The Church Then and Now

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This lead up to the story of the birth of Jesus is told from the standpoint of Joseph. As we know, he soon disappears from the narrative, which has led to the speculation that he probably died before Jesus began his public ministry. But we have no means of knowing whether this is the explanation. […]

The Person of Jesus and the radical message of the good news of the kingdom challenged entrenched ideas in his own day as it continues to do so in our own times. In order to expose not only the prevalence, but also the serious consequences of religious pride and complacency, Jesus presents his audience with […]

Much discussion on the mission of the church has focused on the congregation taking steps to welcome the seeker. The assumption has been that there are significant numbers of seekers outside the church that are awaiting an invitation or are themselves taking the initiative to seek out a church. Today’s passage provides two stories that […]

One of the frequently stated values of Emerging Churches is their commitment to hospitality. The table is a focal point of fellowship, with eating together regarded as of sacramental significance. Much can be learned from the various incidents in the Gospels set at a meal table, especially from who is invited to partake. Apart from […]

Religious pluralism has contributed to the demise of Christendom, which has had such a profound influence in Western societies for fifteen hundred years. Coupled with the strengthening hold of relativism, tolerance has become a foundational value in our society. This has resulted not only in the marginalizing of the church as an institution, but to […]

The author provides a penetrating and provocative analysis of the Emergent Church. He describes is as a church that is organic, networked, decenttralized, bottom-up, communal, flexible and always evolving. Of particular significance are his insights into urban societies and the fact that the church must not shirk from “dirty” engagement with its environment. Some books […]

Consumerism as arguably one of the greatest challenges to the gospel in Western societies. We measure our economic wellbeing in terms of “consumer confidence.” In previous centuries it was the town square with church, town hall, courthouse, emergency services and library at the center. In almost every case new housing is now built around the […]

The author, drawing on his experience as a church and business consultant identifies the key point of transition as: (a) from consumerism to community; (b) from incongruence to code; (c) from autocracy to shared leadership; (d) from cloister to missional; (e) from inertia to reinvention. The chapters contain helpful insights into the painful process of […]

“…you are worried and upset about many things,
but only one thing is needed” (41,42).
Depending on our personality type, we either identify with Martha or with Mary in today’s story. Among close friends, work colleagues and within marriages there is often a predictable tension produced by our varied responses to people and situations. Some individuals are […]