BCNE News
The latest news from our network of New England churches. Looking for our New England Perspectives Articles? Click here.
Unclaimed gifts
I came across an interesting fact recently. It seems that the US government is holding some $40 billion in unclaimed funds in its coffers for either unknowing or uncaring Americans. Billions more in unclaimed monies are being held by the individual states, banks and businesses. But surely, if people knew that such monies were being held in their names, then they would reach out to claim it, right?
Tithing = celebration?
“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” (1 Cor. 9:7)
How many of you reading that verse winced just a little … or maybe a lot? It’s those last two words, isn’t it? “Cheerful giver.” They almost seem to expect too much commitment to the process. Trust me, I am not throwing any stones here – there have been many times over the years that I played with this phrase like the lawyer in Luke 10 who toyed with the idea of just who is a neighbor? You know, how cheerful does cheerful need to be, really?
The Easter reveal
I love the reveal. In my house, we watch a lot of HGTV. Good Bones, Fixer Upper, Windy City Rehab, Property Brothers, Home Town...you name it, we watch it.
Renovation, rebuild, structural correction, add-on, or total make-over; doesn’t matter. Normally I am working on the computer, glancing occasionally until the reveal: the last 10 minutes when they walk you through the house and show the before and after. All the work is done; beautiful, fun decor is added; and it is time to celebrate. The reveal is when I fully engage.
Lent has me thinking about my draw to the reveal.
5 popular social media platforms your kids might be using
Maneuvering this digital age is challenging for today’s youth and their families. The attempt to identify what is right and what is wrong is often blurred. Kids today need help in the management and use of their social media applications and social networking sites. They need guidance on what social media applications are safe, which ones are not, and what they should do if they find themselves in a dangerous situation online. Let’s take a look at a few of the most popular social media and networking applications, focusing on warnings for each and safeguards that can be put in place to help protect our most vulnerable citizens.
Six lessons from the Shunammite woman
One of my favorite Old Testament stories is about a woman without a name. Interestingly, we have more biographical information about her than any other woman in Scripture. We only know her, though, by the name of the town where she lived: Shunem. You may remember the Shunammite woman as the one who offered a room in her home to the prophet Elisha. Her story, found in 2 Kings 4 and 8, is a beautiful example of the Christ-like character qualities we can all cultivate.
An Isaiah-sized vision of God
When I decided to begin a sermon series in the book of Isaiah, I knew that my church and I were embarking on a trek through a sometimes-dense forest of difficult-to-understand Old Testament prophecy. Sure, I had a reasonable familiarity with Isaiah from my own previous reading and study of the book. I suspected that we would behold God in his august glory in that vivid manner in which one finds in Isaiah. But I did not plan on Isaiah causing me to be undone by turning the spotlight on the rebellious disobedience of God’s people, and I did not realize I would receive the incredible gift of seeing my own sin.
Modeling a life our children can imitate
Growing up, the familiar mantra “do as I say, not as I do” was most commonly used to discourage us from cussing and smoking cigarettes. Yet, as I parent my girls, I find myself living through this same lens in all sorts of ways. I tell my daughter to speak with a kind tone towards her sister as I bark orders at them both. I encourage her to wait patiently but I grumble at slow traffic and halted grocery lines. While we’re certainly called to teach our kids how to live out the Christian faith (Prov. 22:6 and Deut. 6:4-9), we must also resolve to live out our Christian faith in word and in deed.
Dishwashers & broomsticks
“I want help you, peas.”
That is what my two-year-old granddaughter says when she sees me unloading the dishwasher.
For some reason she thinks that is the most exciting thing to do, and she always wants to help me. Honestly, I could do it faster without her “help.” But I always let her help for two reasons. First, I enjoy spending time with her and, second, unloading the dishwasher is a life skill she needs to learn, and the best way to learn is by doing.
Pastor, how clear is your conscience?
Recently there was one more shocking revelation of a well-known spiritual leader who spent years secretly engaging in sexual sin. This led me to consider the proper expectations for pastors in their lives and ministries.
