Defence against the dark arts
Satan is real and is a clear and present danger. This is not a widely accepted truth in many churches. We ignore this to our peril. In our final part on this subject, Ian Mitchell and Andy Cornell shine a light at the art of war in the days leading up to October 31, a significant day in pagan, Wiccan, and occult traditions. … Read more
The enemy is real
Behind the costume masks and jack-o'-lanterns lurks an inconvenient truth: October can be an evil month. It begins with a build-up to Thanksgiving then gradually becomes dark in the slide towards Halloween. This essay explores the reality of the darkness, the power of the contrary spirit, and the vital need for believers to be engaged in spiritual warfare. … Read more
The horrors of Hallowe’en
Autumn can be a glorious time. We rejoice in fall colours, fresh starts, and relief from the summer’s heat. October is the peak. While the month begins with a rapid build-up to Thanksgiving, it quickly turns dark. This essay is a statement against Hallowe’en that explores the reality of the darkness in which depression and anxiety are endemic, souls are lost, and spirits are troubled, tossed about and tempted by the lies and lures of Satan. … Read more
Fasting: Spiritual muscle for leaders at war
I can’t help but wonder if Protestantism has, in some ways, and in some quarters, become spiritually flabby. … Read more
Mission: Orthodoxy
Tips and tales from the world of conservative, confessional friends. We’re better and stronger when we work together. That’s the ethos which propelled the formation and growth of conservative renewal movements in various mainline denominations. … Read more
The unasked questions
We are invited to deepen our walk and become mature children through Christian formation and discipleship. … Read more
A Church for an Extraordinary Time
In an age of Artificial Intelligence, American imperialism, Generation Z, and declining church membership, how is the authentic church to respond in these extraordinary times? … Read more
Can I get a witness?
There is great hope for the church. I see it in many places. Generally, where authentic believers and followers of Christ are gathered, we find peace, strength and spiritual growth. Therein lies the hope. In … Read more
Mired in Christendom but moving forward
Inside the uneasy theological symbiosis in the belly of The Presbyterian Church in Canada Christendom died a long time ago. But the church still operates as if it were alive. I say that because – … Read more
Quebec: an unholy mess of secularism and regulation
Tighter controls, no mercy and a moratorium mean hundreds of congregations are without a home. Mountainside United Church and St. Stephen's Anglican Church, both in Westmount QC, recently sold and are to be converted into condos. … Read more
Building a Temple
An update on Living Stones - Last year Jon and I took a tour of the holy land with Ross Lockhart. What an amazing trip that was! We began in Egypt seeing many sites and worked our way gradually via our nice, comfortable, air-conditioned bus along the route of the Exodus of God’s people to Israel and the Promised Land. It was eye-opening to see what the people would have endured on that journey without all the luxuries of our contemporary technology and tools. Although I am not … Read more
55 Theses – the Vision and the Hope
PCC Renewal makes its presence known with a bold statement. … Read more
The end of the world as we know it is not the end of the world
There is a promise that can help us face the present challenge with hope and confidence, instead of anxiety and despair. … Read more
Principles of church planting
It's almost a truism that "Church planting is the most effective method of reaching the unchurched for Christ." It's been a legendary recommendation for decades now. And it is true, but not for the reasons you might think. In fact, most of the things church planters must do to be successful are the very same things that existing congregational leadership teams could do to revitalise their own churches … Read more