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
Standing on the rock
The other day I was leafing through the alumni magazine from the University of Waterloo. The theme of this issue is “happiness” – specifically exploring the things “that are helping to create a world where happiness and well-being are possible for everyone.” It’s a worthy goal for sure – who doesn’t want to make the world a better place? One article especially caught my eye. It was about a course called The Science of Happiness. Among the assignments is to … Read more
Bavinck in Brief: A Green Theology
As with nature, Scripture and the church are organisms. … 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
Way, Truth and Life
The hand-out invitation for a class now essential in any church: If you know nothing, or maybe a little, or are full of questions about the Christian faith and are interested in safely finding out more, then this is for you! Or maybe you have a spouse or a friend who fits? There is no expectation for you to go to a church service unless you want to! Bring your questions for a time of discussion and learning. There are only … Read more
Structure for mission and intentional innovation
Churchgoers love routine. Parishioners gather at St. Paul Lutheran in Grafton, Wisconsin in this undated feature photo. (Wikimedia Commons) A church-planting mindset includes risks and discipling leaders to grow and mature. Part 2 in a … Read more
Sunday Baseball: the thief on the cross makes it home
The boys of summer can remind the church of what’s missing. … Read more
Christ is the prescription for a sin-sick world
There are many things weighing the younger generation down. There is the ridiculous rise in the cost of living – especially housing. There are all the jobs that are contract rather than full-time with benefits and pensions. And because many of them are constantly plugged in – always in front of a screen of some type – they are being filled with doom and gloom from a multitude of issues. … Read more
Bavinck in Brief: The Gospel and Social Action
Bavinck critiques two dominant views: one portraying Jesus as a social reformer, the other separating religion from politics entirely. … Read more
PCC Renewal continues organizing and gearing up for content creation
We are sorting out the requirements of the incorporation of our new non-profit society, such as organizing our first Annual General Meeting. … Read more
Church planting: small communities
Small groups can achieve what large communities can’t. Part 3 in a series on church planting. … Read more