Church & Ministry

“Sixteen leaders within the embattled United Methodist Church (UMC) have released a proposal that essentially offers a United Methodist split as a solution to the church’s internal dispute over marriage and gender issues. One reason the proposal is distinctive is because of the influence and diversity among those who signed it.” - Church Leaders

“I don’t mind the word resolution, but I think it misses the mark of heart-targeted growth—the kind of growth that God wants for His people. Listed below are what I like to refer to as projects for growth, or goals, for God’s glory in 2020.” - Mike Hess

“…some churches might be in greater danger of sliding down the slippery slope to domestic tyranny and abuse. Others might be in greater danger of sliding down the slippery slope to feminism and egalitarianism. Part of the pastoral task is to learn the dangers of one’s congregation. Which slope is most slippery for you?” - TGC

ERLC’s Russell Moore: “Faith-based organizations ought to be able to hire those whose views are consistent with the organization’s beliefs, especially when those employees are responsible for teaching religious doctrine.” - BPNews

“Though we often focus on the beginning of Luke 2 at Christmas, the middle of Luke chapter 2 describes two individuals who had been waiting to see God fulfill His promises and their joy in seeing the beginning of this fulfillment in the birth of Jesus.” - DBTS Blog

“There’s a perception that, as church leaders, we cannot take much from the secular business world and apply it to the church. In fact, many people often object to using business practices in the church.” - Ed Stetzer

“The House of Representatives voted 297-120 Tuesday (Dec. 17) for a spending bill that includes language rescinding a section of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 that requires houses of worship and other nonprofits to pay a 21 percent tax on such employee benefits as parking and transportation.” - BPNews

Monday, “a ‘whistleblower’ who used to help manage the church’s investment portfolio released a series of documents alleging that the church has mismanaged more than $100 billion of charitable donations, including by channeling a portion of that money into for-profit investments on which it has failed to pay taxes.” - RNS

“Last year’s decision to strengthen the UMC’s traditional position against same-sex marriage and married LGBT clergy prompted at least 11 liberal congregations to start the process of leaving the denomination.