Progressive Christians continue to react with shock and dismay over the decision by the United Methodist Church to uphold the traditional definition of marriage. It didn’t take long for those who are opposed to the decision by the worldwide body to declare their next move: to continue defying church law. “We are not going anywhere,” … Read more
By Jason Kenney You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” … Read more
The approach of Lent in concert with a series of recent encounters, conversations and reading drew my attention to Matthew 7:1-5 and from there to Psalm 139. Most of us can count on one hand the number of times we have heard Psalm 139:19-22 read in public and still have fingers to spare. The harsh … Read more
Church disputes are not unusual, and neither is their tendency to polarize people. But what’s truly unusual is the rigorous work of self-reflection. That’s how we discover one malady we share in common. It’s this: wanting too little – too little from God. I call it Expectancy Deficit Disorder (EDD) … Read more
As I write this, first responders and tow truck operators are untangling 70 vehicles from a massive chain-reaction pile-up on one of Canada’s busiest highways. Squalls and blowing snow warnings have been routine from coast to coast for what seems like a week. And our poor, desperate friends in the Prairie provinces are locked in … Read more
The ability to receive seekers at our doorsteps is essential. “People, get ready!” is what I said in my last blog. I truly believe that because so many of us are inwardly focused — prepared to deal with potential abusers but woefully incapable of talking to skeptics — the Holy Spirit isn’t encouraging people to come our way. Prepare, and I honestly believe that they will come. Part of that is prepping our virtual entrances. … Read More
We Presbyterians are a careful bunch. We carefully follow legal process in our courts. We develop protocols when dealing with children and vulnerable adults. We study issues carefully and repeatedly, especially as they relate to doctrine. And for good reason: Insurance, due diligence, criminal record checks, The Barrier Act and guidelines for appropriate touch are … Read more
Years ago, I worked in a grocery store. Cleanup went with the job. Boxes and sacks would break open, jars would shatter, cans would dent and lose their labels. There wasn’t much we could do with the broken boxes or shattered jars but the unlabelled cans could be sold at a fraction of the price. … Read more
As a deprecating remark aimed at those who puff themselves up, we make light of the term “God’s gift to the world”. Heaven help those who use it on themselves. In truth, God’s gift refers to His Son. And it’s the historic reason for Christmas gift giving, modeled on the Magi who presented gold, frankincense, … Read more
The Presbyterian Church in Canada doesn’t exactly have a reputation for evangelical church planting. It’s not like the folks at 50 Wynford haven’t tried. For years, Canadian Ministries had a coaching network that worked with church leaders who felt the call. Ongoing grants helped sustain several church communities. But the interest was hardly overwhelming. “I … Read more