Tag: church abuse

Fathers and mothers – implications of family models for the church

In my posts about church culture and in my recent article about complementarianism, I’ve argued that we need to seek a church culture that functions more like a family and less like a club, institution or business. In that context, I want to suggest that elders in the church function a bit like the fathers… Continue reading Fathers and mothers – implications of family models for the church

Changing our culture – the relationship between church leaders and church members

In my previous post, I talked about how to reform church culture towards a grace culture by focusing on our relationship towards one another as characterised by humility.   Today, I want to talk about how leaders and congregations should relate to each other. Here are two important scriptures on the subject.  First of all, we… Continue reading Changing our culture – the relationship between church leaders and church members

Talking about church culture -and how to change it

One of the things coming out of the recent bullying and abuse scandals within the evangelical church has been the beginning of a conversation about church culture and the need for reformation.  I am going to give a little bit of attention to the question here. At this stage, it is important to emphasise the… Continue reading Talking about church culture -and how to change it

Scandalised

One of the really sad things about recent abuse scandals in the church is the way they mirror some of the horrific things we see in the world around us.  We should be able to respond and to offer something that is beautifully counter cultural.  Yet instead, we are seen to ape some of the… Continue reading Scandalised

Conservative evangelical theology SHOULD mean there is no excuse for abuse

Predictably, one of the responses to two high profile cases of abuse has been for some to identify a specific problem with conservative evangelicalism and therefore with its underlying theology..  conservative evangelical, or more properly, “Reformed Theology” holds that. God is the great and glorious Lord, the Triune God who is love, holy and just. … Continue reading Conservative evangelical theology SHOULD mean there is no excuse for abuse

#churchtoo, abuse bullying and culture – let’s have the conversation

In the light of the Timmis, Fletcher, Smyth and RZIM reports, there does seem to be a level of willingness amongst church and network leaders to talk about church culture and how we encourage reformation in this area. I will be including some more articles next week addressing this subject further but at this stage,… Continue reading #churchtoo, abuse bullying and culture – let’s have the conversation

Responding to the abuse reports -what next?

We’ve been hit hard by a series of reports and investigations into abuse and bullying over the past few month including Acts29 and Steve Timmis, RZIM, John Smyth and Jonathan Fletcher.  The response has been intense and emotional.  It’s included a lot of good, helpful and right things Deep probing questioning as people have wanted… Continue reading Responding to the abuse reports -what next?

The church is still the bride of Christ

Imagine turning up at a wedding, heading towards the groom and telling him he was a great mate, a general all round good guy and your favourite friend. Then after a short pause you tell him “but your bride is a hideous troll isn’t she. Can’t stand her mate.”  A few minutes later you find… Continue reading The church is still the bride of Christ