Sin is not a popular topic, and apparently never has been. The gray Psalter Hymnal doesn't have a topical index listing for "sin," but redirects you to "forgiveness of sin." The Lift Up Your Hearts hymnal has 7 listings under "sin." I know many other songs reference sin, but I would think and hope they all do so in the context of forgiveness or grace or salvation. It's important to find the right balance, as you well note.
As for contemporary songs, it seems the metaphor of broken is more popular than the label sinful. Sin is seen as a result of our human brokenness (theologically not so far off from original sin). A few good modern songs that have blessed me:
"Come As You Are" by Crowder
"I Shall Not Want" by Audrey Assad (the whole Fortunate Fall album is good!)
"Open Our Eyes" in the Lift Up Your Hearts hymnal is good modern hymn that names brokenness/sin.
John, just wondering what you are thinking of in forms of an overhaul? You list an idea at the end but I'm not sure that's any better than the system they have now. I don't see how that would fix the problem of having some candidates waiting for a call. I followed the rules pretty well and thought it went alright (but I write this from the safety of my church office.)
The only sure-fire way I can think of is to switch to an appointment system, but that doesn't really fit our ecclesiology or theology of calling...called by God and the church. I'm open to suggestions though.
Posted in: Healthy Boundaries in Ministry Relationships (Webinar Recording)
I can't get this one to play.
Posted in: Healthy Boundaries in Ministry Relationships (Webinar Recording)
Thanks! Yes, I see it is working now. Thanks again.
Posted in: Does Sin Not Matter Anymore?
Sin is not a popular topic, and apparently never has been. The gray Psalter Hymnal doesn't have a topical index listing for "sin," but redirects you to "forgiveness of sin." The Lift Up Your Hearts hymnal has 7 listings under "sin." I know many other songs reference sin, but I would think and hope they all do so in the context of forgiveness or grace or salvation. It's important to find the right balance, as you well note.
As for contemporary songs, it seems the metaphor of broken is more popular than the label sinful. Sin is seen as a result of our human brokenness (theologically not so far off from original sin). A few good modern songs that have blessed me:
"Come As You Are" by Crowder
"I Shall Not Want" by Audrey Assad (the whole Fortunate Fall album is good!)
"Open Our Eyes" in the Lift Up Your Hearts hymnal is good modern hymn that names brokenness/sin.
Posted in: Recruiting Pastors in Seminary
John, just wondering what you are thinking of in forms of an overhaul? You list an idea at the end but I'm not sure that's any better than the system they have now. I don't see how that would fix the problem of having some candidates waiting for a call. I followed the rules pretty well and thought it went alright (but I write this from the safety of my church office.)
The only sure-fire way I can think of is to switch to an appointment system, but that doesn't really fit our ecclesiology or theology of calling...called by God and the church. I'm open to suggestions though.