Lack of Easter Feels
The Easter service was going like any other Easter service had gone in Bible-Belt churches across the South for decades. The praise team was hyped and smiling wide toothy grins. […]
Facing Cultural Hostility with Cultural Apologetics
October 6, 2025 @NeilShenvi – I understand the desire to “not mix Christianity and politics.” But open, vigorous debate about which policies *actually* align with biblical values seems vastly preferable […]
Progressivism and Substitutionary Atonement
In the last hundred years or so, discussions among theological progressives about the Trinity, the nature of Christ, and substitutionary atonement are often not really about these doctrines at all. […]
Chip and Joanna Gaines and the Quiet Drift of the Church
Chip and Joanna Gaines are a husband-and-wife duo best known for their hit series Fixer Upper, where they combined home renovation with warm, family-centered storytelling to win over audiences across […]
It Goes Without Saying? A Reflection on Pope Francis
April 25, 2025 “If necessary, use words.” The original (Saint) Francis purportedly said this. Preach the gospel all the time, and—if necessary—use words. To this, we talkers want our chance […]
Why I Chose To Preach on Sexuality and Gender (Part 2)
My wife and I are blessed to have raised four children. I remember when we just had two. It seemed manageable at that point. We could play man-on-man defense. Then […]
Learning from Lausanne: Reflections on an Evangelical Movement of World Missions
As many of us in America turned our eyes to the recent political election, you might’ve missed what happened a couple months ago when 5,000 believers from 200 countries gathered […]
A New Missional Era
For the last year couple of years, I have been using a phrase that many people don’t seem to recognize. When referring to our task of taking the gospel to […]
You Should Vote: 3 Reasons Disciples of Jesus Should Vote
I’m writing from my own context in the United States, where we have a presidential election coming up in just a matter of days. Many argue that it is the […]
Review of Richard & Christopher Hays’s ‘The Widening of God’s Mercy’
In The Widening of God’s Mercy, father and son Richard and Christopher Hays show why they believe same-sex sexual relationships and marriage ought to be fully welcomed in the church […]
Feeling Alone in Ministry?
“Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that […]
An Editor’s Take on Megan Basham’s ‘Shepherds for Sale’
September 2, 2024 Everybody loves an editor. (Ha, that’s the closest you’ll get to an editor joke.) The truth is, nobody likes being told all the ways they could have […]
The Scariest Nice Person in Your Church
What comes to mind when you think of “one-hand clapping”? Perhaps you think of the Zen “koan” in which the Zen master asks the student, “What is the sound of […]
Progressivism and the Resurrection of Jesus
Orthodox, biblical, historic Christianity does not stop at the death of Jesus. It goes straight from Jesus’ death to his resurrection—which is the flip side of the same redemptive coin. […]
Losing My Faith in Progressive Christianity: There and Back Again? (Part 8)
This is Part 8 in a series on leaving progressive Christianity by Dave Stovall, worship leader and former lead singer of Wavorly and band member of Audio Adrenaline. He describes […]
John Cooper of Skillet on Resilient: Standing Firm in a Hostile World
John Cooper is the lead singer of the band Skillet and an outspoken advocate for the counter-cultural ways of Jesus. Recently, John wrote the foreword for David Young’s new book […]
4 Tracks in American Christianity: A Tool for Cutting Through the Smoke and Heat
Christianity in America seems more confusing than ever. Imagine American Christianity as a vehicle that seems to be breaking down on a long road trip. The check engine light is […]
Losing My Faith in Progressive Christianity: The Tough Questions (Part 7)
This is Part 7 in a series on leaving progressive Christianity by Dave Stovall, worship leader and former lead singer of Wavorly and band member of Audio Adrenaline. He describes […]
10 Cultural Trends Impacting the Church
I often think about the future. I have a responsibility as the lead minister/pastor in my local church and as the point leader of Renew.org (and Discipleship.org) to help provide […]
Social Justice from the Left and the Right
