Donald Miller: the difference between an artist an an entertainer. We want our worship to be enhanced by the contributions of artists. We don’t want entertainment. (Truthfully sometimes we do want, but it’s a desire we should resist.)
Tagged with christianity …
Myths about Pastors
Good piece by Thom Rainer listing seven myths about a pastor’s workweek. I don’t know where he gets his data, but it’s all true in my case.
Church and State, Part 17,402
Fine with me: Most Americans Say the State Should not Define Marriage.
“We Are Not Enough in Awe of God”
In support of his new book Miracles, an interview in Christianity Today with Eric Metaxas. I began with the parting of the Red Sea, healing a tumor, curing blindness—things that aren’t fluffy like a kitten in the sunlight. People say life is a miracle, and yes, this can be a cliché that doesn’t mean anything. … Continue reading »
What to Sing During Advent
Reaching people during Advent. How (especially during Advent) does the church reflect and embody Jesus’ mission to the lost? Churches that refuse to sing Christmas carols until December 24 are in danger of being the only venue where such music is not sung during December. The church, therefore, becomes a place people may avoid, since … Continue reading »
Majoring in the Majors
The color of your Advent candles doesn’t matter. Nope.
God’s Great Dance Floor
“Praise and worship” differs from other forms of Christian popular music because of its explicitly stated purpose for facilitating experiences of worship. This is music designed for use by Christian believers to actively negotiate their relationships with God. … the standard of quality is ultimately curatorial rather than performative. Like the deejay, worship leaders are … Continue reading »
Sermon
One of the students in my preaching class in seminary used to preach a sermon based on a sticky note in his Bible. I was preaching from a written manuscript. Over time, I replaced the manuscript with a detailed outline, then a smaller outline. And now I have arrived at the point where my colleague … Continue reading »
Religion News
Here, without comment, other than the names I give them, are some interesting stories in the news: Why did Westside Presbyterian Church of Englewood shut down? Why “In Christ Alone” isn’t in the new PC(USA) hymnal. A huge Presbyterian church in Dallas voted overwhelmingly to leave the PC(USA) and join the ECO. Why? Read and … Continue reading »
Boundaries in a Church
Ed Stetzer‘s been blogging about boundaries lately. I thought the fourth in the series was especially useful. He describes how he encouraged an “issue Christian” to move along and find a different church that better met his passions and beliefs. The principle at stake for the pastor is this: Your church is not a public … Continue reading »