Church Life

“The type of connection we’re wired for is more than a fist bump, a handshake, or a hug. To be connected means to be joined with others in heart or purpose.” - F & T

“Yes, there has always been the reality of churches mixing in too much politics, but this is different. It’s not necessarily about the pastor being too political, as would be the common claim before our current political climate. Today’s criticism is more focused on what the pastor is not. This usually takes form in two different outrages…” - F&T

“I (Matt Smethurst) recently read Jonathan Leeman and Andy Naselli’s helpful new booklet, How Can I Love Church Members with Different Politics? (Crossway, 2020). It’s an ideal resource for church leaders to recommend and give away to their congregations during a contentious election season. The following 20 quotes caught my attention.” - TGC

“Given these difficulties, my church’s elders decided we wanted to spend time intentionally shepherding our people to think rightly about our identity as a gospel community as well as our responsibility to one another and the world in these divided times.

“Most Christians believe offenders belong at worship. Most congregations aren’t prepared to welcome them.” - C.Today

“In the post-lockdown world, healthy churches are likely to be almost reconnecting at ‘full strength,’ again depending on size and circumstances. Our small group is able to hold services (somewhat reduced in frequency) in conformity to distancing recommendations.

“The household of faith that Paul talks about is the place where you are voluntarily around people that you don’t like or have let you down.” - F&T

“I love the American flag. I love the Fourth of July. I even still love that cheesy Lee Greenwood song ‘God Bless the USA.’ I just don’t think celebrations of the American nation have a place in the embassy of the kingdom of God.” - TGC

“First-generation believers often feel out of place in the church. They shouldn’t, but they do. They look at children’s and youth ministries, kids growing up in Christian homes, and the beauty of multi-generational families in church and feel like they are missing something.” - P & D

“…an under-shepherd knows he doesn’t tend sheep because tending sheep is fun; rather, he tends sheep because his master, the True Shepherd, has called him to. He knows he has not been called to a life of ease, but a life of service, even to those who sometimes make that service a trial.” - Challies