This is the third article in a series having to do with a comparison between conservative and contemporary churches. Labels are often unfortunate because contemporary churches may also call themselves fundamental or conservative in certain ways. They usually mean that they are conservative in their list of “doctrinal” beliefs although other beliefs about biblical practices […]
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Tag: Methodology
The Thesis or Antithesis? (part 2)
I began last month pointing out the increasing differences between the conservative and contemporary churches. I have tried to spend more time describing the conservative resurgence rather than the contemporary departure (but it has been difficult). This will be a continuation of those descriptions. I have titled these things with the words “Thesis” and “Antithesis” […]
The Thesis or Antithesis? (part 1)
The difference between the conservative and contemporary churches are becoming more evident. A recent pamphlet titled, “Is Your Church Going Purpose Driven?”1 lists 24 visible “signs” that begin to happen when a ministry is in the process of moving from traditional to contemporary. Many people I know who have experienced this kind of change readily […]
Local Church Methodology
Every time I read advocates of contemporary worship, I can see why many have said things like, “Every time a new book is published, read an old one.”1 The old truth that you are what you read becomes true in those who spend their time reading about the contemporary church scene. You can only digest […]
Eutychus and His Kin
The Bible does not put students to sleep so that they fall off their chairs like Eutychus! Teachers put students to sleep. So do monotonous and empty curriculums. Many Sunday School materials for younger children are introducing the same pabulum as we are seeing in adult Sunday School lessons. Ideas not necessarily laid out in […]
This Little Church Went To Market
This is the second book I’ve read (and reviewed) by Gary Gilley. In This Little Church, Gilley evaluates the contemporary church movement primarily from his own background and familiarity with psychology. He finds the methodology and motivation of the contemporary church almost identical if not primarily borrowed from the world of psychology. Our society is […]
Essentials and Nonessentials
Most things in life could be categorized into essential or nonessential, depending on the priorities at hand. The basic necessities of life are essential if we want to stay alive. Food is essential to life but ice cream may be a nonessential when your budget is on a shoe string. Many of the things that […]
Finding God in the Lord of the Rings
The Lord of the Rings trilogy is one of my favorite works of fiction! J.R.R. Tolkien left us a masterful story that has captured the imagination of yet another generation since its first publication. However, I must disagree with these authors’ premise that one can “find God” therein. Even though the authors carefully avoid calling […]
I Just Wanted More Land
I met Gary Gilley recently and became acquainted with his writings. He also wrote, This Little Church Went To Market: The church in the age of entertainment. I Just Wanted More Land is a critique of The Prayer Of Jabez by Bruce Wilkinson (see my short review on our web site). Gilley is right in […]
Are You Managing by the Book of the Mont...
A business perspective on Church as a business Terry Conley is Executive Vice President of Primrose Schools Franchising Company in Atlanta and has 30 years of experience in corporate real estate and strategic development. He is a member of Shiloh Hills Baptist Church in Kennesaw, GA. In building a business, the brand has to […]