Hi Jane, I'm glad to hear that the article was a blessing to you.
As to the "public shame" comment, I think we are saying the same thing. Doug was talking about how we deal with sin behind closed doors, and one of the reasons for that is to avoid shaming the offender. But when we do so, I would argue that it is not healthier for the sinner, nor does it serve as the deterrent to others that the case should be (increasing their certainty that they too would be caught / exposed, if they fall into a similar sin). Yes, care for the victim may be a valid reason to maintain secrecy in some situations, and so it must be dealt with on a case by case basis. But I would agree with Doug, that we likely default to private proceedings too often.
As for the "doctrine," I was just generally referencing the Calvinist/Reformed understanding of salvation, namely that we are not able to save ourselves, and that we rely upon the work of God, granting repentance, as He draws us onto Himself. Such salvation is supernatural in nature, and will cross any earthly barrier, even shame and hard feelings from the past, to restore a sinner to God and His people.
Why would we deny the science, and only look at the lower functioning vaccine immunity, versus considering the broader immunity from natural infection and recovery?
This will be our third year as well, and our church does things similar to Mindie's. We only have lessons 1-4 (Mon-Thur) during the week, inviting everyone to join us on Sunday. During the AM service, we leave up all of the decorations from the week in the sanctuary, sing some of the kids favorite VBS songs from the week, as the worship/praise hymns of the day. We also (during the offering), play a video/slideshow from the week's activities. Then for the sermon, I use the 5th lesson as the starting point of the message. So, a little more of a standard service then what Mindie is doing, but along similar lines (and it has been well received).
As I/Reformed Christians believe in the perspicuity of Scripture, and as Scripture outlines God's design and desire for marriage, yes I would and will continue to speak for that truth, no matter what persecutions I may be subjected too (which if one has been paying much attention to the culture, it would be clear that those increasingly include digital removal of ones tongue, as well as cancellation, and soon very well may escalate to physical violence or imprisonment in North America).
While these questions are important for some, I think we should note, they don't apply everywhere. While it has taken time, been a process, and there were seasons of conflict, some churches have not struggled/are not struggling with this. My congregation was back to 90% attendance within 6 months of the first shut. After Covid started spreading in our geographical community late fall, we had a second shut down, and it took another 3-4 months for us to get back to 90-95% attendance again. Then, as people were able to get vaccinated, things continued to improve, and we are at 98% of our pre-Covid members back (and several new members added).
So, while it wasn't easy, and I know there are many churches that have had a terrible time, I'm guessing there are also many churches in a similar position to our congregation.
This report will never be confessional, and nobody is asking for it to be. The confessional part is just clarifying that yes, our confessions (and even more so Scripture) do have standards and expectations for how we are to live. No, we aren't going to ignore those (and let a publicly serial adulterer for example) continue in their office, serving a church. The Gospel message is for adulterers to hear, and turn to Christ. But any living in unchastity is certainly not "above reproach," and thus barred from leadership, or even a member in good standing. They are to be called to repent!
My church doesn't withhold any funds, nor is there any S.S. offset in my call letter/support package, just my annual salary. However, taxes were mentioned in my final year at CTS, and so I was aware that it would be something to work out from day one, and built it into our monthly budget. Thankfully, I've estimated high enough, and we have enough kids, so we have never had a large bill at the end of the year.
One fun kicker, instead of traditional insurance, my family started participating in a Christian Health Sharing ministry. Because of that, the money that the church gives us towards insurance, is now also taxable both as income and for self employment tax. Ceaser is getting his cut!!!
Finishing a series (10 weeks) in the Canons of Dort Sunday morning. Preaching through the Gospel of John in the evening service (up to chapter 6 so far).
Posted in: Why Do Churches Cover Up Sin?
Hi Jane, I'm glad to hear that the article was a blessing to you.
As to the "public shame" comment, I think we are saying the same thing. Doug was talking about how we deal with sin behind closed doors, and one of the reasons for that is to avoid shaming the offender. But when we do so, I would argue that it is not healthier for the sinner, nor does it serve as the deterrent to others that the case should be (increasing their certainty that they too would be caught / exposed, if they fall into a similar sin). Yes, care for the victim may be a valid reason to maintain secrecy in some situations, and so it must be dealt with on a case by case basis. But I would agree with Doug, that we likely default to private proceedings too often.
