Some folks assume that forgiveness and reconciliation are the same thing. They aren't. Forgiveness is what *I* do; Reconciliation is what *we* do. Forgiveness has to do with releasing a debt caused by behavior; Reconciliation has to do with re-building broken trust.

Pastors

September 21, 2011

Discussion Topic

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7 comments

Is it just me, or . . .

Is it just me, or are other pastors & church leaders getting frustrated with the way our denominational communicates with us, particularly when they ask for (expect?) us to adopt their agenda for what our church needs? I don't mean to sound ungrateful to all the fine people doing so much for us at 2850 Kalamazoo (and elsewhere). I really do appreciate what they do, their dedication and their heart for the church. So, thank you for all you do for us! The other day I got a packet of stuff from denominational headquarters. Before even opening it, I let out a sigh and the thought that crossed...

Pastors

July 27, 2011

Q&A

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9 comments

What's the best way to do a Membership class for both new and transfer members and what resources do you use?

First, do you have a membership class targetted to adults coming into your church as new believers, from other CRC's, and/or denominations? Second, what materials do you use for that (self-made, denominational resource, video, etc.)? I've been using Louis Tamminga's booklet Church Membership and You . But it has recently gone out of print. I know it's been made available in PDF format, but it's inconvenient and expensive to print/copy/assemble. Still, I like the organization of the booklet, and the brevity with which it covers the topics. My practice is to invite everyone wanting to explore...

Pastors

Roger,

In Philemon, Paul says this: "although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love" (v.8). This is a key to...
posted on: Homosexuality and Holy Uncertainty
I would agree that it is good to be uncertain about things Scripture is not completely clear about. The better/worse vs right/wrong argument has a certain appeal, and in some cases actually...
posted on: Homosexuality and Holy Uncertainty
Sure, I'll explain.

While the comments above may help one who is not addicted, nor prone to become addicted porn consumption, it won't help an addict any more than writing warnings on...
posted on: Internet Pornography and Abuse
I agree that porn dehumanizes those portrayed in pornographic media (written and visual), and leads to porn consumers dehumanizing those around them. But it also dehumanizes the one consuming it....
posted on: Internet Pornography and Abuse
I'm withdrawing from this discussion.

My main reason for withdrawing is that I'm on sabbatical and engaging in such discussions is not a part of my goals for this season.

posted on: Classes that Won't Seat Women
Doug, I don't find your 'push back' much more helpful, than Dawn's statements. I'm not letting Dawn get away with her mischaracterizations, and I don't see a reason to let you do so.

When...
posted on: Classes that Won't Seat Women
John, I think you missed my point again.

Here's what I said above, that you seemed to suggest I didn't say: "While I also believe that the message of chapters 1-3 are rendered all but...
posted on: Creation vs Evolution: impact on witness and faith.
Dawn, the problem isn't classis itself, and your last sentence underscores why it isn't. The problem isn't classis, but the culture of the people in it - well, at least in your classis. I invite...
posted on: Classes that Won't Seat Women
Dawn, I grew up in the midst of this theological battle. I learned to appreciate the Biblical arguments from both sides, and also came to understand that most of the egalitarians weren't arguing...
posted on: Classes that Won't Seat Women
John, of course I believe that the Scriptures are true, in every sense of the word 'true.'

But I think it's a mistake to get so embroiled in the factuality of the creation story, that we...
posted on: Creation vs Evolution: impact on witness and faith.