Conley Smith did not make Time magazine’s recent list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Too bad. When the eternal score is settled someday, he will have made a far greater impact than Roseanne Barr (yes, believe it or not, she made the list). Conley went to heaven this past...
When Bill Hybels announced his early retirement last week, he became the third high-profile evangelical leader in the past two months to leave public ministry because of inappropriate moral behavior. This is disheartening for all ministry leaders and besmirches the reputation of evangelicals who...
In his recent column in Facts and Trends, Dr. Thom Rainer wrote about the coming crisis of pastoral leadership – not enough pastors. He reported that half of all American pastors are over age 55. In 1992, only 24% were over that age. He also noted the percentage of pastors under age 40 has...
The state of Utah is the first state to pass a law based on the concept of Free Range Parenting. According to the New York Times, “under the law, neglect does not include ‘permitting a child, whose basic needs are met and who is of sufficient age and maturity to avoid harm or unreasonable risk...
Jesus models a perfect balance of authority and judgment with compassion and winsomeness. In the Palm Sunday narrative, just after Jesus arrived at the Temple, he flipped tables and rebuked merchants for creating a market in a house of prayer (Matt. 21:1-17). Jesus announced, “It is written” to...
The U. S. Supreme Court will consider a California case this week with profound ramifications related to free speech – more specifically “compelled speech.” The case is about a California law requiring pregnancy care centers (which are established for the purpose of preventing abortions) to post...
Demographics are destiny. Well, maybe not completely, but it is hard to buck entrenched demographic trends. Gateway Seminary is currently in the early phases of a major effort to determine key aspects of our ministry through 2030. While we are clear about our mission, we are equally clear about...
In the aftermath of Billy Graham’s death, cultural commentators have written about Graham’s ability to unify Christians in contrast to the current climate of disunity. Graham did an amazing job of reaching across theological and political lines – in his era. Unfortunately, the moral and ethical...
One of the interesting benefits of my job is getting to be in a different church almost every Sunday. Most of the time I am speaking, but at other times I visit churches to encourage pastors and extend the seminary’s influence to new communities. My church visits continually remind me how...
He never wavered from emphasizing the gospel – in its simplicity and beauty – no matter the pressures, criticisms, or distractions. His primary legacy is millions of people who are Christians because of his faithful witness. His leadership example of statesmanship with integrity is also part of...