Saturday Links

Curated links for your weekend reading:

When the Church Apologizes for Its Beliefs

In recent years, it’s become commonplace to see Christian leaders take an apologetic stand on a controversial issue. Not apologetic in the “defend the faith” sense of the word, but “apologetic” as if to say, I wish this was different, but here’s what we believe.

Looking For a Church? Here’s What to Look For

My list doesn’t include a gymnasium or a youth group that does a lot of fun things, since the Bible doesn’t require a church to have these amenities. Here are a few items, however, that are absolutely critical for your consideration.

Church Should Be Your Excuse for Missing Everything Else

When we get down to it, if you understand the importance of why we gather together each week—church should become the “excuse” you use to miss everything else that conflicts with it—not the other way around.

4 Primary Tasks for the Shepherd-Planter

How can church planters lead like good shepherds? Consider four primary functions of the shepherd-planter.

Six Ways to Help Prevent Abuse From Flourishing

Here are some ways we can try to limit the reach of those who would use power and authority to intimidate, bully and abuse others.

My column this week at The Gospel Coalition Canada: Why We Suffer

“Here’s why we suffer. We suffer so that we learn that God is all we have. We suffer so God draws us closer to himself.”