An ethical question: How far can pastors go (as a routine) with AI/Internet/published sermons in preparing their own messages?

Please choose from the choices closest to your view.

There have been a few occasions where I preached someone else’s sermon. I did a series from a retired pastor friend (he began attending our church after he retired) who passed away on the subject of the Lord’s Prayer, but everyone knew (and I stated) that I was using his material. This was to honor him and his legacy at our church.

A handful of other times, I borrowed an outline from a popular author, but shared that I was using the outline. But most the material I preached was my own.

Discussion

How common is gambling among conservative evangelicals?

How common is gambling among conservative evangelicals? With the lottery and the rise of gambling on sports, it seems more and more Americans are getting involved in this vice. With the increase of casinos and recreational trips to Las Vegas, I suspect many Christians participate in gambling regularly. But what about conservative evangelicals in general?

I have found out about a few closet gamblers when people share memories at funerals! What are your thoughts? What have you read? Experienced?

Discussion

How do you most often specify the type of Christian you are?

Many of us self-identify differently in differing contexts. For example, if I were among international people of non-Christian religions, I would identify myself at a Christian. If I were among left-leaning evangelicals, I might say I leaned more fundamental. If I were among fundamentalists, I would say I lean more conservative evangelical. But I USUALLY describe myself as Conservative Evangelical, so that would be my answer.

But what about your answer. How do you MOST TYPICALLY identify yourself?

Discussion

Does your church hold a Christmas or Christmas Eve service?

We all have different ways of trying to keep Christ in Christmas. Nonetheless, the Christmas season is busy as pastors and members seek to be with their families for the holiday. In many instances, a Christmas service keeps a pastor away from his family, since pastors were often reared in areas far away from the church they serve. On the other hand, a service can help families make a point of keeping Christ in Christmas. What are your thoughts?

Discussion

Is the age of Big Name Christian leaders (of our persuasion) likely over?

The promotion of John MacArthur to glory is, in many ways, a particularly loud call to ponder to the future of the conservative evangelical movement, especially in the realm of leadership. We have lost leaders in a variety of realms, like James Dobson, Warren Wiersbe, and a host of other notables with significant influence. While we still have a good number of influential big names (Franklin Graham, Erwin Lutzer, Chuck Swindoll, D.A. Carson, Ken Ham, John Piper) in both popular and academic realms, they are up there in the years.

Discussion

Do you think Charlie Kirk's assassination will have a lasting impact on the direction of our nation?

Many older Christians had never heard of Charlie Kirk until his assassination. He is very popular with the younger generations (particularly men). His assassination has gotten an unbelievable amount of publicity and has energized his followers and motivated others to pick up the cause. Will this last? Will it make a difference in 5 years? What is you opinion? Is this just a fleeting bit of enthusiasm or a truly historical moment?

Discussion

Are you in favor of eliminating vaccine mandates?

Florida is planning on removing all vaccine mandates. These sorts of mandates require vaccines for enrollment in public schools, among other things.

Should all vaccines be removed from mandate, some removed, or all left in place? What is your view and why?

Discussion

Which Bible app do you use most?

When wanting to read or listen to the Bible via an App, which is your favorite? Why is it your favorite?

I still use Bible Gateway on my computer, but on my phone App ads get in the way (no way to “x” out of them). I did a little research and added YouVersion Bible to my wife’s phone (she likes to listen to the Bible being read). I will probably soon add it to mine. What is your favorite and why?

Discussion