Majority report

Like Lionel, I take the time to read Carl Trueman. In fact, he’s one of my favourite authors. Perhaps it’s because I speak as an American (and not as an Australian), but I think his book Minority Report: Unpopular Thoughts on Everything from Ancient Christianity to Zen Calvinism could be a pastor’s lone source of zingers and quotes for sermon prep for several years. As I sat down to consider what to write about for this re-introductory issue of the Briefing, I could not help but think of the book, especially the title. Trueman’s allure is not only his willingness to construct and air his sometimes less-than-popular opinions—thoughts in the minority. What makes him so interesting (and helpful) is that he is a witty Englishman (or Welshman? It’s all the same to us insensitive Americans) who lives, works, and ministers here in the United States. What a valuable minority perspective.

For over 21 years now, the Briefing has drawn mainly on insights of Aussies and Brits to fill its pages. That certainly won’t change much. But we hope to bring you some American flair in each issue. If you will allow some typical American imperialistic language, we hope to bring you a majority report.

I can almost hear the collective moan from some quarters: “We don’t need more American influence! That’s all we get.” Well, I am with you there. But the goal is not to bring in an American perspective just because it is American. Nor is it to have a humour piece (like “only in America; we like to hear from them so we know what not to do”).

The reason hearing an American voice is valuable is because of what has been happening over the last five years. This month is the five-year anniversary of Matthias Media’s North American office. I can report that the Lord has been kind to us. The concepts of every-member ministry, evangelism, and biblical theology that have come through the Briefing and our resources have started to make some headway. Pastors and churches by the thousands are reading and training with The Trellis and the Vine. Feedback comes in daily about how the faithful biblical resources and articles help them along in making and training disciples of the Lord Jesus.

Don’t worry. I won’t call everything I write ‘The Majority Report’ (though I do like it!). I certainly don’t want to set myself up as being as insightful and witty as Trueman’s Minority Report. But I am attempting something similar in scope—to offer an American’s perspective on how an Australian-influenced angle of evangelical ministry and theology plays out in North America. I can’t be sure that the column will be a typical evangelical American’s view (I am quite sure it won’t). What we will ensure is that you get regular insight into the vine work and corresponding theological issues going on over here. Who knows, it may even be helpful.

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