Spiritual disciplines are supposed to be normal in Christian life. The revival of evangelical interest in them, especially since the publication of Richard Foster’s watershed Celebration of Discipline, has been of inestimable importance. Yet, because the disciplines tend to get sucked into the black hole of American self-help religion, I’m interested in highlighting a missional understanding ofContinue reading “Spiritual Disciplines for Mission: Guru Mashup”
Author Archives: Greg
On Drinking, Cussing, and Nudity (or Being a Christian at Bonnaroo)
I trashed this article in its original form. I worked on it for a while but couldn’t put my finger on a clear idea. I considered publishing rambling thoughts on my Bonnaroo experience, but I ultimately killed it in deference to cogent argumentation. Then someone sent me a bulletin from a Church of Christ in Manchester, TN,Continue reading “On Drinking, Cussing, and Nudity (or Being a Christian at Bonnaroo)”
On Hermeneutics and Ethics
I’m not an ethicist, more’s the pity. But as a missionary, I found it necessary to teach from ignorance, act from weakness, and generally be sent on the basis of inadequacy. “Who is sufficient for these things?” Paul asks. Fool that I am, I once thought the question was an invitation to reflect on whether orContinue reading “On Hermeneutics and Ethics”
Earliest Stone-Campbell Missiology: Toward the Death and Germination of Restoration Movement Ecclesiology
Alexander Campbell and Barton Stone sparred frequently. Their differences have been the topic of extended discussion in Stone-Campbell historiography. A popular recent agenda has been to leverage the contrast between them in order to reclaim dimensions of Stone’s theology, especially among Churches of Christ historians. I have written elsewhere[1. I am in the process of transferringContinue reading “Earliest Stone-Campbell Missiology: Toward the Death and Germination of Restoration Movement Ecclesiology”
Toward a Research Agenda
In September, I begin doctoral study at Fuller Theological Seminary. I will be in the School of Theology, with a theology concentration and a New Testament minor concentration, but I will cross into the School of Intercultural Studies in order to work in missiology as well. The ability to do interdisciplinary research in this way was whatContinue reading “Toward a Research Agenda”
Nope: Ekklesia means “called out”
This is one of those fallacies with real staying power. Despite the mistake being conspicuous, I find it in all kinds of books, blogs, classes, and conversations. The idea has a grip on the imaginations of a tremendous number of Christians, and it spreads like a contagion. So this one deserves a bit more comment below.Continue reading “Nope: Ekklesia means “called out””
On Women in Church Leadership: 1 Cor 14:33–36
Preliminary Matters A view of culture before we proceed Culture is a concern in this conversation from two standpoints. Following my post on 1 Cor 11, one reader asked whether I was just saying, after all, “It’s cultural.” This needs some clarification hermeneutically, especially for a missional reading. Additionally, many traditionalists believe that the discussionContinue reading “On Women in Church Leadership: 1 Cor 14:33–36”
On Women in Church Leadership: 1 Cor 11:2–16
Cards on the table, I don’t think there is any role in church leadership that should be reserved for men. I do not presume to write without commitments. Yet, my primary commitment is not to a position on an issue—it is to God’s mission. To put it this way is a careful hermeneutical choice. Whoever wantsContinue reading “On Women in Church Leadership: 1 Cor 11:2–16”
On Homiletics, Prophetic Words, & the American Church
A while ago I preached a sermon. I’m not really a preacher, which is a caveat intended to keep expectations low. I haven’t honed my homiletical craft by any stretch of the imagination. Mostly, I worry about content when I stand before a congregation and hope that compensates for other deficiencies. This sermon was aContinue reading “On Homiletics, Prophetic Words, & the American Church”
Response to “Hermeneutics and Conflict”
Adam Hill wrote a piece called “Hermeneutics and Conflict” that came out in Wineskins yesterday. Any time I see hermeneutics getting press among Churches of Christ, I get excited—especially when we call it what it is instead of trying to work around the technical[1. By technical I make reference to a notion of technique: tech·ni·cal /ˈteknək(ə)l/ adjective : of or relatingContinue reading “Response to “Hermeneutics and Conflict””
Scripture & Mission 