Something I have observed in American churches is that an emphasis on planting NEW churches benefits existing churches. But in some parts of the world--I think Croatia is one of them--this is counterintuitive.  Existing churches are suspicious of church planting, because they see the new church as a competitor.  Here in Croatia, there is a … Continue reading Church Planting and Church Health

One of the debates surrounding the historical study of the New Testament is over the New Testament canon, and whether it should be embraced enthusiastically, embraced critically, or rejected. This is because historians are supposed to be always looking for root causes and trying to examine the foundations of authority.  But the NT canon--the 27 … Continue reading Canon and New Testament Theology

The Biblical Institute believes three things. 1. That the church is God's chosen vehicle for saving the world. The church isn't perfect; it is filled with & led by imperfect people. But it is the means God has chosen. 2. That churches are healthier if they are led by men & women who are educated, … Continue reading Why Do We Do?

Ministry in places other than the USA can be stressful. Don't get me wrong. I love being in Croatia, and I love exploring the surrounding countries. This morning I rode the FlixBus through Slovenia to Graz, Austria. It's a beautiful trip, the hills & trees are just getting dressed in their fall colors. So I … Continue reading Ich esse bei McDonald’s (I Am Eating at McDonald’s)

A digression: I've been talking about healthy and unhealthy church culture.  Here is a list of characteristics of a healthy church.  Some of these were suggested by friends on Facebook; I have given credit where due. What are the marks of a healthy church? Members feel responsible for the activity of the church, they don't … Continue reading Signs of a Healthy Church

(Continued from Wednesday) EVERY church has a culture. Church culture starts with the way leaders view themselves and their calling. It works its way down through the volunteers to the children, through everyone who attends or participates in the life of the church. It includes not just people but the way the church communicates, how … Continue reading Why Should You Care? pt 4

Last week, I wrote that the second reason American Christians should care about the health of the evangelical church in Croatia is that the work of establishing a strong evangelical culture here is unfinished. Missionaries and Croatian church leaders have done heroic work here.  They have established congregations, ministries, and schools.  They have baptized brilliant, … Continue reading Why Should You Care? pt 3