Worship and Fellowship
Confessions of an (Ex) Evangelical Worship Leader
Pastor’s preface: Our LCMS strives to hold fast to the clear words of the Bible and thereby to the Apostolic and historically faithful church. When we are misunderstood by various churches, it almost always boils down to their misunderstanding of the Bible and incorrect theology. This difference often makes our teachings and worship practices unintelligible to many. I spent multiple years as a pastor in an Evangelical church body. I can relate to much in this following article. I also…
Faith and Worship: From Solid Rock to Shifting Sand
The historical, theological, and philosophical details of several massive shifts in Christianized religious belief and worship are too many to discuss in this article. However, a large part of what characterizes modern Christian worship and theology today flows from the work of a very intelligent man who provided an intellectual argument that shifted the focus of faith from fact to feeling. While Christians have always had powerful feelings that can be expressed in words, actions, and music, a saving faith…
The Equality Act – An Orwellian Title and Law
I rarely comment on political activities, but in this case, I find need to make exception. (Note 3/20: So far, the bill has not been taken up in Senate. Hopefully, it will not continue process there. The next election will probably determine it’s future.] While we find some disconcerting aspects of Orwell’s 1984 dystopian novel in various American cultural and political arenas, the Equality Act seems more concordant with his other famous novel, Animal Farm. With the socialist leanings of…
Regular Worship – More Than a Priority
(This article was first posted in my prior congregation site in September, 2016.) A few weeks back the Pew Research group released a study that has a mixture of good and bad news as well as a basic truth we in the church should never forget. [http://www.pewforum.org/2016/08/23/choosing-a-new-church-or-house-of-worship] First, the basic truth we should remember. The research affirmed that belief brings people to church. While a church may offer and provide other positive incentives and context for making worship inviting…
Music … the Bible and some thoughts…
(This article was first posted at my prior congregation in September, 2016.) What does the Bible have to say about music? Quite a bit. You might look some of the passages up when you get a chance. In the Psalms, which were songs of worship we find the use of pretty much every musical instrument common in those days. Tastefully, no doubt. With a respectful attitude of worship and heartfelt praise. Yet quite a variety of instruments were named there…