Encountering the Spirit at Mere Anglicanism
I recently attended the Mere Anglicanism conference in Charleston, South Carolina. Why would a Pentecostal attend an “Anglican” conference? At first, I registered to attend because of the speakers – all world class Christians seriously engaged in the mission of God. Also, the theme was intriguing – “Salt and Light: The Christian Response to Secularism.”
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Starbucks and the Gospel
I recently read a blog that posed the question “What if Your Church Marketed Like Starbucks?”
- Churches Would Have Stellar Signage
- Churches Would Not Use Confusing Language
- Churches Would Be Known More for What They Are For than What They Are Against
- Churches Would Create Guest Experiences that Make People Feel Welcome
- Churches Would Communicate Consistently Across Multiple Channels
- Churches Would Operate Missionally by Serving First Rather than Being Served
Full disclosure demands that I confess that I am an avid and loyal customer of Starbucks. Even as I can appreciate their marketing strategy, and affirm the intent of the blog, I would like to offer a more discerning reflection (I hope).
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When the Whole World is Watching
I’ve been watching the coverage of the Papal Conclave. I find it amazing that the whole world is watching in anticipation. When the Church of God convenes in General Assembly, it’s not worthy of national coverage on CNN or FOX. The same can be said of other Pentecostal or Protestant churches. It seems that no one cares when Protestants elect a leader.
Five hundred years after the Reformation, the selection of a new Pope still matters to the world. And, whether we like it or not, it matters to Protestants and Pentecostals.
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Advent: Anticipating Christ
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14 NKJV).
The Incarnation of the Eternal Word – Jesus Christ – is the great redemptive miracle of the Christian faith. The union of humanity and divinity in the person of Jesus means that his crucifixion and resurrection have defeated the power of sin and death and brings the promise of eternal life to all who believe. This redemptive event is most often associated with the celebration of Christmas. However, in the last century the celebration of Christmas has lost its Christological focus. So, the challenge before us is to discover, or rediscover, ways by which the church can once again focus its worship on this wonderful event.
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