause following the announcement of the vote.

Others no doubt will be dismayed or even puzzled that God could have allowed this given the concerted efforts to defend the traditional understanding of marriage, not to mention the many fervent prayers that have been offered both in private and in the public square.

And as if "adding salt to the wounds" the Church of Scotland has taken a decision that will inevitably ensure the progress of openly homosexual ministry among its people. So how should we react? Read more

noreply@blogger.com (Robin G. Jordan) — Fri, 24 May 2013 18:30:00 +0000

Iran's treatment of its Christian minority has come under fresh scrutiny in recent months with some harsh reports on the country's human rights record.

Reports from the United Kingdom's Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) and New York-based International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran (ICHRI) cite evidence of "systematic persecution and prosecution" of Protestants and Christian converts, as part of a widespread violation of international laws. Read more

Church Society: National Day of Prayer for Marriage and crucial Lords vote

noreply@blogger.com (Robin G. Jordan) — Fri, 24 May 2013 18:12:00 +0000

The below call to prayer was released yesterday by the Christian Institute, Care, Christian Concern, Evangelical Alliance, and CMF, calling on Christians to pray for marriage on Sunday, 2 June:

We are issuing this joint email to urge you all to make Sunday, 2 June, a National Day of Prayer for Marriage. It is an opportunity to come together and show our very great concern for marriage.

The timing could not be more urgent. It has now been revealed that the very next day, Monday 3 June, the House of Lords will have an opportunity to vote down the whole same-sex marriage Bill. Read more

Tragedy in Scotland

noreply@blogger.com (Robin G. Jordan) — Fri, 24 May 2013 18:06:00 +0000

Two reflections on this week’s compromise vote in the Church of Scotland’s General Assembly spell out the sadness and tragedy of a denomination which walks away from the word of God Read more

Developing story: Boy Scouts approve plan to accept openly gay boys

noreply@blogger.com (Robin G. Jordan) — Fri, 24 May 2013 17:50:00 +0000

After lengthy and wrenching debate, local leaders of the Boy Scouts of America have voted to open their ranks to openly gay boys for the first time, but heated reactions from the left and right made clear that the BSA's controversies are far from over.

The Scouts' longstanding ban on gay adults remains in force, and many liberal Scout leaders — as well as gay-rights groups — plan to continue pressing for an end to that exclusion even though the BSA's top officials aren't ready for that step.

Meanwhile, many conservatives within the Scouts are distraught at the outcome of the vote and some are threatening to defect. A meeting is planned for next month to discuss the formation of a new organization for boys. Read more

Also read
Boy Scouts' Membership Change May Grow Christian Youth Clubs
Boy Scouts overturn ban on gay members
'Sadness' after Boy Scouts of America overturns ban on gay members

The Church and Psalm 81

noreply@blogger.com (Robin G. Jordan) — Fri, 24 May 2013 01:02:00 +0000

What does the church most need today? In answering this important but rather general question, Psalm 81 is uniquely important and helpful. This psalm obviously contains beautiful promises and clear directions to help the people of God. But careful study of this psalm will deepen our appreciation of it, increase its value for us, and show us how distinctive it is for helping the church.

As we study psalms, we soon learn that the central verse of a psalm is often significant as a key to its interpretation. The central line of Psalm 81 is the heart of that psalm, as the plaintive cry of God is heard: “O Israel, if you would but listen to me!” (v. 8b). Perhaps this line will resonate more profoundly with the readers of this issue of Tabletalk if we translate it, “O Israel, if you would but hear me!” The center of Psalm 81—indeed the whole psalm—is a reflection on the Shema.

The centrality of this line and its importance are underscored when we recognize that Psalm 81 is the central psalm of Book 3 of the Psalter. Book 3 (Psalms 73–89) principally concerns the crisis in Israel caused by the destruction of the temple (Ps. 74) and the apparent failure of God’s promises that David’s sons would forever sit on his throne (Ps. 89). Something of the cause and character of this crisis is contained in this central line of the central psalm. Read more

Fourteen Characteristics of Theological Legalism

noreply@blogger.com (Robin G. Jordan) — Fri, 24 May 2013 00:53:00 +0000

Without question, one of the most disturbing traits of the world of theology is the far to often reality that grace is eclipsed by theological legalism.

Twice today I encountered this in its most blatant forms by two very different types of people. Both were very passionate about theology and both, undoubtedly, believe that their attitude toward me or my teaching is justified and honoring to the Lord. However, I believe that both of these men sacrificed a major issue of grace in defense of minor issues in theology.

