Calling Us Back
September, for many of our churches, is a month of ministry startups for the school year. So there is the challenge of calling people back into our activities and programs.
Authorfredstewart
A Palpable Intentionality
The 140th General Assembly appeared to have an increasing level of frustration as the days went on. It was likely different for each commissioner, but somehow as the assembly was drawing to a close, there was a similar feeling that not much had changed and expectations were left unrealized.
Encouragement Tour
When I began with the fellowship, I made the commitment to visit every presbytery at least once. It requires some creativity, and a lot of encouragement and help to accomplish this goal.
Great Expectations
I get great satisfaction from observing different cultures and attempting to learn from them. As this was my first visit to South America and to rare excursions beyond tourist areas and cruise ship ports, the experience was even richer.
Remember and Be Renewed
The word “remember” appears in the Bible hundreds of times. In studying the various occurrences, I began to see a deep connection to the spiritual renewal of God’s people, corporately and individually.
Not Just Baby Jesus
My two rural churches will open their doors to a good number of visitors this Christmas Eve. As our context becomes more and more secular and un-churched, there is a growing challenge for us to convey more than a partial story of the greatest event in history.
Forgive and Forget
In the mid-90s I did an internship in a church north of Toronto. While there, divisive conflict exploded into open warfare. I’ll never forget the outburst of one of the angriest seniors.
All Are Valuable
I think it is important to anticipate a few of the challenges that might keep some of our ministers from participating in a spiritual community with their peers.
Intentional Community
As I write this, the March issue of the Record has been available for only a couple of weeks. In that time I have had more feedback than I have received for all the things I have ever written combined. I hit on something significant: many ministers are burning out.
Minding the Minister
I have heard too many ministers say they have neglected to take off the time to which they are entitled. They always give reasons. Some are good; but most are insufficient.
Dependence on God
Over the last year we have attempted to bring focus to the Fellowship so that we have a clear message and a strong understanding of what we are called to do and to be.
Renewal Has a Name
A part of Advent for me is trying to gain the perspective of the Hebrews as they waited in hope for their coming Messiah. I think we can learn a lot about “waiting in hope” from them.
Renewal Isn’t Easy
Renewal is needed when passion dies. Are we passionate about the things of God?
Reflections on GA 138
I have experienced General Assembly as a student representative, twice as a commissioner, twice as a one-day visitor and this year as part of the […]
Guided by the Word
It isn’t enough that the Bible be seen as a ‘rule’ book telling us what to do. We must ourselves enter the story and have a worldview that reflects the reality that calls us to act in ways we never thought possible
People of God
I recently had an opportunity to speak with a young man at his grandmother’s funeral. He was wrestling with issues of faith and of knowing. […]