News
Updates from the department of Church Development within Sovereign Grace churches
Classics on Counseling #3
This is our third in a series of articles on biblical counseling that formed us in SG. It’s by David Powlison and entitled “I’ll Never Get Over It” - Help for the Aggrieved.
This is our third in a series of articles on biblical counseling that formed us in SG. It’s by David Powlison and entitled “I’ll Never Get Over It” - Help for the Aggrieved.
Response Committee for Sexual Misconduct (RCSM) Overview – Video
Recently, the Response Committee for Sexual Misconduct sent a “coming attractions” email announcing that they would be producing short videos to help equip you to serve your church and members well if there is an incident of misconduct. In this first video, Larry Malament and Jared Mellinger discuss why the RCSM exists and how they are positioned to serve you.
Recently, the Response Committee for Sexual Misconduct sent a “coming attractions” email announcing that they would be producing short videos to help equip you to serve your church and members well if there is an incident of misconduct. In this first video, Larry Malament and Jared Mellinger discuss why the RCSM exists and how they are positioned to serve you. Please have all you elders and key leaders watch this important video. And I look forward to more coming in the future!!
Larry Malament is senior pastor at Grace Church of Clarksburg, Clarksburg, MA.
Jared Mellinger is senior pastor at Covenant Fellowship Church, Glenn Mills, PA.
Persecution?
At a recent leadership team retreat, we talked about the possibility that some SG churches might face persecution in the not-too-distant future. I shared some thoughts in that context that Mark asked me to share in an article for this website. So here you go…
At a recent leadership team retreat, we talked about the possibility that some SG churches might face persecution in the not-too-distant future. I shared some thoughts in that context that Mark asked me to share in an article for this website. So here you go.
When Christians think about persecution, we tend to think of being beaten, jailed, or even killed for our faith. And rightly so. That is where the NT emphasis falls. And it is in these ways that the church historically has most often experienced persecution. And still today, there are places throughout the world where Christians face these consequences for practicing their faith. Groups like Voice of the Martyrs do an outstanding job of reporting on and giving prayer focus to this type of persecution. To read the stories of persecution and believers’ response is both heartbreaking and inspiring. As Hebrews says in 11:38, they are those “of whom the world was not worthy.” May we regularly pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world.
When considering any persecution SG churches in America and throughout the world will face in 2021 and following, I don’t think it’s going to be persecution as we classically think of it – beatings, imprisonment, and death – though someday that may come. I think the persecution we will face is being shamed and slandered because of historic Christian beliefs and values. The hostility created in these ways then leads to material harm – being silenced, marginalized, “canceled,” and perhaps even punished in some way.
In both the Psalms and the NT, a lot of the persecution against God’s people is verbal. In the Psalms, we see that the wicked lie, deceive and stir up strife. They slander and accuse. They mock, taunt, revile, deride and scorn. The harmful effect of their words is likened to swords, razors, howling dogs, and a serpent’s venom. The NT speaks of believers being reviled, insulted, slandered, spoken of as evildoers, and hated for Jesus’ name. In the beatitudes, Jesus says, “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.”
We are increasingly seeing these sorts of verbal assaults and subsequent material harm happening. The examples are too numerous to mention. The cultural influencers - universities, the media, the government, and social media platforms - are increasingly taking stands antithetical to Biblical values and truth. Proponents of the influential critical theory put those who hold to certain traditional Biblical values into the oppressor class. And voicing biblical truth in these contexts is often characterized as hate speech that must be silenced or punished. On top of all this, social media gives a voice to anyone and everyone hostile to our values. A voice described so well by one Wall Street Journal writer as “lethal, instantaneous, polarizing, cartooning, inflammatory and ubiquitous.”
Our stances on complementarianism, marriage, sexual ethics, gender identity issues, and abortion go against the flow of our culture. Even regarding race issues that are at the forefront of our times, our historical stances on loving your neighbor, equality before God, the sin of prejudice, and the requirements for justice are seen as lacking if they don’t measure up to the culture’s assessment of the root, extent, and solution to the problem. Even evangelism can be seen as illegitimate and intolerant. How dare one say that there is only one way to be saved. Only one way to God. How dare one challenge someone’s inalienable right to define their own truth and morals!!!
