Though much of my twenty years in vocational ministry has been connected to the local church, I have also been significantly involved in parachurch (i.e., alongside of, not in competition with the local church) ministries. Even extending back to my college days, campus ministry was a major part of my […]
parachurch
One of the temptations pastors face today is the belief that before their church can plant other churches, they need someone to send them church planters. We often believe we can’t move until someone gives us a handout. Some of this belief is tied to the ethos of parachurch entitlement. […]
Overcome the Ecclesiological Welfare System
The following is the second-part of a two-part series I started last week. As a fourth generation Baptist of the Southern Tribe, I’m all about cooperation–cooperation with those of my Tribe and cooperation with like-minded evangelicals (a.k.a. Great Commission Christians) of other Tribes. Such cooperation is with other churches and […]
Cooperation Not Codependency
I have always been supportive of parachurch organizations. I was heavily involved in a Christian organization while a student at the University of Kentucky. I earned two degrees from a seminary. I served with a mission agency for nine years. I taught as a Bible college professor (at three different schools) […]
Evangelical Ethos of Parachurch Entitlement
I preach a simple gospel, but must make disciple making very complex. I support our missionaries, as long as they are pastors. I want to see more people on the field, but must restrict the flow so only the high-capacity, one-man-band, charismatic-leaders get there. I believe the local church is […]