Within the Church (broadly speaking), there are two groups of people. Not everyone in the Church fits into one of these groups. In fact, many people in the Church are […]
Postmodern Theories Playing Out in Today’s World
How are postmodern theories playing out in today’s world? The theories of postmodernism explain the shift from seeking truth in objective reality to defining truth according to subjective experience. Postmodernism […]
What Is New Age Spirituality? The Basics of New Age Spirituality in 10 Questions, 10 Terms, and 10 Quotes
What is New Age Spirituality? New Age Spirituality is a movement which brings together monism (all is one) and pantheism (all is good) with Eastern spiritual techniques. The idea is […]
What Is Progressive Christianity? 9 Tendencies
What is progressive Christianity? Progressive Christianity is a rewriting of essential and important elements of biblical teachings to fit Western secular values. Progressives tend to pick groups they feel are […]
Losing My Faith in Progressive Christianity: The Fleeting Fulfillment of a Feelings-Based Faith (Part 6)
Progressive Christianity Part 1: Insights from Deconstruction Stovall recounts a season of doubt, questioning a culture built on the sinner’s prayer and feelings-based assurance. The narrative challenges easy-belief formulas, contrasting […]
“Your Church May Be Progressive If…” Real Life Theology with Renée Sproles
Renée Sproles and David Young, senior minister of North Boulevard Church of Christ, discuss the signs you may see if your church is moving toward progressivism, and why that trajectory […]
The Anxiety of Being a Progressive Christian
A progressive Christian swims along well with the cultural currents, but there’s an anxiety that comes along with it. I was interviewing a couple to get marriage advice for an […]
Losing My Faith in Progressive Christianity: From Emotionalism to Cynicism (Part 5)
Faith in Progressive Christianity and the Search for a Hopeful Third Way “Faith in Progressive Christianity” traces a journey from legalism to progressive grace and nearly to agnosticism before rediscovering […]
Dr. Carol Swain on the Challenges Christian Face Today
Challenges Christian Face Today: Urgent Wake-Up Call Modern influences like social media, podcasts, and cultural voices can disciple believers into “self-inspired theology” that slowly weakens faith. Renewing the mind means […]
Dr. Carol Swain on the Challenges Christian Face Today
Dr. Carol Swain on Living Faithfully in a Confusing Age Through personal testimony, Dr. Swain recounts how her journey from academic success to Christian conviction reshaped her identity in Christ. […]
How Should We View Gender?
Gender and Christianity: Hopeful Biblical Clarity on Roles Amid secular gender theories, Carol M. Swain explains why Christians should treat Scripture as the final authority on male and female roles. […]
Harvard and a Civilization Built in the Clouds
Harvard Atheist Chaplain and a Civilization Built in the Clouds Cloud City becomes a metaphor for a modern culture trying to stay afloat without a sacred order beyond itself. Harvard’s […]
5 Insights Jason Whitlock Has Given Me About Being a Disciple of Jesus
Jason Whitlock Christian Insights for Fearless Discipleship Today Fearless conviction is needed to call out deception and resist cultural pressure with biblical clarity. Ruthless honesty builds credibility when confronting sin […]
This Person Has Enormous Power Over You
Not Ashamed and the King Who Rules Your Life Recognize that shame reveals your ruler—whoever can make you most ashamed when you disobey them has enormous power over you. See […]
Your Reconstruction Story as Told by Jesus
Faith Reconstruction and Jesus Repairing the Foundation Faith Reconstruction highlights how Jesus deconstructs what cannot remain, leaving only what God intends to be truly foundational. John’s “I am” statements show […]
Is Complementarianism Oppressive? A Review of Beth Allison Barr’s The Making of Biblical Womanhood
The Making of Biblical Womanhood: A Critical Review The Making of Biblical Womanhood evaluates Beth Allison Barr’s claims that complementarianism is rooted in patriarchy, hierarchy, and systemic oppression. This review […]
On Gender and the Bible: Thoughts of a Theologian and a Therapist on the Transgender Debate (Part 11)
Transgender Debate Part 11: Biblical Clarity for Today’s Questions Transgender Debate Part 11 affirms God made humans male and female, grounding identity in creation and biology. Key definitions like gender […]
