Culture

How to Pastor When Sanctification Becomes Illegal

By Murray Campbell | 02.18.2021

I now live and pastor in a State where, before long, genuine conversion to Christ—and the life of holiness that ensures—may be deemed illegal. So what should I do?

Book Review: Law and Liberty, by R.J. Rushdoony

Review by Kevin DeYoung | 10.30.2020

For all the appropriate warnings that can be found in Rushdoony, taken as a whole the good does not outweigh the bad.

Gone and Back Again: My Departure and Return to the Immigrant Church

By Jonathan Szeto | 03.27.2020

I grew up in the immigrant church. I left the immigrant church. Now I pastor an immigrant church.

The Increasing Social Cost of Complementarianism

By Al Mohler | 9Marks Journal: Complementarianism: A Moment of Reckoning | 12.10.2019

While social pressure builds against complementarian theology, it is incumbent upon us to teach, instruct, and to show the glory of God in his created order.

Is the Slippery Slope Actually Slippery? Egalitarianism and the Open-and-Affirming Position

By Colin Smothers | 9Marks Journal: Complementarianism: A Moment of Reckoning | 11.23.2019

So, is there really a slope between embracing egalitarianism and endorsing homosexuality?

How Charles Finney (and other Overly Emotional Preachers) Made It Difficult to Preach the Gospel

By Johnny Lithell | 9Marks Journal: The Heart of the Gospel: Penal Substitutionary Atonement | 08.20.2019

How can a church in a secular setting work toward a culture where discussing God’s wrath and substitutionary atonement isn’t frowned upon but celebrated?

How to Talk about Membership on the West Coast

How to Talk about Membership on the West Coast

By Kyle Schwahn | 9Marks Journal: Church Membership: Following the Lord Together | 05.07.2019

How should we talk about membership on the West Coast? Let me offer three ways that have proven helpful within our body over the past few years.

Meaningful Membership in a Small Rural Area

Meaningful Membership in a Small, Rural Area

By Josh Myrick | 9Marks Journal: Church Membership: Following the Lord Together | 05.07.2019

Pastors in rural areas must take into account certain challenges while leading Christ’s bride to experience the joy of meaningful membership.

Why Swedish Churches Need Membership

By Johnny Lithell | 9Marks Journal: Church Membership: Following the Lord Together | 05.07.2019

I’ve often been asked, in a setting like Sweden, whether church membership is even wise. Won’t it simply turn people away?

Church Membership in an International Church - Challenging Case Studies

Church Membership in an International Church: Challenging Case Studies

By Caleb Greggsen | 9Marks Journal: Church Membership: Following the Lord Together | 05.07.2019

The normal life for a Christian—even one outside their home country—is committed to a particular group of fellow brothers and sisters

Why Middle Eastern Churches Need Membership

Why Middle Eastern Churches Need Membership

By Anand Samuel | 9Marks Journal: Church Membership: Following the Lord Together | 05.07.2019

Jesus Christ is committed to his church and publicly identifies with her. So should Christians in the Middle East—and every other part of the world.

We Need to Help New Converts from Non-Christian Backgrounds Honor Their Families

By Ajith Fernando | 03.28.2019

It’s vital for older Christians to talk often with new Christians, making sure that in following Christ, they haven’t unduly harmed their relationship with their family.

Episode 78: On Pastoring Members in the Workplace (with Sebastian Traeger)

Episode 78: On Pastoring Members in the Workplace (with Sebastian Traeger)

By J. Leeman, M. Dever, S. Traeger | 03.05.2019

Pastors, the vast majority of people in your church will spend tens of thousands of hours at work. How will you help them connect the gospel to their work?

Discipling a Generation Who Grew Up with Porn

By Allen Duty | 9Marks Journal: The Pastor and Pornography | 10.30.2018

Unfortunately, many young people don’t remember a time without unlimited access to pornography.

Book Review: A Better Story: God, Sex and Human Flourishing, by Glynn Harrison

Review by Dave Gobbett | 9Marks Journal: The Pastor and Pornography | 10.30.2018

A Better Story is a thoughtful, faithful and persuasive proposal for how to respond—or at least begin to respond—to the sexual revolution.