Paying the Parson: by PW

Last updated on: June 23, 2009 at 12:02 am By Scot McKnight

Our weekly contribution from “PW” about life as a minister’s spouse. Historically, protestant ministry families have been paid in various ways for the work the pastor does in the local parish. Two to three centuries ago, some ministry families were paid once a year after the harvest. Some parsons were paid in chickens or produce. I am sure this brought about the thrifty and resourceful ministry families we see today. Today, we receive garden vegetables, fruit, pastries, baked goods, labor... Read more

A Brother’s Wisdom 73

Last updated on: June 22, 2009 at 1:26 pm By Scot McKnight

The sin of presumption, the sin of thinking our future is in our hands and within our grasp, irks James. Here are the words of James 4:13-17 again: Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then... Read more

Women into Leadership: Where to start?

Last updated on: June 22, 2009 at 6:08 am By Scot McKnight

This is a most interesting letter, and one I’d like to hear your response to… This young woman is a gifted preacher and pastor. Churches who are in the search process are figuring out how their congregation responds to a woman preacher by inviting her to fill their pulpit during the search process. What do you think of this approach? And how much does hearing a woman preach impact what congregations think about women pastors? Do you think churches should... Read more

World Christianity and America 5

Last updated on: June 22, 2009 at 12:05 am By Scot McKnight

Mark Noll, in his new and paradigm-challenging book, The New Shape of World Christianity: How American Experience Reflects Global Faith, argues that American Christianity’s influence in world Christianity cannot be explained adequately by the colonialism theory. Instead, he argues that it is the peculiar character of American, esp Protestant evangelical, Christianity that ties in with social trends in other countries that makes American Christianity so influential. I cannot emphasize enough the significance of this thesis — and every pastor, professor... Read more

Prayer for the Week

Last updated on: June 21, 2009 at 12:08 am By Scot McKnight

O Lord, make us have perpetual love and reverence for your holy Name, for you never fail to help and govern those whom you have set upon the sure foundation of your lovingkindness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Read more

Prayer for the Week

Last updated on: June 21, 2009 at 12:08 am By Scot McKnight

Yesterday’s Music

Last updated on: June 20, 2009 at 12:57 pm By Scot McKnight

Weekly Meanderings

Last updated on: June 20, 2009 at 12:08 am By Scot McKnight

You can pick your friends,you can pick your nose,and now you can pick your friends’…. Kris and I are in Arlington Virginia at Aldersgate Methodist Church with Jason Michelli. But Weekly Meanderings go on! My three virgins. Andy’s post isn’t a blog post — it’s a gem that needs to be printed out and pasted near the desk of pastors and evangelists. His next post about Willow Creek is another good one. Jeannine Brown’s study of shalom also needs to... Read more

I miss this group … 3

Last updated on: June 19, 2009 at 4:53 pm By Scot McKnight

OK, this is the last one… but you have to admit…One fine group! Read more

I miss this group … 2

Last updated on: June 19, 2009 at 4:40 pm By Scot McKnight

One is just not enough… Read more