Losing My Faith in Progressive Christianity: The Banned Books and Podcasts (Part 4)
Progressive Christianity Part 4 Lessons from Deconstruction Dave recounts a slow slide into progressivism. Influences like C.S. Lewis, Rob Bell, and The Liturgists shaped his doubts, loosening his trust in […]
We’re about to Make a Big Mistake – Reflections on Rebecca McLaughlin’s “The Secular Creed”
The Secular Creed and the Cost of a Godless Morality McLaughlin’s book exposes a new secular religion in which slogans like “love is love” and “gay rights are civil rights” […]
Are White Evangelicals Responsible for Corrupting the Faith and Fracturing a Nation? A Review of “Jesus and John Wayne”
Corrupting the Faith in Light of Jesus and John Wayne Layfield appreciates how Jesus and John Wayne exposes real problems in evangelical culture, including militarism, celebrity pastor models, and weak […]
How to Read a Progressive like the Bible
Progressive Stories and Competing Endings Through three parallel narratives, the article shows how the same journey into deconstruction can be framed as heroic self-expression, loyal solidarity with the marginalized, or […]
How to Read the Bible like a Progressive
Read the Bible like a Progressive with Clear Discernment Progressive reading is shown as rewriting essential Christian doctrines to fit Western cultural values while proudly selecting which Scriptures still apply. […]
Losing My Faith in Progressive Christianity: The Three Unforgivable Sins — Drinking, Smoking, and Cussing (Part 3)
Progressive Christianity Part 3: Lessons in Grace and Drift Progressive Christianity Part 3 traces how childhood taboos about drinking, smoking, and cussing slowly gave way to a “liberated” lifestyle that […]
Losing My Faith in Progressive Christianity: Revelation, Rapture, and Kirk Cameron Eschatology (Part 2)
Rapture — Progressive Christianity Part 2 Reflections Sparked by a Left Behind viewing, the author rechecked Revelation and 1 Thessalonians, questioning whether Scripture clearly teaches a pre-tribulation rapture. Framing end-times […]
A Resilient Church in a Cancel Culture
Cancel Culture — Practicing Church Resilience Grounded in disciple making, the church develops resilient believers who hold to biblical convictions with joy and courage. Facing cultural pressure, Christians reject timidity […]
When the Foundations Are Being Destroyed
Foundations That Endure Through Faith Discover how Foundations grounded in God’s Word give strength when society feels unstable and divided. Explore David’s Psalms to understand why trusting the Lord offers […]
Losing My Faith…in Progressive Christianity (Part 1)
Progressive Christianity Part 1: Insights from Deconstruction Stovall recounts a season of doubt, questioning a culture built on the sinner’s prayer and feelings-based assurance. The narrative challenges easy-belief formulas, contrasting […]
On Gender and the Bible: Where Does Egalitarianism Lead? (Part 9)
Egalitarianism and Scriptural Trajectories Authors trace how egalitarianism, when unchecked, can override created differences and biblical hierarchies in church and home. The article contrasts secular lenses with exegesis, arguing that […]
The Lure of the Fruit…in the 21st Century
21st Century — Resisting the Lure of the Fruit Drawing from Proverbs 3 and Isaiah 55, the article contrasts confident curiosity with obsessive self-reliance and calls us back to trusting […]
Accepting LGBTQ+ Lifestyles for Disciples of Jesus: A Response to Sally Gary and the CenterPeace Ministries Decision to be Pro Gay
CenterPeace Ministries — Conviction with Civility Drawing on his testimony, Guy Hammond upholds historic Christian sexual ethics while explaining why holiness—not heterosexuality—is the disciple’s aim. While affirming dignity and respect […]
Lessons from the Church in Germany: Tsunami
Lessons from the Church in Germany Tsunami Response From Europe’s aftermath of higher criticism, Brett Seybold calls U.S. churches to pair personal relationships with strong apologetics and unity with other […]
Lessons from the Church in Germany: Post-Christianity
The Church in Germany Insights for Today From classrooms to pulpits, negative higher criticism eroded confidence in Scripture, opening a spiritual vacuum filled by rival worldviews. Mission progress is slow—often […]
Are We Turning into Skeptics of the Bible?
