Those of you around my age, or “old” as my kids like to say, will be humming the Three Dog Night song about now. It’s long on emotion and short on lyrics; in fact, the idea that “one is the loneliest number” is repeated 18 times in just 24 lines. It is the classic plot. … Continue reading One does not have to be the loneliest number
Paul lists the qualifications for deacons in 1 Timothy 3, right after those for elders. The pattern for New Testament leadership in the church is clearly a plurality of elders, not a solo pastor. Deacons are chosen from among the congregation to assist the elders by taking care of the physical needs of the flock. … Continue reading He is a servant of the church
I asked my college students this extra credit question on a quiz: “When the Pilgrims gathered for their first Thanksgiving in 1623, to whom did they give thanks?” The answers may surprise you. More than 60 percent of the students said the pilgrims gave thanks to the Indians or the “King.” One person said, “Columbus.” … Continue reading I thank God for the pilgrims
“I think it is time to make a decision about taking your mother off of life support,” the doctor said. The brother and sisters looked at each other as those words sank in. They told the doctor they needed some time to think about it, being conflicted about which way to go. On the one … Continue reading When loving well saved a life
What would you do if you were driving down the road and saw a man sitting on top of a young boy, pinning him down, beating him with his fists? They both see you observing this horrific act. What would you do at this point? Some people would call 911, report the incident and drive … Continue reading Making a case for a millstone
It is a sobering exercise to read through the qualifications for leadership in the church that Paul lists in 1 Timothy 3. Sobering because the bar is set high for those who would be called by God to shepherd his flock. Sobering because those qualifications are so easily set aside by churches today. Sobering because … Continue reading Church leaders must also lead at home
J. Mark Fox 