Sadly, this situation is exacerbated by the fact that the church itself - both nominal and genuine – isn’t united on these issues. When the culture can point to Christian churches that waiver and compromise on these critical issues, they can use such actions to justify their criticisms of more traditional Christians and churches. We even find that some, under the banner of Christianity, are persecuting Christians who they see as out of line with their, from my perspective, radicalized worldview.
None of this should surprise us since Jesus clearly told us “if they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” Likewise, Paul told Timothy that “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” So what are we to do? Thankfully scripture gives us answers.
1. We are to pray
Psalm 142:6 Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low! Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me.
Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
1 Timothy 2:1-2 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
I think we can legitimately include the culture shapers in our universities and media as well as the government as “all who are in high positions.”
2. We are not to respond in kind
This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t stand up for our rights as citizens. It’s more the character of our response than the substance that is being addressed here.
Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
1 Corinthians 4:12 When reviled, we bless; when persecuted we endure.
1 Peter 3:9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.
3. We are to witness in a certain way.
It is wise to separate the trajectory of the larger culture from the individuals affected by that culture. Though many individuals are actively hostile to the faith, many have simply been influenced in ways that make them leery, suspicious, and prone to think ill of those who are Christians. It is to people like these that scripture directs our attention and instructs us how to approach them with the gospel. Let’s look at four passages in particular.
Philippians 2:14-15 Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation among whom you shine as lights (NIV – shine like stars) in the world.
Colossians 4:5-6 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
1 Peter 2:12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
1 Peter 3:14-16 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
The lessons here are these: when faced with the hostility and opposition of the world, the Christian’s godly behavior will open up opportunities to engage people with the gospel. And when those opportunities come, our graciousness, gentleness, and respectfulness, often in contrast to their harshness, may well be used by the Holy Spirit to open up their hearts to the gospel and win them to Jesus. And when that happens, we can thank God that He has once again turned what was meant for evil into good.
Parenting Younger Children (Weekend Seminar)
The following is the material I recently updated for our parenting younger children weekenders at Crossway. Please feel free to use anything you think would be helpful in your ministry to parents…
The following is the material I recently updated for our parenting younger children weekenders at Crossway. Please feel free to use anything you think would be helpful in your ministry to parents.
(Note: Clicking on the “READ” button for each topic will download a Word document.)
I. Introduction
II. Discipline
III. Discipline: Appendix One
IV. Instruction
V. Exasperate
VI. Exasperate: Appendix Two
How to Introduce Our Statement of Faith
Our Statement of Faith isn’t a document to be put on a shelf somewhere to collect dust, but a gift to our churches that can be used in various ways to guide, build and encourage our faith both as individuals and local churches. To this end, I’m pleased to have these videos by Jeff Purswell featured here to help you along the way.
Our Statement of Faith isn’t a document to be put on a shelf somewhere to collect dust, but a gift to our churches that can be used in various ways to guide, build and encourage our faith both as individuals and local churches. To this end, I’m pleased to have these videos by Jeff Purswell featured here to help you along the way.
Jeff Purswell is the Director of Theology and Training for Sovereign Grace Churches and the dean of the Sovereign Grace Pastor's College. He also serves as an elder at Sovereign Grace Church in Louisville, KY.
SovGrace MinistrySafe MinistrySafe Registration
This article from Tommy Hill provides an update on the services Sovereign Grace has made available to our churches through MinistrySafe…
This article provides an updated summary of the services Sovereign Grace has made available to our churches through MinistrySafe.
MinistrySafe Training
Sovereign Grace has purchased MinistrySafe membership and all the training they have available online for all its churches. A summary of the benefits is here and includes:
Free Annual Membership (normally $250 per year).
Free Sexual Abuse Awareness Training for all staff and volunteers (normally $5 per person).
Free Skillful Screening Process Training for people involved in screening and hiring employees (normally $50 per person).
Free MinistrySafe Institute Training for ministry leaders, risk managers, and key child-serving leaders (normally $150 per person).
Free access to MinistrySafe Document Library containing sample policies and screening forms.
Criminal Background Check Discounts (see below).
Free monitoring of training and background checks for your church through their MinistrySafe online Control Panel that will track completion of training and criminal background checks and make sure they are updated periodically.
Criminal Background Checks
MinistrySafe is offering a discount to Sovereign Grace churches on their background checks that are incorporated into their MinistrySafe membership. The best place to start is to watch their video: Background Checks – Removing the Mystery. You can also review their website for more information.