The first, whose name I will not share as he is undoubtedly well-known to most of you, caught me very much off guard. (And it is not really easy to catch me off guard as I receive dozens of “hate” emails every day from those who believe it is their job to put me back on the path of theological astuteness.) This man, a significant theologian in the world of reformation theology, does not believe I take theology seriously enough. Of course his reasoning comes (I imagine) from the fact that I don’t agree with him. And, of course, if I took theology seriously, I would agree with him! Ironically, this lack of grace often comes from those who believe most strongly in the reformed “doctrines of grace.” But this man sent me one of the most ungracious emails I have ever received. And, yes, it did hurt my feelings. But more than that—believing that this man’s criticism of me comes from his general disdain from the “heresy” of Evangelical Calvinism—it discouraged me that someone who believes he is so right theologically can be so graceless personally. Read more

Free eBook - In Plain Sight : A Primer for Reclaiming Discipleship in the Local Church

noreply@blogger.com (Robin G. Jordan) — Fri, 24 May 2013 00:31:00 +0000

American evangelicalism has been blindsided. Our cities and our world have changed. In our missional focus to reach the city, we have realized our inability to reach the entire urban context—specifically the individuals that don’t fit into the majority culture. Somehow it has been accepted to do ministry and create disciples, while ignoring certain portions that aren’t as accessible; they were quarantined and unseen.

Now, however, it’s impossible to ignore what is quickly taking over. This new urban – the dense and diverse – is transforming and shaping our culture, society and neighborhoods. As leaders, we’d be foolish to make our mission anything other than the city in its entirety- beautiful parts and complicated. There’s no more looking the other way.

That is why In Plain Sight seeks to develop a holistic strategy for discipling America’s true urban: those in plain sight.

This free resource includes:

A wholistic strategy for making disciples
A primer for discipleship in your group of church
Insights and perspectives that will shake the status quo
A how-to manual on reaching people you have previously overlooked

Download from Verge Network

Are You REALLY Interpreting the Bible Literally?

noreply@blogger.com (Robin G. Jordan) — Fri, 24 May 2013 00:05:00 +0000

Interpreting the Bible literally can be a good thing. It probably means that you want to know exactly what God says and obey his words. It means you don’t want to play Bible roulette with which verses you obey. It means you’re willing to obey all the commands of the Bible, even the painful ones.

But, interpreting the Bible literally can also get you into a lot of trouble. Harold Camping thought he was interpreting the Bible literally, which in turn led him to mispredict the end of the world…twice. Pinstripe wearing prosperity preachers think they are interpreting the Bible literally, which leads them to teach that God never wills illness. Heck, the hellfire, hate-throwing folks at Westboro Baptist Church probably think they are interpreting the Bible literally.

So what does it mean to truly interpet the Bible literally? How can we be sure that our “literal” interpretation of the Bible isn’t actually a theological hack job? Here are some simple questions to help you truly interpret the Bible literally. Read more

7 Ways to Respond on Sunday after a Disaster is in the News

noreply@blogger.com (Robin G. Jordan) — Fri, 24 May 2013 00:02:00 +0000

This was a week (again) where the news was dominated by a natural disaster. Knowing that this blog is read by many pastors and church leaders, I felt led to address the issue many of them (us) will be considering…or at least should be.

How to respond the Sunday after a disaster in the news:

This is often a delicate issue. Unless your church is super large, and probably even then, you won’t be able to respond to every disaster with money and people. Obviously there are disasters every week. Some get more national attention than others. How do you know what to address on Sunday? How do you respond as a church? Read more

Idol Worship Spawned the Same-Sex Revolution

noreply@blogger.com (Robin G. Jordan) — Thu, 23 May 2013 23:48:00 +0000

Rainbow Gay Pride banner, symbol of the Gay Rights movement

Whenever addressing a topic as misunderstood as this one, it is helpful at the outset to reaffirm the fact that God loves everyone. He loves those who struggle with this or that temptation, as well as those who feel unlovable. "God is love." (1 John 4:8)

It is fairly obvious that heterosexual desire is natural. Most people experience it. There is much disagreement today, however, about homosexual desire. Is it also natural, or is it unnatural? Did God create man to have this orientation, or did same-sex attraction originate in some other way? Was it due to God's design, or man's revolt against God's plan?

Hopefully we can all agree on the fact that every human being is created in God's image, and is therefore loved by God. We should also be able to agree that since we are all sinners, it is wrong to look down on someone and judge that person. We are created equal, and we all have fallen short of God's standard for perfection.

