PART I: Reviewing the recent policy changes in the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA) regarding credentialing divorced individuals Link to the revised policy document (click here). Background: The EFCA is a denomination with Scandinavian origins started in the United States in the 1880s. It became the current denomination under the name the Evangelical Free … Continue reading “DM Review: EFCA’s Revised Divorced Credentials Policy (Part I)”
Category: Sin
It is okay to “fire” your pastor.
And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. -Acts 17:11, NLT Maybe you are like me and find it difficult to say no to an authority figure? … Continue reading “It is okay to “fire” your pastor.”
You Should Be Grateful…
“You should be grateful… …that we allowed you to keep your ministerial credentials.” -A Denominational Official/Pastor While not an actual direct quote from someone, I did encountered this sort of sentiment when dealing with evangelical pastors regarding my divorce and profession. Such thinking was “justified” usually by referring to the sub-culture where old-school, (fundamentalist), evangelical denominations … Continue reading “You Should Be Grateful…”
Adultery victims exist. True story.
Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent— both are detestable to the Lord. -Proverbs 17:15, NLT Adultery and abandonment victims exist. In fact, they exist in churches just as they exist in the general populace. This truth might be a shocker to some pastors. But it is a true story. Some of us are not … Continue reading “Adultery victims exist. True story.”
Mailbag: “‘Feeling self-righteous and morally superior is a big trap.'”
Today, Chump Lady sent me this comment from her blog highlighting some rather awful advice given by a minister to a faithful spouse: I am so glad to read this post and all the replies tonight. I had an email exchange with my (former) minister earlier today that really frustrated me. I reached out to … Continue reading “Mailbag: “‘Feeling self-righteous and morally superior is a big trap.’””
Mars Hill Church, Mark Driscoll, and My First Marriage
“But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” -I Timothy 5:8, KJV “And whoever does not provide for relatives, and especially for family members, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” – I … Continue reading “Mars Hill Church, Mark Driscoll, and My First Marriage”
“Broken” Home Shaming
Father to the fatherless, defender of widows— this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy. But he makes the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land. -Psalm 68:5-6, NLT “Broken” Home Shaming I call it “Broken Home Shaming” because I notice how … Continue reading ““Broken” Home Shaming”
“Spotlight” Movie Thoughts
“‘How do you say no to God?’”- Victim Yesterday, I went to a local theater to watch the movie “Spotlight.” This movie is about the Catholic Child Sexual Abuse Scandal as broken by the Spotlight group out of the Boston Globe. It is based on that true story from 2001-2003. The movie is truly heartbreaking. … Continue reading ““Spotlight” Movie Thoughts”
Stacked Deck
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice. -Proverbs 31:8-9, NLT When you have just discovered your spouse of x years has cheated on you, it is hard to make good choices and not … Continue reading “Stacked Deck”
Choosing “neutrality” is STILL a choice!
Thou shalt not commit adultery. -Exodus 20:14, KJV But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! – Revelation 3:16, NLT Some people simply do not engage in ugliness that adultery brings. They claim neutrality or attempt to avoid acknowledging the inconvenient truth that a … Continue reading “Choosing “neutrality” is STILL a choice!”