Chaplainmike

Another Look at Church Collapse Statistics

I would like to preface this post by saying that I do not have any joy in reporting these statistics. My hope and desire is for vibrant, growing churches, that are an increasingly effective witness in the communities in which they are found. That being said here is a snippet from a couple posts thatContinue reading “Another Look at Church Collapse Statistics”

Another Look: Evangelicalism as a Way Station

Note from CM: We will continue with Michael Spencer’s “Coming Evangelical Collapse” series and get back to an overview of the “Age of Evangelicalism” in the U.S. — roughly 1970-2008 — in a day or two. But for today, here’s another look at a suggestion of something that evangelicalism does well. This reflection was firstContinue reading “Another Look: Evangelicalism as a Way Station”

Another Look: The Coming Evangelical Collapse (2)

Note from CM: Looks like we’ll be on this subject for a couple of weeks. Since we’re five years out, I will re-post all three of Michael’s “Collapse” pieces, reflect on “My So-Called Evangelical Life” through the lens of Steven P. Miller’s “The Age of Evangelicalism,” and . . . well, we will see whatContinue reading “Another Look: The Coming Evangelical Collapse (2)”

My So-Called Evangelical Life (1)

This book explores the place and meaning of evangelical Christianity in the United States from the 1970s through the first decade of the twenty-first century. It pays particular attention to the uses that a diverse array of Americans — self-proclaimed evangelicals, of course, but also movement conservatives, secular liberals, journalistic elites, and sundry others —Continue reading “My So-Called Evangelical Life (1)”

Another Look: The Coming Evangelical Collapse

Note from CM: This week, we will focus on the state of evangelicalism in the U.S. It was five years ago that Michael Spencer wrote his “Coming Evangelical Collapse” posts, which brought him a great deal of attention and caused much discussion. I have begun reading Steven P. Miller’s book, The Age of Evangelicalism: America’sContinue reading “Another Look: The Coming Evangelical Collapse”

Gathering Sparks

Yesterday, I officiated a wedding. The couple wanted to make sure we honored the traditions of their families, and the groom was from a Jewish background. Indeed, one family member present was a Holocaust survivor. So, in the ceremony, I included readings and emphases from the Tanakh and we ended on a celebratory note withContinue reading “Gathering Sparks”

Saturday Ramblings — August 9, 2014

We’ve been talking lately about eschatology here on IM, hearing from people who are pre-millennialists and a-millennialists and probably a variety of other positions as well. You may have been wondering: where does your Chaplain stand? I’ve concluded that I am an “æstas-millennialist,” one of a growing number of people here in the Midwest whoContinue reading “Saturday Ramblings — August 9, 2014”

Where do I belong?

I want to spend the next couple of Fridays talking about community. This week I want to focus on one way that you can find a church community that is a good fit theologically. I left the Plymouth Brethren in 1986 over a matter of biblical interpretation, with no idea where I would end up.Continue reading “Where do I belong?”

Paul among the Philosophers

But in essence, Wright’s argument in this part is fairly simple. Paul needs to be understood against all of these backgrounds — Greek, Jewish and Roman, imperial and local, philosophical and cultural — but primarily, he is a second-temple Jew, and a Pharisee at that. • Andrew Wilson A Review of Tom Wright’s Paul andContinue reading “Paul among the Philosophers”

The Wisdom of Christian Piatt

Now, here’s an honest man. I’m thankful someone finally had enough guts to say what Christian Piatt says in his post, “Five Reasons Progressive Christians Secretly Love Mark Driscoll.” Without giving any kind of a pass whatsoever to Driscoll or suggesting that he and the celebrity pastor of Mars Hill have anything in common withContinue reading “The Wisdom of Christian Piatt”