Shadow Christians are the unseen army—millions strong—who take their faith seriously, see themselves as role players in God’s grand plan, and seldom give any thought to being recognized for their service.
Churches and ministry organizations have been significantly impacted by the global pandemic. For some, their primary response is longing for things to “get back to normal.” News flash! That’s not happening. You are never going back to former operational practices, to the old normal. You are...
Last week, the Gateway family experienced a profound loss. Dr. Lisa Hoff died unexpectedly of a sudden illness. Lisa was an outstanding faculty member, but so much more. She was, among all Gateway graduates, one of our best.
Our church, like yours, has been impacted by the pandemic. We suspended in-person worship for several months and recently resumed with outdoors services. While that’s not a plan that will work in some climates, in Southern California we will be able to meet this way through the winter—or until...
When chaos erupts—personally, in a community, or across a nation—the best response may be counter-intuitive to what seems needed. Right now, we are facing social unrest, political turmoil, natural disasters (fires, hurricanes, etc.), and a global pandemic. It might seem the best response is...
A prominent Christian researcher announced last week he predicts one in five churches will close in the next 18 months as a result of declines caused by the pandemic. He may be right, if he means one in five churches among all denominations and groups. Some mainline churches have reported...
My video-chapel convocation address for the Fall 2020 semester released last week, ended with six steps you can take to accomplish real change—particularly related to racism and other social justice issues. If you have not heard or read the message, take time to view it in its entirety. If you...
Schools and churches in our area are trying to reopen and the challenges are formidable. One of the most troublesome aspects is the uncertainty caused by ever-changing circumstances related to the pandemic. Just when a school or church announces their plans, the underlying assumptions that...
Gateway Seminary resumed in-person classroom instruction today!
Churches are struggling with decisions about how and when to reopen, what form reopening should take, and their role in protecting people during the pandemic. Some churches are resisting governmental directives on these matters, claiming it’s a matter of conscience. Others are operating within...