A hard-working pastor, who labours in preaching and teaching, who cares for his people and prays for them, who leads the team that directs the affairs of the church, ought to be in no doubt that he is greatly valued. He ought to be free from crippling financial uncertainty and worries, so that he can give himself uninterruptedly to the noble task entrusted to his care.... continue reading
As a Christian, is it ok for me to watch [insert generic TV show with sex and/or violence]?... continue reading
I want to erase the two words that shut most of our prayers down. Here they are: “Be with…”... continue reading
Finally my professor summoned some courage and said, “Professor Tillich, that wasn’t really the student’s question. Could you answer the question the student actually asked?” The response was quick and withering: “No, because they aren’t asking the right questions.”... continue reading
A pastor’s visits one week included these two. The first was to a home where all was well. Ryan and Steph were prosperous; the home was pleasant; a good car sat on the driveway; the children were being educated in expensive schools; their manners were good; talent abounded.... continue reading
If we are just our brains—if our decisions are simply the product of synapses firing—are we really free in any meaningful sense? A number of scientists and philosophers strongly believe not. It may seem to us that our choices are freely made, but free will is actually an illusion, they argue. We simply do what our brains tell us.... continue reading
Telling Bible stories to children, at home or in church, is often a challenge. A younger sibling may be trying to eat the book, or poke someone in the eye. In toddler groups, someone is inevitably standing right in front of the book or making off with a visual aid. It’s not always easy to hold attention or make the story meaningful.... continue reading
When I read Paul’s prayers, I am always struck by the fact that many of the matters that are the focus of my prayers are absent in his.... continue reading
Many people admit to having prayed at some point in life, be that at bedtime as a child, or amid a crisis as an adult. Many people, regardless of their beliefs about God, perceive prayer to be a useful religious activity. But what happens in the brain when people pray? In recent years, this discipline of the devout has been studied closely by neuroscientists.... continue reading
Just suppose you want to put a spring in your pastor or minister’s step this week. You decide – for some reason – that you really want to make him joyful, to put in his heart a delight and cheerfulness as he goes about his work of pastoral care. What will you do?... continue reading
