We assemble with a small number of others as a house Church. I call it “Circle”.

Last night the question came about why so many people who self-identify as Christians not only refuse to discuss difficult questions of faith or answer why something is done the way it is in a denomination or congregation when the Bible says to do it another way, and why they even shut down those who dare to ask the hard questions. Read more…

While reading blogs restores me many times, at others I feel depleted. When I read how bloggers suffer personal trauma, spiritual upset caused by religious people and face lack of respect for the way God works in others, I no longer have my cyber escape route from those very things in my part of the world.

So, I muster what strength I can to bid peace and hope to those who have become friends through the gift of the internet. Read more…

Has your congregation ever searched for a pastor?

In many denominations the search includes building a profile or description of the congregation, the community it serves and writing a job description. These things can take as long as months before being approved.

Then the position is advertised. Applications are assessed. Interviews follow. The pastor may be invited to “preach for the call” or committee members may travel to where the pastor now serves to critique worship and report back to home base. Read more…

When life gets tough or goes against us we may feel like giving up. But what would have happened if Jesus gave up before the cross-work was done?

The Good News is that in faith we never leave the presence of Jesus, in the midst of tough times Paraclete comforts us. Creator sees us through the eyes of Jesus and loves us and sees the beauty of our lives that Jesus made possible.

So, to start with, hang in there. Read more…

As I read through many blogs I see doctrinal arguments flying everywhere. Now, some of these seem important. Some probably are significant.

I have spent most of my adult life as an academic. I have found it personally inspiring and exciting, but in the past very few years I have searched for the simplicity that Jesus promised is present in serving the Saviour. Read more…