Remember, background checks are just one element to an effective Safety System. If you are only doing background checks and nothing else, then you don’t have an effective system in place. It is critical to understand what background checks provide, and DON’T provide. What I find most helpful for these background checks is that they are fully integrated with the MinistrySafe Control Panel mentioned above, where training for each church member is tracked and monitored. This panel will make sure you update both training and background checks on a periodic basis.
How to Register Your Church
Go to MinistrySafe Signup and select “MinistrySafe Membership.”
Complete the “Sign-up Information.”
In the “Billing Information,” enter SGM20 for the Sovereign Grace “Coupon Code.” Each application is verified by Sovereign Grace to make sure it is a Sovereign Grace church. You are still required to include credit card information, which is necessary for purchasing criminal background checks if you choose to use them. The background check discounts are linked to your Sovereign Grace account.
The person signing up will be the initial Safety System Administrator. Others can be added later.
It’s that simple!
If you have any questions, contact Tommy Hill at tommy.hill@sovereigngrace.com or contact MinistrySafe.
PPP Loan Update #2
You have probably already seen a number of news reports on the recent approval of additional PPP funding that may benefit your churches. I wanted to highlight how it might specifically affect our churches and send you a few good links to information on the new funding approved by Congress…
You have probably already seen a number of news reports on the recent approval of additional PPP funding that may benefit your churches. I wanted to highlight how it might specifically affect our churches and send you a few good links to information on the new funding approved by Congress.
1. Who is eligible for additional PPP Funding?
Churches that didn’t apply for initial funding last year. If you didn’t apply for funding in 2020, you are able to newly apply, subject to the same rules that applied last year. Contact me if you have any specific questions on how to begin this process if you are interested.
Churches that received a PPP Loan last year. Churches that already received funding in 2020 are eligible to apply for additional funding if they experienced at least a 25% reduction in giving in any one calendar quarter comparing 2019 to 2020.
2. How much can I receive, and what is the forgiveness process?
If you qualify per above, the amount of funding in both cases is still tied to the amount you spent on payroll, up to 2.5 times your average monthly payroll.
A few additional types of expenditures were added to what qualifies. Otherwise, the same rules apply as last year.
A simplified one-page forgiveness application process was added for loan amounts under $150K.
If you previously applied for the loan and returned it, you are eligible to re-apply.
The deadline for applying under the new law is March 31, 2021.
3. What are some good links to find additional information on the new PPP funding?
If you have any questions on how this might affect your church, I would be glad to discuss them with you.
Grateful to be able to serve all of you!
Tommy Hill
Tommy Hill serves as the Director of Finance for Sovereign Grace Churches. He is also the Administrator for Cornerstone Church of Knoxville where he lives with his wife Elizabeth and their children.
Evangelism Book Recommendations for 2021
Jim and I thought it would be good to start the year with some evangelism book recommendations. I’d encourage every pastor to read at least one book on evangelism each year as a way to keep your mind and soul refreshed and challenged in this important area…
Jim Donohue and I thought it would be good to start the year with some evangelism book recommendations. I’d encourage every pastor to read at least one book on evangelism each year as a way to keep your mind and soul refreshed and challenged in this important area.
Mickey’s List (in no particular order):
Evangelism (Mack Stiles). I love the simplicity of his approach and his emphasis on creating a culture of evangelism, which I think should be our goal as local churches.
How to Give Away Your Faith (Paul Little). This is the first book I ever read on evangelism, so you might imagine it’s a bit dated. And in fact, it is - 1978. So while there are some things that might need to be translated into 2021, there are many things that are timeless.
The Gospel and Personal Evangelism (Mark Dever). Mark’s personal and practical approach is excellent. He asks and answers questions like: “Why don’t we evangelize?” “Why should we evangelize?” as well as chapters on practical issues like who? and how?
Evangelism and The Sovereignty of God (J.I. Packer). No book has given me more liberty of soul to witness than this one. Understanding my role and the Holy Spirit’s role in evangelism lifts an unnecessary burden and implants faith like nothing else I know.
Salvation to the Ends of the Earth (Kostenberger and O’Brien). While not strictly an evangelism book, it is my favorite book on the church’s mission and thus gives the broader context for our evangelistic efforts right where we live.
Jim’s list (in no particular order):
Learning Evangelism from Jesus (Jeram Barrs). This book walks through the Gospels, showing the towering love that Jesus has for those who are lost and far from God. It is both inspirational and instructive and probably my favorite book on evangelism.