Thriving in ministry
Pastoral ministry is rewarding – but rewarding moments can also be very draining. When good things happen, the workload increases. In my case, that involved planting two churches that ultimately went on to purchase, finance and construct first unit buildings with volunteers.
This dynamic creates a paradox for us. As ministry is draining us, we are to be models of vibrancy and joy. We are to incarnate abundant living. How do we manage to do that when our roles are at times sucking the life out of us? Everyone’s journey is different but here are some things that helped me to thrive during my 34 years of serving in my native New England.
The birds of the air and the hope of your heart
As I sat down to write this article, I looked at the computer for a few moments and wondered how to start. I typed a few words, hit backspace, then tried again.
Writer’s block is part of life. Whether you are writing a paper for school or a report for work, there are often times where you stare at the computer screen and feel as if your mind is stuck in quicksand. Though our minds might struggle to find words to write, our minds rarely struggle to muster things to worry about.
People movement, God movement
One of the great aspects of living in New England is the opportunity to interact with peoples of all tongues, tribes and nations. The multicultural diversity in this area is not only fascinating but also poses tremendous opportunities to further the Kingdom with the potential of impacting the whole world. World leaders are being formed in our universities here, and God has shifted the mission field to our neighborhoods. This reality also comes with some daunting challenges.
Ten revitalization steps for 2021
Revitalization is happening in churches around America! As a pastor or church leader, you are responsible for shepherding and caring for the congregation God has given you. But certain actions can help you be more effective and successful in guiding the church where God has planted you toward renewal.
How the world distorts reality
In the movie The Matrix, the hero Neo is given the choice to take a blue pill and continue to live in his current world or take a red pill and “wake up” to reality. Neo takes the red pill and discovers that the real world is nothing like the world he thought he knew.
When the nation is shaken
It feels like recent events in our country have shaken us. The nation as a whole has been shaken, and many of the individual citizens and residents feel shaken. We are witnessing quite a bit of chaos, anger, and divisiveness.
But, if we read our Bibles, this is what we should expect. Generally speaking, we should never be surprised when the world acts like the world, as the old saying goes. Sin has visible effects on the world around us – effects that should bother us, but not surprise us.
Four ways to honor marriage
God commands us, “Let marriage be held in honor among all…” (Hebrews 13:4a) The word “honor” is sometimes translated “precious” in the Bible. It is used to talk of precious stones used in the Temple (1 Kings 7:9-11 in the Greek translation of the Old Testament), of the precious stones that make up the walls of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 18), and of Christ’s precious blood (1 Peter 1:19). In other words, whether married or single, young or old, Christians are called by God to prize marriage. It was created by him for blessing and to be embedded in the world as a pointer to the Gospel (Ephesians 5:22-33 which quotes Genesis 2).
The theology of cultural adaptation: part 2
In Part 1 of this article, I made a case for the importance of ethnic churches adapting to the local culture instead of remaining separate and distanced from the majority culture. We looked at how principles the prophet Jeremiah shared can apply to today’s immigrants. This article follows up by discussing New Testament passages that shed light on the importance of cultural adaptation.
Feeling cared for and staying connected during the pandemic
Health officials predict it will be several more months before social-distancing restrictions can be lifted and life can return to normal. In the meantime, people everywhere, including church members, struggle with pandemic fatigue. Faithful shepherds of God’s people must remain vigilant during the remaining months of this protracted pandemic.
In a recent meeting of Greater Boston pastors, we asked the question: What are you doing to help your people feel cared for and stay well-connected during the pandemic? Here are some helpful insights from these church leaders.
Rejuvenating your small groups for 2021
For many churches, small groups are the spiritual and relational lifeblood for the congregation. It is in these groups that we practice life together through encouragement, Bible study, accountability and relational investment. It is in our small groups that strong friendships form and strengthen. It is here that the Word of God comes to life and we see it applied in our own lives.
The theology of cultural adaptation: part 1
Although my church is made up in large part of Brazilian immigrants, we are intentionally transitioning to become a multicultural and contemporary community fellowship in order to reach people from all ethnic groups with the Gospel. This kind of change involves cultural adaptation. It can be hard, and ethnic churches can only pursue it successfully if we understand the mission as a whole.