Monthly Archives: October 2007

Keeping Violence Safe

Posted on October 31, 2007 by Richard Heyduck

A few weeks ago the New York Times ran a story on churches using violent video games to attract youth. Now there’s a story out of Alabama about a lock in sponsored by a First United Methodist Church featuring games … Continue reading →

Posted in Leadership, Ministry, Violence, Youth Ministry | Leave a comment

Five Practices (and More)

Posted on October 25, 2007 by Richard Heyduck

Here in the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church we have adopted (in a slightly modified form) the Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations as featured in Bishop Robert Schnase’s book. With some other ideas (“Key Drivers”) added, we’re … Continue reading →

Posted in Podcast, Pursuing Jesus, Theology, United Methodism | 2 Comments

Thoughts on Preaching

Posted on October 25, 2007 by Richard Heyduck

When I think of preaching, I find the 3 categories of classical rhetoric useful. 1. Ethos – This is our character. People listen to us when they know us to be people of character. Character refers not only to our … Continue reading →

Posted in Evangelism, Leadership, Ministry | Leave a comment

Inexplicable

Posted on October 23, 2007 by Richard Heyduck

At LeadershipJournal.net Steve Gaines writes: I am convinced that one of the reasons so many people are turned off from the idea of church these days is that it is all so explainable. Too many churches are growing simply because … Continue reading →

Posted in Leadership, Local church, Ministry | Leave a comment

Slippery Jesus

Posted on October 19, 2007 by Richard Heyduck

We who delve into the bible and lead congregations… Yes, it appears possible to do the one and not the other: One can delve into the bible purely for personal benefit, or one can lead congregations and ignore the bible. … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, church growth, Jesus, Leadership, Ministry, United Methodism | 5 Comments

Muslim Outreach

Posted on October 12, 2007 by Richard Heyduck

A group of Muslims from around the world have issued an open letter to Christian leaders everywhere. The call for peace is summed up in the beginning of the document: Muslims and Christians together make up well over half of … Continue reading →

Posted in Al Qaeda, Alasdair MacIntyre, Clash of Civilizations, Current events, Islam, Theology, Tradition, War | Leave a comment

Does Pacifism Work?

Posted on October 2, 2007 by Richard Heyduck

Some of noted Gandhi-style pacifist protest works better with some groups than others. If you are protesting against a group that thinks its wrong to kill unarmed protesters you’re more likely to survive than if, as in Myanmar, you go … Continue reading →

Posted in Current events | 7 Comments