Five Years of Fortune
It is time for me to bid this column, the Renewal Fellowship and my Encouragement Road Trips a wistful goodbye. At 67, I can no longer pretend to function at the energy level or capacity I once did.
Authorfredstewart
Renewing of Minds
Sometimes a text of scripture sticks in my mind for days and even weeks. While this can be true of music as well, I have come to realize the spiritual significance of these Bible passages that take hold of my consciousness for a time.
Some Assembly Required
General Assembly is about community. Connecting with old friends and new is so much more than a cliché.
The Parable of a Lighthouse
In 2004 as a meditation at a ministerial meeting, our local Catholic priest read us this powerful story. I often think of it and it challenges me and should challenge us all.
Helping Clergy Families
Recently, in a discussion with a minister who was sharing his life and challenges, he revealed some of the specific issues of his ministry, especially as it impacted his kids. This was not a new experience for me.
The Gold Standard
Love is a pretty central theme to Jesus’s teachings and example. Not only was love commanded but it was set out as the primary factor for the discerning of true believers.
New Year’s Meditation
As a minister, I often ponder the truths that my congregations need to hear. One of the most helpful ideas has been to reflect on what I need to hear.
The Fullness of Time
Advent should be like a funnel that focuses us invon the most important part of Christmas; renewingvour relationship with our Lord and Saviour. However, Advent competes with so much that demands our attention.
Telling the Old Story
There are significant parallels between Remembrance Day and Communion Sundays. We remember great sacrifice willingly made. We remember our freedom is the result of that sacrifice.
Remembering Thanksgiving
I often find myself feeling over-committed, over-stressed and over-concerned. Usually, within a few weeks, my slow moving mind remembers that I cannot survive now, or at any other time, on my own strength and resources.
A Time of Discernment
I need to let you know that there continues to be passionate discussion at every level of the Renewal Fellowship’s constituency and leadership.
Experiencing General Assembly
One of the best things about General Assembly is the opportunity to connect with Presbyterians from across the country.
Pastoring Our Leaders
As I write this, I am halfway through the 2015 Encouragement Road Trip. What a privilege and honour to be able to minister in this way.
Wonderful Diversity
I am pretty sure that evangelicals like myself will not be convinced they are wrong. Neither will my liberal friends. What we might all be convinced of is that there is a greater issue at play here.
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.
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.
Your Life Verse
Do you have a scripture for your life, for your ministry and for your congregations?
Start with Prayer
The church of my youth gathered each New Year’s Eve to usher in the New Year with prayer. It was the acknowledgement that the enormity of the challenges ahead could only be faced with divine help.
Seeking Transcendence
I cannot claim that transcendence exists only in the realm of Christian experience
Am I Thankful?
In thinking about Thanksgiving holiday observances, I was drawn along a path that is relevant to personal renewal. It started with wondering why we needed a holiday to remind us and focus us on thanksgiving.