New England Perspectives
A regularly updated collection of articles written by New England leaders and thinkers. Looking for news articles? Click here.
Our (Not-So-Secret) Weapon
“By this all people will know that you are my disciples,” Jesus said, “if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). The reference here is not our love for nonbelievers (as important as that is), but Christian love for one another. Our love as a church is our not-so-secret weapon to witness to the world about Jesus Christ. The local church, far from an obstacle to evangelism, is the God-ordained means to share the Gospel with the world.
We Need Shepherds
We are skeptical of authority, perhaps more so than any previous generation. It’s in our DNA. As Americans, we are, after all, born of a revolution from the tyrant King George III. In the last 250 years, our anti-authoritarian sentiment has only grown stronger. Reinforcing it, we have seen political figures get suspiciously wealthy, the “Me Too” movement expose business leaders and movie moguls, and social media billionaires playing god behind the curtain. We have reason to be wary. But is this ever-defiant attitude healthy?
Jesus Versus the Church?
There is a rumor going around that Jesus doesn’t much like the church. He is sort of annoyed with his bride, or outright disgusted by her. Some might even suggest a breakup. This perceived animosity has led people to the conclusion they can love Jesus and hate the church.
The Case for Denominations
Denominations as a whole are in decline, and the number of non-denominational churches is increasing, “13 percent of total American adults now identify as non-denominational. That is more than all mainline denominations combined” (Thom Rainer). Making a case for denominations today is like canoeing the Mighty Mississippi... upstream. However, it might be worth the effort to at least make the case.
Local Church Fallacies
We hear the refrain that church is unnecessary more frequently nowadays. The idea is that church is an optional club Christians can either choose to take part in or not, and going to church is a sort of side issue in the real business of following Jesus. Let’s briefly attempt to address some local church fallacies.
The Pastor and Good Health
This year I turn 46 years old. While that may not be old, it does mean I feel the decline of age! In 2020, Covid affected me with long-term symptoms that are still not entirely gone. Two years ago, I tore my achilles tendon playing basketball with my son, and needed reattachment surgery. Recently, my lower back pain has been unrelenting (probably due to limping for two years!). Maintaining good health is not as easy as it used to be.
Church Red Flags
Not all churches are equal, and not all ministries are the same. While some are healthy and vibrant, others are spiritually harmful. Here are some red flags to identify a church that is heading in the wrong direction, and how to take actions against them.
Persevering as a Pastor
How do we persevere in pastoral ministry? Churches should want pastors who persevere till they go on to glory or retire – and even if retired, continue to serve in some capacity until they can no longer do so. As pastors, what can we do now to ensure we persevere to the end?
Pastoring through an Election Year
This year no doubt will be filled with a perpetual barrage of politics. From Super Tuesday to November 5th, our church people will be bombarded with political ads, phone calls, news segments, and presidential debates. As pastors, how do we pastor through a year like this?
Ministering to Mental Illness
Mental health is a rising concern in the United States, and pastors are on the front lines of ministering to people with all kinds of mental illness. Most likely you have counseled and cared for people with anxiety, depression, bipolarity, or even schizophrenia and paranoia. Like most pastors, I took a few counseling classes in seminary but I am not a clinically-trained or licensed counselor. My advice comes from the place of a pastor trying his best by the grace of God to minister to my church and community.
A Plan of Discipleship?
If you have been a pastor for some length of time, you have probably been asked “What is your plan of discipleship?” By this, many are likely thinking of some program or book that outlines specific steps through which to walk members. Or, they may have in mind a one-on-one mentorship where an older Christian meets with a younger one. While I am not against utilizing a program, this may miss the biblical picture of what making disciples is all about. To understand that, we need to look at the Great Commission.
How should we think about Israel?
Things are happening so fast in the world, I cannot say for sure what will have changed between when I write this and when you are reading it. We can say that on October 7th, 2023, the profound hatred against Israel by the terrorist organization Hamas has led to the tragic loss of numerous lives. Even here in the United States and throughout Europe, the sentiment towards the State of Israel has changed. Antisemitism is on the rise. How should we think of Israel?
The Early Church’s Strategy of Radical Love
The early church was used by God to transform the world, and they did it extraordinarily quickly. How did this happen? Let’s take a brief look at four means of radical love they used to transform the known world, and glean insights for us today.
Pastoral Lessons from Titus
Titus is one of the three Pastoral Epistles, written by the Apostle Paul to Titus who filled a sort of pastoral role over a group of churches on the island of Crete. This summer, I preached through the three chapters of the letter to my congregation, and I learned some crucial lessons for pastoral ministry along the way.
Dealing with Difficult People
People can be difficult. We know this because we are people! In all likelihood, you have been a difficult person to someone else at least at some point in your life. Pastoral ministry is no exception to this. In fact, being a pastor probably means you deal with a higher number of difficult people than most. How should we deal with difficult people? Here are a few suggestions borne from experience and failure.
Tear Down the High Places
The Bible talks about the “high places” throughout Israel’s monarchical history. These were locations outside of the Jerusalem Temple where Israelites went to offer sacrifices and worship, often intermingling Canaanite idolatry with the worship of the Lord. They were originally built by Solomon during his latter reign, as he grew more and more pluralistic.
The Upcoming Pastor Shortage (And What Can Be Done)
By now, you have probably heard about the upcoming crisis of pastoral vacancies. The average age of pastors has skyrocketed, in statistical terms, in a drastically short time. According to an extensive Faith Communities Today (FACT) survey, “In the last two decades the median age of the religious leader rose from 50 in 2000 to 57 in 2020.” This is a trajectory that has been trackable for some time. While many factors contribute to this, the bottom line is younger clergy are not replacing aging and retiring clergy.
Be a New England Missionary
I am a New Englander, through and through. Born and raised in Massachusetts, I love to travel, but there is nothing like coming home to the Atlantic Ocean, the colonial homes lining the streets, and the four seasons. New England is not only my home, but also a ripe mission field. Here are a few things to keep in mind about New England.
When A Pastor Should Not Leave His Church
Pastoral transitions happen. Life happens, and sometimes pastors need to move on. If not, in time our mortality will force a transition! These transitions can be extremely difficult for a pastor, his family, and for the church body. Sometimes leaving is for the better, but too often this kind of transition leaves a wake of broken hearts and missed opportunities.
Laser-Focused Mission
Light is a powerful force. When spread out over a room, it is neutralized. It can however be focused to such a degree that it cuts through steel. When it comes to the mission of the church, laser-focus is especially important. The mission of the church is to make disciples.