More Trueman
Thus, stuffy and archaic as some would see it, the recitation of the Apostles' Creed is potentially the most dangerously subversive act of cultural terrorism one might engage in on a Sunday. more here
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Dropping out of church
Mikey just put up a helpful post, identifying the 3 "times" when newcomers drop out of church -
- In the first few weeks, if they weren't welcomed properly.
- After about six months, if they don't make any significant relationships and don't feel valued.
- After about a year, if they don't feel they are involved in the life and ministry of the church in some way.
inTransit
An organisation called InTransit are running a free seminar in the city next week for "Sydney's white collar workers in today's uncertain economic climate". I've been told it should be good value.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Scripture in Church
Michael blogs about the need to read Scripture in church. I think we may have lost something here - as he says, Scripture is sometimes just an introduction to the sermon. I recently worked my way through the 1662 Book of Common Prayer order of divine service. I was amazed at how much Scripture reading a typical service contained - an Old Testament reading, a New Testament reading, up to 3 psalms and some other little vignettes here and there. Not to mention a whole host of very scriptural prayers.
MJ noted a while ago that the more Catholic or liberal Anglican churches, which often retain the traditional liturgy, will give you a "feast of Scripture", whereas our evangelical churches have a bit of a famine going on. I don't think the answer is ever-longer church services. So what do you cut out? One of my hobby horses is eliminating announcements from church. There are better ways to get the information to the church - email or paper handouts, for example. And get rid of interviews too, while we are at it. The formal part of the service should be Song, Scripture, Sermon, Supplication (prayer). Oh, and Sacrament too, regularly. That would do it for me.
Trueman on the Reformers and Scripture
Brilliant talk by Trueman, in which he shows how many Evangelicals misunderstand the Reformers attitudes toward Scripture and Tradition
Harry Potter 6
Saw this last night with a mate (who is also a professional film reviewer). My expectations weren't terribly high, but I was still pretty disappointed overall. First the good things, though. The performances were all very good - the support cast was excellent as always, but the leads really looked good this time as well. There was a lot of humour in the film too, and it was well executed. And I thought the director handled the whole "teenagers discover love" aspect of the moves really well, and it was quite charming and old fashioned in a lot of ways.
But the movie was far, far too long - 2.5 hours. There is nothing in these films to justify the length. And the rhythm of the film was all wrong to - it didn't really build toward a climax at all, and the Major Character Death just came and happened with a fizzle. You were very conscious that this was a bridging movie, it barely felt like a complete film. Still, I'm sure the fans will love it...
Monday, July 13, 2009
Illustrations
I love books that have illustrations in them. I especially like it when serious, wordy, intelligent novels have illustrations - it's very cool. They did a bit more of that in the old days, not sure why it fell out of fashion.
The Natural Salesmen
I think Tony has it right in this post on the SP. I'd be interested in seeing these points developed a bit further.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Epic Pooh
Science Fantasy legend Michael Moorcock wrote this essay on the subject of epic fantasy. He blasts Lewis and Tolkien, while commending some slightly lesser known writers. He makes some valid points, though I think he is a little biased against Christianity, and he clearly dislikes anything hinting at political conservatism. Moorcock has a good ear for writing. This surprised me a little as I've found his own work a little clunky - though still excellent through virtue of an almost peerless imagination. Anyway, if you are interested in this genre, you might get something out of this essay. I'd be interested to hear Karen's take on it...
via Andrew Heard on Twitter
"FIEC conference taking shape - Phillip Jensen, Al Stewart, and Mark Driscoll will all be speaking. Mark will be live via satellite-plusQ&A."
Russell's Top 5
Great OP this week -
They say when America sneezes the rest of the world catches a cold. True enough when it comes to the worldwide Anglican Communion, because the Episcopal Church's theological woes are at swine flu proportions and our top story this week is a stirring response.
Thursday, July 09, 2009
A new congregation?
Justin is thinking about starting a new congregation -
Here is a key to Urban Ministry, as I see it: We follow the seams of friendships in the workplace and in Apartment blocks. That's it. We follow the seams, make friends, show hospitality, and "God shows up" (to quote Andrew Heard). And God does good things.
At York Street, we have a new opportunity: We have a central city space, willing hearts, and an actual key to a large, stunning building not currently being used in the evening.
So we seek God's will in planting a new Evening Congregation: a new community, and a new kind of church reaching a new kind of city. And in partnership with other churches who preach Christ.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