As for the "doctrine," I was just generally referencing the Calvinist/Reformed understanding of salvation, namely that we are not able to save ourselves, and that we rely upon the work of God, granting repentance, as He draws us onto Himself. Such salvation is supernatural in nature, and will cross any earthly barrier, even shame and hard feelings from the past, to restore a sinner to God and His people.
Posted in: Vaccination Status of Church Volunteers?
Why would we deny the science, and only look at the lower functioning vaccine immunity, versus considering the broader immunity from natural infection and recovery?
Posted in: Worship Service After VBS Week?
This will be our third year as well, and our church does things similar to Mindie's. We only have lessons 1-4 (Mon-Thur) during the week, inviting everyone to join us on Sunday. During the AM service, we leave up all of the decorations from the week in the sanctuary, sing some of the kids favorite VBS songs from the week, as the worship/praise hymns of the day. We also (during the offering), play a video/slideshow from the week's activities. Then for the sermon, I use the 5th lesson as the starting point of the message. So, a little more of a standard service then what Mindie is doing, but along similar lines (and it has been well received).
Posted in: Share Your Sermon Series
I'm finishing up a series walking through 1 John in the AM service, and just starting a series going through the Athanasian Creed in our PM service.
Posted in: Link Up! What Podcasts Are You Currently Listening To?
The Messy Reformation - Jason Ruis
Reformed Podmatics - Almond Valley CRC
The Briefing with Albert Mohler
Upstream - Colson Center
Life and Books and Everything - Kevin DeYoung
Posted in: Talking About Human Sexuality With Love
As I/Reformed Christians believe in the perspicuity of Scripture, and as Scripture outlines God's design and desire for marriage, yes I would and will continue to speak for that truth, no matter what persecutions I may be subjected too (which if one has been paying much attention to the culture, it would be clear that those increasingly include digital removal of ones tongue, as well as cancellation, and soon very well may escalate to physical violence or imprisonment in North America).
Pastor Lloyd Hemstreet
Posted in: The Pandemic Shake Up: Church, I’m Begging You to Ask This One Question
While these questions are important for some, I think we should note, they don't apply everywhere. While it has taken time, been a process, and there were seasons of conflict, some churches have not struggled/are not struggling with this. My congregation was back to 90% attendance within 6 months of the first shut. After Covid started spreading in our geographical community late fall, we had a second shut down, and it took another 3-4 months for us to get back to 90-95% attendance again. Then, as people were able to get vaccinated, things continued to improve, and we are at 98% of our pre-Covid members back (and several new members added).
So, while it wasn't easy, and I know there are many churches that have had a terrible time, I'm guessing there are also many churches in a similar position to our congregation.
Posted in: Do Not Worry About Synod
This report will never be confessional, and nobody is asking for it to be. The confessional part is just clarifying that yes, our confessions (and even more so Scripture) do have standards and expectations for how we are to live. No, we aren't going to ignore those (and let a publicly serial adulterer for example) continue in their office, serving a church. The Gospel message is for adulterers to hear, and turn to Christ. But any living in unchastity is certainly not "above reproach," and thus barred from leadership, or even a member in good standing. They are to be called to repent!
Posted in: Quarterly Estimated Self Employment Tax Payments for Pastors
My church doesn't withhold any funds, nor is there any S.S. offset in my call letter/support package, just my annual salary. However, taxes were mentioned in my final year at CTS, and so I was aware that it would be something to work out from day one, and built it into our monthly budget. Thankfully, I've estimated high enough, and we have enough kids, so we have never had a large bill at the end of the year.
One fun kicker, instead of traditional insurance, my family started participating in a Christian Health Sharing ministry. Because of that, the money that the church gives us towards insurance, is now also taxable both as income and for self employment tax. Ceaser is getting his cut!!!
Posted in: Let's Talk Sermons
Finishing a series (10 weeks) in the Canons of Dort Sunday morning. Preaching through the Gospel of John in the evening service (up to chapter 6 so far).
Posted in: The Sin of Process?
Thanks Staci!
Posted in: The Sin of Process?
Absolutely, Scripture comes first! Process/rules should be applied as evenly and fairly as we can, while keeping the first things first.