Tag: faith
-
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…
-
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…
-
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.
-
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…
-
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…
-
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.
-
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.
-
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?
-
Theories of Creation: Uncovering the Common Thread Among Young and Old Earth Creationism, Intelligent Design, Big Bang, and Simulation Theory
“In the beginning, God created…” Most people are very familiar with this scripture, as it is the first in the Bible. That said, there are several theories of what creation looked like: young and old earth creationism, intelligent design, the big bang theory, and simulation theory.
-
Dunked, Poured, or Sprinkled: What To Do About Baptism
Ask most Christians and they will tell you that baptism is an important aspect of Christian life. However, if you ask those same Christians how baptism is supposed to be performed, you may be surprised to hear differing answers. But does the method of baptism matter?
T. Allen Burr Ministries 