The fourth of four principles in this series on children’s ministry is about training others to get involved in the work. The most important thing to do in order to achieve this is to protect your existing children’s ministry team from the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, insofar as this lies within your power.
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Commander of Heavy Artillery – William Romaine’s 300th
Pastoral Ministry, Sola Panel
William Romaine, courtesy: New Focus http://go-newfocus.co.uk
William Romaine was born 300 years ago, 25 September, 1714 , in Durham, UK. (more…)
The Ideas Wrap-Up
We don’t want our loyal Briefing readers to miss out on any of the exciting ideas in the GoThereFor.com ideas feed. With new ideas every Tuesday and Thursday, there are certainly some ideas and thoughts creating a bit of a buzz. To make sure that we are keeping The Briefing readers in the loop, we have decided to post a fortnightly wrap-up of all the ideas that have been shared. (more…)
Aborigines Sunday: The Christian origins of NAIDOC week
This week is NAIDOC week across Australia, celebrating the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
NAIDOC originally stood for ‘National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee’. What many don’t realise is that it was Aboriginal Christians that started NAIDOC week. Specifically, it was the initiative of an Aboriginal Christian, William Cooper, who asked the churches to start praying for aborigines on what would become known as ‘Aboriginies Sunday.’ (more…)
Pastoral Ministry and Changes
Pastoral Ministry
Just as Christians can never retire from serving the Lord Jesus Christ, so also we can never retire from serving other people. The work of prayerfully proclaiming Christ, his cross and resurrection is a way of life more than an occupation.
One form of this service is that of a pastor: that is a shepherd or under-shepherd of the Great Shepherd. Being a pastor involves caring for and leading a flock. We misuse the word ‘pastor’ when we confine it to ‘counselling’, especially counselling an individual. Pastoral work is different to the work of the modern counsellor and a pastor does more than care for an individual sheep; he leads a flock. (more…)
Air bags on pokies – Anglican General Synod 2014 Blog 3
Life, Sola Panel
Social justice issues are not the core business of Matthias Media and The Briefing. Nevertheless evangelicals are always intereste, nay committed to social justice. In my view, social justice is not the gospel, but one of its fruits. (more…)
Identity
Life
“Hello, my name is Bill, and I’m an alcoholic.”
So goes the usual opening of testimonies at Alcoholic’s Anonymous. The willingness of Bill, to accept and openly testify to the fact of his addiction to alcohol is a great step forward in addressing his problem. But is Bill telling the truth when he says “I’m an alcoholic”? Is that his true identity or should he be saying “I’m a human who is addicted to alcohol”.
Are there bad children or only children who do bad things? Are there liars or only people who tell lies? Are there thieves or only people who steal? Do we punish criminals or crimes? Does God love the sinner but hate the sin? (more…)
Editorial: Outclassed by a kindergarten kid
Editorial
I think my daughter is a better evangelist than I am. She’s five years old.
Largely it’s because she hasn’t yet learned the unspoken rules: that other people might find what you believe to be offensive; that it’s just not ok to discuss religion or politics in polite company; that you must simply conceal, by whatever means necessary, any suggestion that you are part of, attend, or are in any way associated with church. (more…)
WSB authors welcome print version
Following its publication as an ebook in early May 2014, we are delighted that Women, Sermons and the Bible (WSB) will soon be available in a print version (available from Matthias Media in August). (more…)
Early reactions to ‘Women, Sermons and the Bible’
Resource Talk, Sola Panel
It’s been just over two weeks now since the release of Women, Sermons and the Bible (WSB), and my thanks to many of you for the messages of appreciation and support. I’ve been particularly encouraged by a number of people who have commented on just how clear and accessible the book is, even when dealing with quite complex arguments and claims. Here’s part of one email from a Sydney laywoman:
(more…)
More on Challies down under out West
More details on Tim Challies’ trip to Australia. Apart from the two public events in Sydney this week, Tim will be speaking in Perth on Technology, Pornography and Modesty. Here are the details: (more…)
An invitation to Nexus
Pastoral Ministry, Sola Panel
And besides, what is the point of ministry conferences anyway—do they actually change anyone or anything?
There was a moment of awkward silence in the room when the question was asked. (more…)
A good funeral
Pastoral Ministry, Sola Panel
This morning, I was doing Six Steps to Loving Your Church with my very small growth group (me and two church wardens). And the question asked: “What do you really love about your church at the moment?” And my answer? (more…)
‘Women, Sermons and the Bible’ – available now
Resource Talk, Sola Panel
Good news — Matthias Media’s new collection of essays interacting with John Dickson’s Hearing Her Voice is now available as an ebook. You can find it: (more…)
Tim Challies down under [UPDATED]
For the many Sydney-based Briefing readers who (like me) have appreciated Tim Challies thoughtful and wise writing ministry over the past many years, here’s a chance to catch up with Tim in person. (more…)