Skeptics of the Bible – Cultural Drift & Gospel Remedy Enlightenment roots, failed institutions, and online echo chambers train people to distrust external authority—including Scripture. Real-life fallout appears in moral […]
Book Review: Jen Hatmaker’s Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire
Jen Hatmaker’s Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire – Biblical Evaluation Drawing on Scripture, the review contrasts Hatmaker’s self-focused identity claims with biblical teaching on sin, grace, and the fear […]
On Gender and the Bible: Can Women Be Elders? (Part 5)
Can Women Be Elders – Biblical Foundations for Eldership From Genesis through 1 Timothy and Titus, Scripture portrays elders/overseers as qualified men who exercise humble, servant leadership. Hermeneutics matter; rather […]
We Can Now Go Post-Christian
Post-Christian Cultural Shift From 60s counterculture to intersectional activism, power is reassigned and “The Man” gets blown down. Ethics remain while faith and authority are displaced, forming a new orthodoxy […]
Progressivism and Church Decline
Progressivism in Church Trajectory Surveyed trends show practicing Christians shrinking as culture-first reinterpretations of Scripture take root. Denominational drift toward progressive theology trades core doctrines—Jesus’ exclusivity and biblical sexual ethics—for […]
Changing Times: Part 3 of a Conversation with Bob Russell
Part 3 of a Conversation with Bob Russell on Faithful Leadership Facing shifting cultural views, Russell urges thick skin with soft hearts, resisting the drift to “shout grace and whisper […]
Ditches to Avoid – Part 2 of a Conversation with Bob Russell
Ditches to Avoid and Guardrails for Leadership Preaching through Scripture steadies congregations as elders shield ministers from political flashpoints and help keep Jesus central. Differentiating principles from methods frees churches […]
The Gospel Coalition, Matthew Bates, and Renew.org
Gospel Coalition and Renew.org: Key Differences Gospel Coalition emphasizes Calvinist theology while Renew.org highlights human free will, showing two distinct approaches to understanding salvation and faith. Matthew Bates challenges Gospel […]
Why Rhett & Link’s Deconversion Feels So Right
Deconversion and Its Cultural Appeal Deconversion feels like relief to Rhett and Link, who describe leaving Christianity for agnosticism as a weight lifted. Audiences resonate with confusion, praising their honesty […]
How Progressivism Refuels
How Progressivism Refuels in Christian Thought How Progressivism Refuels explains how inconsistencies among Bible-believing Christians give progressives room to reinterpret Scripture. The article shows that How Progressivism Refuels highlights the […]
The Iowa Caucus Delay: A Portrait of Theological Progressivism
Theological Progressivism and Its Impact on Clarity Theological Progressivism reflects vague answers to life’s biggest questions, offering optimism without grounding in reality. Candidates’ false optimism parallels theological progressivism, where ungrounded […]
If I Had One Sermon to Preach to the American Church
American Church: Returning to the Lordship of Jesus Salvation without surrender isn’t biblical. Many profess belief in Jesus without submitting to His Lordship, distorting the gospel message. Discipleship must follow […]
Review of Rob Bell’s What Is the Bible
Review of Rob Bell’s What Is the Bible and Its Theological Implications Does Rob Bell challenge biblical authority? The review critiques his claim that Scripture is purely human and not […]
Songwriter Marty Sampson and the Unsustainability of Feelings-Based Faith
Songwriter Marty Sampson – 3 Key Insights on Worship, Faith, and Deconstruction Charisma doesn’t equal foundation. Songwriter Marty Sampson’s disillusionment shows that emotionally stirring worship songs don’t always build enduring […]
Free Love (Reflections on Lukianoff & Haidt’s The Coddling of the American Mind – Part 3 of 3)
The Coddling of the American Mind Part 3 – How Love Defeats Toxic Tribalism Modern justice is often distorted by tribalism. “Us vs. them” thinking pits groups against each other […]
Professor Mary Poplin, an Unlikely Convert
Professor Mary Poplin an Unlikely Convert Who Found Faith Beyond Academia Professor Mary Poplin an Unlikely Convert finds truth beyond academia. A tenured professor’s spiritual journey leads her from radical […]
Moralistic Therapeutic Deism: A Modern Faith
Exposing Moralistic Therapeutic Deism as a Distortion of A Modern Faith Is A Modern Faith rooted in biblical truth? Many Christians today unknowingly embrace “Moralistic Therapeutic Deism”—a belief system that […]
The Illusion of Progressive Christianity
Understanding The Illusion of Progressive Christianity Progressive Christianity redefines biblical truth. Modern ideologies often reshape Scripture to mirror cultural norms, raising essential questions for faithful believers. Foundational doctrines are being […]