The following was part of an assignment submitted for a class I am currently taking through Pfeiffer University's graduate program in Practical Theology. Depending on who you ask today, many are likely to say that the Church is dying. Often times, at least in my experience, by “death,” one means that the Church is loosing its top-down political and cultural influence in such a way, that they feel this loss of prominence is equitable to its impending death. With that fear being shouted from every corner, pulpit, diner, or legislative floor, it is hoped that it will lead to the mobilization of professed followers of Christ to “take up arms” and “stand for what is right.” I however, am of the opinion that the church is not on the decline, but rather as Ed Stetzer noted, it is “just being more clearly defined.” [1] It is because of this clearer definition, along with other reasons, that I am strongly hopeful for t...
Whether I am officiating a wedding, or a college football game, in my jobs as a ordained Baptist minister, an adjunct college professor & a certified sports official, I am familiar with the "lines" that establish the boundaries that govern activity. In my years, I have found that it is what happens between the lines that so often leads to deeper knowledge and greater insight into who we are in the world around us. Thanks for journeying with me "between the lines."