Do Virtual Churches Actually Exist?
By Jonathan Leeman | 11.09.2020Christian, you and I can “download” biblical truths virtually. Wonderful. Yet we cannot feel and experience and witness those truths becoming enfleshed in the family of God.
Episode 150: On Cleaning the Membership Rolls – Part 2 (with Matt Schmucker)
By J. Leeman, M. Dever, M. Schmucker | 11.03.2020Episode 149 explained what “cleaning the rolls” means, and why pastors should lead their churches to do it. Episode 150 continues the conversation, but focuses on how to actually get it done.
Episode 149: On Cleaning the Membership Rolls – Part 1 (with Matt Schmucker)
By J. Leeman, M. Dever, M. Schmucker | 10.27.2020Some churches report hundreds of members, with dozens in attendance. These churches need to “clean their rolls.”
The Church and the Surprising Offense of God’s Love
By Jonathan LeemanReintroducing the Doctrines of Church Membership and Discipline When the world speaks of “love,” it often means unconditional acceptance. Many churches have adopted this mind-set in their practice of membership and discipline–if they have not done away with such structures entirely. “Yet God’s love and God’s gospel are different than what the world expects,” writes […]
Book Review: Growing Healthy Asian American Churches, edited by Peter Cha, S. Steve Kang, and Helen Lee
Review by Geoff Chang | 09.24.2020My hope is that this book is the beginning of a fruitful conversation among Asian American leaders on what the Bible has to say about growing healthy Asian American churches.
When Looking for a Church, Beware the “Right Fit”
By Murray Campbell | 08.31.2020“I’m looking for a church that’s just like me.” Few people would say it quite so crassly, but the sentiment is common.
A Strict But Clear Definition of the Church Brings Freedom
By Caleb Greggsen | 08.24.2020How would you, according to Scripture, define the church? Does this definition free you up or weigh you down?
Why Churches Should Excommunicate Longstanding Non-Attenders
By Alex Duke | 9Marks Journal: Church Discipline: Medicine for the Body | 08.14.2020I’ve never met a growing and mature Christian who doesn’t regularly attend a gospel-preaching church.
Further Reflections on Recent Conversations about Christian Freedom
By Jonathan Leeman | 07.27.2020Why would 9Marks feel compelled to respond to Grace Community Church’s elders and raise these points right now?
Episode 139: Remembering J. I. Packer
By J. Leeman, M. Dever | 07.22.2020Jonathan Leeman asks Mark Dever to reflect on his friendship with J. I. Packer.
Episode 137: On What If I Don’t Feel Like Going to Church (with Gunner Gundersen)
By G. Gundersen, J. Leeman, M. Dever | 07.14.2020As a pastor, how many times have you heard a member tell you, “I’m so sorry we missed last Sunday—we just couldn’t make it with everything we have going on!”?
Build Fences Around Your Flock
By Joel Kurz | 9Marks Journal: Shepherding: The Work & Character of a Pastor | 06.30.2020We must guard the sheep against wolves. For this reason, we must know how to build fences; that is, we must lead our church in practicing meaningful membership and discipline.
Whacking the Wolves
By Juan Sanchez | 9Marks Journal: Shepherding: The Work & Character of a Pastor | 06.30.2020How should we confront the problem of wolves in the church? At times, we must protect the sheep by whacking the wolves with the shepherd’s rod.
Episode 133: On Why Should I Join a Church?
By J. Leeman, M. Dever | 06.16.2020Have you ever met a growing Christian who is self-consciously choosing not to join a church? In this episode of Pastors Talk, Jonathan Leeman chats with Mark Dever about the vital necessity of joining a local church.
What Should I Do With Those Who Are Unable or Unwilling to Attend Church When We Start Gathering?
By Nick Gatzke | 05.19.2020Gathering together again will be a great joy for many and a unique challenge for some. Let’s make sure that no one is left behind in the post-Covid church.
