By Nadeena Kersey, GuideStone Chief Insurance Officer When evaluating how to choose a health plan, some questions automatically come to mind about costs, deductibles, networks and prescription medication coverage. After all, these factors directly affect your wallet and access to the medical care you need. However, have you ever considered that just as important are the Christian ethics in this …
The hopeful future of theological education
By Dr. Jonathan SixTheological education is at a point of transition. Some have even called it a crisis. Delivery methods have changed, educational approaches are ever evolving, and seminaries and divinity schools find themselves in some of the most challenging days. In addition to the rise of online learning, the general reluctance for traditional educational practices creates intimidating challenges for …
What We Have Learned Since Last Week
Over the past week, since we posted “A Time for Clear Complementarianism and Wise Cooperation,” several responses have been written and we have heard from many pastors. Denny Burk and Mike Stone responded early in the week. Recently, both Robert Hefner and Cody Cunningham shared thoughts in general agreement with our original proposal, with Cody responding directly to Burk. We’re …
Preparation Pays: How to Designate Housing Allowance Before the New Year: 3 Action Steps to Take Now
By Seth Hawkins Whether you’re breaking bread with new neighbors, celebrating a joyous occasion or lamenting grief with a trusted friend, what makes a house a home is the people coming in and out of its doors. So it is with vocational ministry; it may begin inside the church building, but ministry often extends to and through the walls of …
University Education with a Soul
By Heath A. Thomas The American university lost its soul, and we need to find it again. University education is a beautiful, noble, formative and helpful endeavor. At its best, university education is transformative: it effects change in people. But the question is…what do they become? We may see graduates who can land a job and make money, but all too often, …
3 Mistakes to Avoid When Leading a Bible Study
HOW TO LEAD A GREAT BIBLE STUDY BY ANDY DAVIS One of my favorite ways to teach the Bible is in a small group setting in which there is the opportunity for give and take, for dynamic interaction over the sacred texts of Scripture. To prepare for such Bible studies, for years I have written out discussion questions that get …
Pride Doesn’t Pray: How Remembering Our Childlike Identity Removes Pride’s Power
BY JED COPPENGER Pride doesn’t pray. Pride doesn’t think it needs God’s help. Pride thinks that more will be accomplished today by skipping a time of prayer and starting to do the tasks for the day. What does pride sound like? “I’d love to pray, but I don’t have time to pray. I have so much to do.” That’s pride. It’s …
21 Days to Childlike Prayer
BY JED COPPENGER Charles Spurgeon was one of the greatest preachers in the history of Christianity. He was known as the “Prince of Preachers.” If you’ve ever read one of his many available sermons from the 1800s, then you can understand why so many are still impressed with his preaching ministry. But it was prayer that Spurgeon believed gave his …
Towards Healthier Disagreements
By Jed Coppenger When the biblical idea of “unity and diversity” becomes a reality amongst Christians, most figure out that it is a lot messier than it sounds. There’s enough sin present amongst believers to make unity impossible, apart from a massive influx of heart-transforming grace. One of the temptations in the midst of the friction is either to be, …
Why Hope is Essential to Healthy Ministry
HOW TO TREAT SPIRITUAL DEPRESSION IN MINISTRY? By Andrew Davis Spiritual Depression Temporary fits of spiritual depression have engulfed some of the choicest servants of the Lord throughout church history. It is amazing to read the list of those who confessed to feeling dark despair crowd into their souls at critical moments: Martin Luther, John Calvin, Jonathan Edwards, Adoniram Judson, …