Loving your Community (Stephen Viars). I just read this book. It was very inspiring in regards to reaching out to your community in meaningful and strategic ways. With the changing landscape in evangelism, this book will give you a lot of ideas for making a difference wherever you are.
Honest Evangelism (Rico Tice). An excellent book that provides biblical motivation for evangelism and great practical ideas on how to obey God in this. Rico (who wrote Christianity Explored) challenges us in a compelling way that encourages us to be ourselves and take the risks required to reach the lost.
Evangelism in a Skeptical World (Sam Chan). Chan lays out how to approach different people with individualized ways to share the gospel. His grasp of our culture and the world we are reaching out to is excellent, and he translates this knowledge into effective ways to reach non-Christians.
The Rise of the Nones (James Emery White). There are other books on reaching the current culture (The Millennials by Rainer and Meet Generation Z by White), but this is my top choice because of how he shows specific strategies for reaching an increasingly secular West.
Jim Donahue is the Pastor of Evangelism at Covenant Fellowship Church, Glenn Mills, PA.
A Conversation on Civil Disobedience
Eric Turbdesky and Jeff Purswell discuss the Biblical warrant for and wisdom of civil disobedience when government mandates restrictions on churches…
In this video, Eric Turbedsky and Jeff Purswell discuss the Biblical warrant for and wisdom of civil disobedience when government mandates restrictions on churches.
Video
Transcript
Eric Turbedsky is the Director of Church Planting and Director of Communications for Sovereign Grace Churches and Senior Pastor at Sovereign Grace Church in Orange, CA.
Jeff Purswell is the Director of Theology and Training for Sovereign Grace Churches and the dean of the Sovereign Grace Pastor's College. He also serves as an elder at Sovereign Grace Church in Louisville, KY.
The 2020 Gospel Test
Jon Payne recently sent me this post and I thought it would serve you men as we close 2020…
Jon Payne recently sent me this post and I thought it would serve you men as we close 2020.
The 2020 Gospel Test
2020 has provided a host of cultural and personal challenges. Churches face division over preferences and perspectives about the right way to live in a shaking culture. Political parties are simultaneously outraged and divided. The political, medical, and economic future of our country is uncertain, except in the perfect knowledge of our Lord.
There are many issues that require Biblical teaching in 2020. How does the Bible address death? Or race? Or loving our neighbors? Or politics? Or economics? Or government? Or issues of conscience? Or the end times? The wise pastor will not try to address every issue that the culture is facing, but will prioritize those issues most necessary for the faithfulness of his own congregation. These are issues that do need Biblical teaching. He is a fool who will not bring God's word to bear on the most challenging cultural and personal issues of his own church members. But the wisest pastor will, above all, be determined to keep the gospel central and prioritized. Being a gospel pastor in times when the culture is largely placid is simple, unifying, enjoyable. 2020 has tested this determination. It is one thing to talk about Christ and him crucified when few other topics shout for our attention. It is much harder when the culture and sectors of the church are demanding that we speak to many legitimate moral and theological issues.
Being gospel-centered means that whenever we address another topic, we discuss it in terms of its theological relationship to the gospel. We are determined to view our discussion of death, or race, or love, or politics, or economics, or government from a gospel centric perspective. In other words, we refuse to make these gospel implications the central point of our teaching, such that everything we teach begins to revolve around them. Everything is not centered around health, or love, or race, or politics, or generosity--all of those topics are centered around Christ.
We are also determined to keep the gospel prioritized so that our passion and our greatest effort and time is given to extolling Christ and him crucified and risen. This means, of course, that we must be self-controlled in addressing other topics, however urgent or culturally central they are at the time. We do not ignore them, but we do not apportion to them the height of our passion or the majority of our content. Our highest goal in preaching and teaching and leading is that our churches would know Christ and him crucified. Our desire is that the person and work of Christ would outshine, in our ministry, every other light, even as we allow those other lights to shine in right proportion to Christ.
Let us test ourselves, pastor brothers, by the 2020 test. Are we preaching Christ and him crucified as the first thing, even as we navigate the many other needs of our churches in this tumultuous year? I thank God for the many brothers who are, and I pray God will give me strength to follow their example. And wherever we have not passed the 2020 test, may we resolve with fresh dependence to keep Christ first in 2021.