Category: Articles
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Trauma-informed Ministry
This article reflects on the complexity of pastoral ministry in a time when congregations carry deep and varied forms of suffering—from grief and trauma to mental health struggles, disability, and social conflict. It asks whether the church can faithfully preach Scripture in ways that are both truthful and truly heard by embodied, hurting people. At…
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The Cost of Certainty: Why the Church Must Learn to Listen
While doomscrolling on Facebook, I saw comments on a local news article about a child acting out dangerously. Instead of the typical heckler remarks I expected to see, like “kids these days,” commenters actually came to the child’s and mother’s defense, showing familiarity and compassion. I sat in awe, witnessing the fruits of the autism…
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O Come, O Come On…
I was intrigued when, in recent days, Skillet released their first ever Christmas song. I listened to Skillet a great deal back in my teens and loved their music. I, though I no longer listen to their music due to changing tastes, maintain a high level of respect for Skillet as musicians. Imagine my surprise…
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The Best Thing You Can Do For Your Church…
Pastor, you need to take a sabbatical. Most pastors hear this term and think of it as being put on administrative leave or as throwing in the towel, but that simply is not the truth. The truth is more than a third of pastors have thought about quitting over the last year.
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Jesus Wasn’t Political
The Jews of Christ’s day were looking for a political savior, one who would overturn the Roman occupation and set up a physical, earthly kingdom. The politicians of Christ’s day couched all of their rhetoric and promises in religious language. As it was in Jesus’ day, certain politicians today imbue religious rhetoric into everything they…
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Christian Mysticism vs. Charismatic Christianity
I grew up in a charismatic Christian denomination – the Assemblies of God, to be specific. I know what it is to be a charismatic Christian. In addition to this, I have a Masters in Philosophy & Apologetics and my thesis dealt with a primary teaching based in Christian mysticism. Why do I tell you…
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Embracing Love Over Hate in a Divided World
Today, I find myself joining the throngs of others raising their voices about the assassination of Charlie Kirk. I just can’t let it go. If you have rejoiced in this man’s death in any way and call yourself a Christian, you need to repent.
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What Is Sin, Exactly?
The concept of sin remains challenging for many, especially within modern culture. John Piper defines sin as failure to honor God’s glory and commands, illustrating its complexity. Ultimately, sin is any action or mindset opposing God’s standards, leading to separation from Him and a necessity for grace and mercy.
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Is The Apocrypha Just the “Bad Books” of the Bible?
If you ask many Protestant Christians how many books are in the Bible, they will likely tell you that there are 66 books in the Bible – 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. However, if you ask other believers in different traditions of the Christian faith, you will likely hear…
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Jesus Is Coming Back; Does It Matter When?
On more than one occasion, Christians have argued about the specifics of Christ’s return: how, when, where… Denominations have split over the minutia surrounding the Second Coming. The question is: Does it matter?
T. Allen Burr Ministries 