What to Preach on Good Friday
Preachers are afraid they might upset some members of their congregations. They are afraid to say what they really believe about Jesus’ crucifixion.
Faith
Coming Together to Pray
The Bible tells us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and the international church community seeks to honour that call each year by joining hearts and minds.
Asking Over the Back Fence
The question I am asked most frequently when I preach is some version of “What can we do to bring new people into our church?” I usually tell them a story…
Overcoming Fear and Loathing
It would be convenient to blame a hard winter for the state of the national psyche, but that would avoid addressing the real roots of fear and anxiety.
He is Risen!
It is an ancient liturgy translated into countless tongues and spoken by billions since the historical event of the resurrection. It is the core of the Church’s Easter worship.
You Have Been Saved
“A minister without theology is like a doctor without medicine; all he can do is kill you.” This was a favourite saying of my principal at Emmanuel College, Earl Lautenschlager.
Seeing What Others Do Not See
Over lunch, I asked some of the Twitter employees about the success of the company. One bright young man, who probably picked up his doctorate from MIT before getting his driver’s license, offered an opinion.
Palms and Politics
The story of Holy Week begins with a political act. What do we do? We do what we do with Luke’s story of Jesus’ birth, a story that heralds a great social upheaval. We give the story to the children.
Life and Death
It seems pointless to review the Supreme Court’s ruling on physician-assisted dying at this stage. Our goal now should be to help craft a law that aims to prevent abuses, however blunt an instrument the law may be.
The Cultural Divide
If we are to renew our ministry and our outreach, I would point to a few cultures existent in Canada that need to be continually studied and understood. It probably will surprise you when I tell you what they are.
The Patty Test
When my wife Patty accompanies me on a guest preaching engagement, she normally does not actually enter the church building with me. She enters a few minutes before worship as an anonymous stranger to the church.
Penetanguishene
Cutting into the old girl Takes time. Weathered stones Facing west await the saw. Block upon block arising Calcium spur removed Tap and smooth the […]
Put Down the Gospel Gun
I’ve heard the words “gospel gun” used to describe an argumentative approach to evangelism that many of us have experienced, and some of us tried.
Sovereign Grace
I have come to the conclusion that even some future ministers don’t have a firm grasp of the meaning of many words we use regularly in the church.
Evangelism Essentials
“How are you today?” the cashier asked politely in the checkout line at the local grocery store. “Saved!” my ministerial colleague replied, beaming with an angelic smile. Ugh. I cringed.
Your Life Verse
Do you have a scripture for your life, for your ministry and for your congregations?
To Question Well
We are so used to the sound-bite declaratives of politicians trying to score points, that I wonder if we have forgotten the art of conversation, let alone dealing with the content of a conversation?
Connecting the Unconnected
As people age, they often become unable to physically attend the worship services they have so loved. These same people still have much to offer to their congregational family.
Looking Glass
I glory not in cloud-skimming skyscrapers, nor in glass glare of a rising sun. I glory not in concrete and steel, nor in parks manicured […]
Practice Real Love
Some people wistfully hope conversations can or should happen at General Assembly. But overtures, motions and the like are part of the procedures that govern debates, not conversations.