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When I receive a call from someone about conflict in a congregation, I know something about that church. They have a lot of gossip in that church. I’m not that smart. I believe the Bible. Where there is no wood, the fire goes out;And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases. — Proverbs 26:20 Peter…
A question I received: Tell me what you think about this statement: “Elders appointing an additional elder or more, without discussion with or consulting the congregation, is dictatorial and shows little if any respect for or trust in the church as a whole.” First, there should be a selection before the appointment. I used to…
Fairlane Church of Christ in Shelbyville, Tennessee, participated in its third New Shepherds Orientation Workshop from August 9 to 11. This is my first time leading three New Shepherds Orientation Workshops for the same congregation. But this was the design of this workshop. Henry Wilhoit called me in the fall of 2013. He told me,…
12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos, by Jordan B. Peterson, Copyright © 2018 Dr. Jordan B. Peterson, Random House Canada, Toronto; eBook ISBN 9780345816047 On the fifth Tuesday of each quarter of the year, I share a book I’ve read recently. I highlighted “mustard seeds,” which impressed me. I hope you find one…
Ethics Beyond Rules: How Christ’s Call to Love Informs our Moral Choices, by Keith D. Stanglin; Copyright © 2021 by Keith D. Stanglin; Zondervan, Grand Rapids; ISBN 978-0-310-12091-9Vacation I share a book I’ve read recently on the fifth Tuesday of each quarter of the year. I highlighted “mustard seeds,” which impressed me. I hope you…
What They Didn’t Teach You in Seminary: 25 lessons for successful ministry in your church, by James Emery White, © 2011 by James Emery White, Published by Baker Books, Grand Rapids, ISBN 987-4412-3219-9 On the fifth Tuesday of each quarter of the year, I share a book I’ve read recently. I highlighted “mustard seeds,” which…
Frequently, I hear and read people making statements that members of the Church of Christ do things that those in other religious groups don’t do. Some have left the church to go to other groups to escape this treatment. People (elders, preachers) in the Church of Christ always…” In many, if not most Churches of…
Step Up or Step Out: How to Deal with Difficult People Even If You Hate Conflict, by Jonno White I found no copyright or publisher. This is a short book. I found three “mustard seeds.” I share a book I’ve read recently on the fifth Tuesday of each quarter of the year. I highlighted “mustard…
Ross Jordan began his work with the Central Church of Christ in October 1987. Cordell Holloway, our education minister, Ross, and I met the first Monday to get acquainted and discuss how we would work together. Among many other things, Ross asked Cordell and me, “Do you want the church to grow?” Cordell replied that…
Many read Matthew 6:14, 15 and come up with the rule that a faithful Christian will forgive everyone, everything, every time. But, as John 3:16 doesn’t contain every detail in the plan of salvation, Matthew 6:14, 15 doesn’t contain all the teachings of Jesus on forgiveness. He also said: Pay attention to yourselves! If your…