So why the different desires in the area of sexuality? Why do most men and women find themselves attracted to those of the opposite sex, while a small percentage of men and women are attracted to those of the same sex? Read more

Boy Scouts of America Lifts Ban on Gay Youth; 61 Percent Voted for Resolution

noreply@blogger.com (Robin G. Jordan) — Thu, 23 May 2013 23:27:00 +0000

After a contentious challenge to their membership policy, 1,400 delegates of the 103-year-old Boy Scouts of America youth organization voted overwhelmingly to adopt an amendment that effectively lifts the ban on homosexual youth in the organization on Thursday.

The ban on gay adult scout leaders, will remain.

Sixty-one percent of the delegates voted in favor of the resolution while 34 percent voted against it at the organization's National Annual Meeting in Grapevine, Texas. Read more

Also read
Scouting Community Fear Sex, Politics of Gay Agenda Will Fracture Boy Scouts of America

No More Church Evictions from Public Schools, Says New York City Council

noreply@blogger.com (Robin G. Jordan) — Thu, 23 May 2013 22:29:00 +0000

Churches threatened with eviction from New York City public schools are celebrating the city council's passage today of a resolution calling on state lawmakers to protect their right to rent worship space on Sundays.

"Right to Worship Resolution passes NY City Council by 38-11," noted A Journey Through NYC Religions, which broke the news in a brief post. "Council steamrolls over Speaker Christine Quinn’s opposition to resolution."

The resolution (full text) notes that current restrictions "have had a more restrictive effect on religious organizations seeking to use school property than would appear to be required by the Establishment Clause," and calls upon state lawmakers and the governor to "sign legislation amending the New York State
Education Law to afford houses of worship equal access to school property." Read more

Also read
NYC Council Passes 'Right to Worship' Resolution to Give Churches Access to Schools

Seven (Hopefully) Helpful Hints after Seven Months of Visiting Churches

noreply@blogger.com (Robin G. Jordan) — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:09:00 +0000

I’ve been on the road a bit more than usual. My job as CEO of LifeWay requires that I spend most of my time in Nashville, but I do get out to speak and preach frequently. These past seven months have been unusually heavy travel times for a myriad of reasons, but I have tried to make the most of my trips.

Though I’ve not been a church consultant for several years, I do seem to see churches through consultant’s eyes. That reality has been especially apparent as I visited many churches during the past seven months. So, even if I am the guest preacher, I enter the church grounds as a guest. I drive my own rental car, and I have to find parking and entrances just like everyone else.

So what have I found these past seven months? I could give you a fairly extensive consultation report about the churches, but I prefer to distill my words into just a few helpful hints. Each of these issues clearly needed addressing in most of the churches I visited. Read more

TGC13 Media Now Available for Free

noreply@blogger.com (Robin G. Jordan) — Wed, 22 May 2013 19:49:00 +0000

Last month around 5,000 of us from 49 states and 41 countries gathered in Orlando to worship our risen and reigning King. At our Missions Pre-Conference (7 plenaries, 15 workshops) we pondered our glorious task of heralding the good news around the globe. At our National Conference (9 plenaries, 41 workshops, 3 auxiliary events) we beheld the Lord of glory in the Gospel of Luke. At our Faith at Work Post-Conference (3 plenaries, 3 panels) we explored the complex intersection between vocation and the gospel. Learn more

St. Helen’s — Mark’s Gospel Tool Kit [VIDEO]

noreply@blogger.com (Robin G. Jordan) — Wed, 22 May 2013 19:44:00 +0000

Andrew Sach introduces tools to help understand Mark’s Gospel in this month’s St Helen’s Training.”

– See this month’s two videos from Andrew Sach, as well as earlier overviews of Mark’s Gospel by Charlie Skrine, at the St. Helen’s website.

Originally posted on the Anglican Church League website

How to Lead (and Preach) through Your Weaknesses

noreply@blogger.com (Robin G. Jordan) — Wed, 22 May 2013 19:35:00 +0000

Jesus was definitely an iconoclast, continually challenging the conventional thinking of His day. Twenty different times Jesus said, “You’ve heard it said… but I say to you…” And even today, his thoughts on leadership go against the grain.

Most modern books on leadership, whether Christian or secular, give the same advice – be confident, never admit fear, maintain control and be composed, be convincing and never show weakness. But Jesus had a different style altogether. Instead of leading from a position of strength (lording authority over people), Jesus led from a position of weakness, becoming a servant. Read more

Episcopal Priest Suspended For Allegedly Stealing Sermons From Book 'Dynamic Preaching'

noreply@blogger.com (Robin G. Jordan) — Wed, 22 May 2013 19:24:00 +0000

An Episcopal priest in Sandwich, Mass., has been suspended from his duties for allegedly stealing several sermons from a book he purchased from Sermons.com.

