Tag: Leadership

Space to Grow:  What are the potential barriers to growth?

In my last article, I wrote that we can end up putting barriers in the way of a church doing what we might naturally, legitimately expect it to be doing. It is natural for churches as living, healthy entities to grow.  So, what are some of the barriers or constraints that might be in place:… Continue reading Space to Grow:  What are the potential barriers to growth?

Why I’m writing about Russia, Ukraine and NATO

The primary purpose of Faithroots is to help people think Biblically because what we believe affects how we live. I write for a general audience but I also have two specific and related audiences in mind that I particularly want to help and encourage: Those involved in urban church planting, mission and discipleship whether as… Continue reading Why I’m writing about Russia, Ukraine and NATO

Food from around the world wide web

You can’t hack your way to a faithful ministry : “An industry has grown to help us. Books, blogs, podcasts, and conferences offer us tips and hacks for ministry. But here’s what every pastor needs to know: you can’t hack your way to a faithful ministry. You can’t learn pastoral ministry from blogs (including this… Continue reading Food from around the world wide web

Do you take the role of pastor/elder seriously enough?

What exactly does it mean to be a pastor or an elder in a church?  First of all, you will notice that I am in effect using the words “pastor” and “elder” interchangeably because we are essentially talking about the same thing. An elder is someone who carries leadership authority within a family/clan/tribe linked to… Continue reading Do you take the role of pastor/elder seriously enough?

Male and female leadership questions (3) Boundary texts

In this section, I want to have a look at some of the key and at times controversial Bible texts and give a bit more exegetical detail on how we are to understand them. 1Timothy 2:12 “I do not let women teach men or have authority over them.” This forms part of Paul’s instructions to… Continue reading Male and female leadership questions (3) Boundary texts

Male and female leadership questions (2) A framework for discussion

David Peterson, former principal at Oak Hill and NT scholar, suggested that it is helpful to set out a framework that provides the boundary for discussion.  This provides for charitable disagreement and variation in practices within those parameters.  So for example, we could draw the lines as follows Therefore, the models start by looking at… Continue reading Male and female leadership questions (2) A framework for discussion