Here’s this week’s podcast on Church Discipline We’ve had a few teething issues with new tech and so there currently isn’t a YouTube video version but I’m hoping to resolve that soon.
Tag: Planting Safer churches
He’s the good good shepherd
I love Psalm 23 and it was really helpful to hear a speaker talking about this at a recent church leaders’ retreat. On Sunday I shared my own attempt at a paraphrase of the Psalm. It’s been particularly on my mind over the past few days as it seems to link with a few particular… Continue reading He’s the good good shepherd
Have a plan for how you handle accusations
Churches are messy and vulnerable places where serious spiritual business is being done. We should not be surprised then that there will from time to time be accusations that come our way. Those may be accusations against other members of the church, past or present, partners in fellowship with the church, other leaders and if… Continue reading Have a plan for how you handle accusations
Pursue plurality and interdependence
I’m a firm believer in the importance of plural leadership. This should include a plurality of elders and a wider leadership team of godly men and women. The evidence for the need for plural elders is seen in Acts 20:17 where Paul meets with the elders (plural) of the Ephesian church. Then in Titus 1:5,… Continue reading Pursue plurality and interdependence
Appreciate the provisions of Common Grace
In Romans 13:1-5, Paul writes: “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to… Continue reading Appreciate the provisions of Common Grace
Keep a particular look out for narcissistic bullies
When thinking about dangerous leaders, the potential false shepherds and even wolves that might sneak in, being alert to the dangers of narcissism may be helpful. Narcissists are people with an unhealthy inward focus on themselves. They believe that the world should or does revolve around them, their needs and their priorities. These are the… Continue reading Keep a particular look out for narcissistic bullies
Watch out for wolves
This is the bit we don’t really like to talk about because we don’t like to be personal. But your church will face attacks from wolves. Paul makes it clear that not only might happen but that it will happen. “after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own… Continue reading Watch out for wolves
Keep a watch on your own heart
If we want to plant safer, healthier churches, then we need to start by looking at ourselves. When Paul gives his final charge to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20, he warns of wolves that will try to get in. However, even before that, he says: Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock,… Continue reading Keep a watch on your own heart
Planting Safer Churches
This may seem like an unusual title. On the one hand, we would hope that churches are safe, loving and accepting places. This is where the Gospel is preached and where people whose lives are being changed come. On the other hand, can we really expect church to be safe? Isn’t there something intensely dangerous… Continue reading Planting Safer Churches
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