The Rev. John E. McGinn, who has served at St. John's Episcopal Church for two decades, was placed on administrative leave last week after allegations emerged that the 65-year-old priest had plagiarized sermons since 2006 from a book titled Dynamic Preaching. An official with the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts told the Cape Cod Times that the Rev. McGinn preached as many as 15 sermons lifted word-for-word from the book.

When he was confronted in 2006, McGinn promised officials that it would not happen again, but the plagiarism allegedly continued. Many of the sermons were published on the church's website and in its bulletins. The "Sermons" page on St. John's Church website appears to have been scrubbed, as there were no sermons available for viewing Tuesday.

McGinn has been the rector of St. John's Episcopal Church, home to more than 300 families, since 1993. He has refused to comment on the allegations, but told the Cape Cod Times: "I'm going to retire. I loved my time at the parish. That's all. I think I did a good job." Read more

Also read
Sandwich priest suspended for plagiarism
Priest suspended for plagiarizing "straight from Sermons.com'

I am curious whether the sermons were Biblically-orthodox and theologicall-sound. While John McGinn was wrong in not giving credit to the authors of the sermons, Anglicans and Episcopalians have a long tradition of ministers reading at church services sermons that they did not compose. Isn't Tom Shaw a liberal bishop?

Supreme Court takes up major prayer case

noreply@blogger.com (Robin G. Jordan) — Wed, 22 May 2013 19:01:00 +0000

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to take up a prayer case that could have a major impact on the intersection between church and state and finally bring clarity to what is constitutionally allowed -- such as the mention of "Jesus" -- in prayers at government meetings.

At issue is an open policy in the town of Greece, N.Y., to allow a person from the community to pray before the monthly board meetings. All clergy of all faiths in the community who wanted to pray were welcome to do so, and their names were placed on a list. Each month, the next person on the list was invited. The Second Circuit Court of Appeals in 2012 ruled that the prayers amounted to an unconstitutional government establishment of religion because most of the prayers were explicitly Christian.

The Second Circuit made clear that praying at the meetings was allowed as long as there was more balance. The town's policy, the court ruled, "had the effect of affiliating the town with Christianity." In one portion of the ruling, the Second Circuit frowned on the fact that that two-thirds of the prayers during one stretch contained references to "Jesus Christ," "Jesus," "Your Son" or the "Holy Spirit." Read more

Also read
Supreme Court Will Re-Examine Prayer at Government Meetings

Lords 'must have confidence' to reject same-sex marriage bill

noreply@blogger.com (Robin G. Jordan) — Wed, 22 May 2013 18:55:00 +0000

After the House of Commons voted to allow gay marriage in England and Wales last night, supporters of the traditional definition of marriage are looking to the House of Lords to reject the Government's bill.

"Peers should have confidence to vote against the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill at its first House of Lords debate due on 3 June," said the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children.

The House of Commons passed the bill by 366 votes to 161. It was opposed by 133 Tory MPs. Read more

Also read
Gay marriage: Commons passes Cameron's plan

Christian Leaders Ask Boy Scouts to Keep Current Policy on Gay Scouts

noreply@blogger.com (Robin G. Jordan) — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:59:00 +0000

A statement signed by 48 Christian leaders asks the Boy Scouts of America to maintain its current policy of not allowing gay scouts.

"We strongly support the Boy Scouts of America current prohibition on open homosexuality and retaining it without revision," the statement begins.

Earlier this year, the Boy Scouts was considering changing the policy to allow each chapter to decide whether to allow gay leaders, volunteers or scouts. After some pushback from some host churches, it decided to delay a decision on any policy change. The Boy Scouts will now consider a proposal on Thursday at its national meeting on whether to change its current policy to allow gay scouts, but not gay leaders or volunteers.

More than 40 rallies have been held across the country this week to show support for the current policy, according to CBN News. Read more

Also read
Boy Scouts Receive 19,000 Signatures Supporting Gay Membership Ban as Vote Looms

Crawling Through The 10/40 Window

noreply@blogger.com (Robin G. Jordan) — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:27:00 +0000

For more than two decades, much of the Christian world has been turning its gaze toward the 10/40 Window. Increasingly the North American evangelical church, the richest church in the history of the world, has been redirecting its missionaries and other missions resources toward the darkness within the this area of the globe. The goals are highly commendable, but are these methods prudent?

Argentine-born evangelist Luis Bush coined the phrase "10/40 Window" in 1989. The Joshua Project currently defines the 10/40 Window as those 69 countries that sit between 10 and 40 degrees north latitude in North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. This is the heart of Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. It has been estimated that 90 percent of the 4.4 billion people living in the 10/40 Window are unevangelized; yet only 10 percent of our global missionary force serves there. Read more