Many years ago, I was an officer in the US Navy. Today, I find it difficult to believe that I ever went that route. Having been a civilian for the last several decades, it seems like a different time and a different me. Chapel of Hope, Naval Station Newport I graduated from college and was …
Month: May 2011
Challenges of Church-Based COMDEV in the Philippines (Part 2)
2. Challenges Associated with the Philippines A. Cultural Factors. While there are cultural factors that greatly promote community development in the Philippines, including "bayanihan" and the barangay system, this section will focus on traits that (while they may demonstrate themselves positively in certain ways) can inhibit community development. Cultural Factor #1. "Utang na loob". This …
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Challenges of Church-Based COMDEV in the Philippines (Part I)
This is a brief summary of issues brought up from interviews with community development specialists and church leaders in the Philippines in 2007. I have seen nothing to suggest that things have changed. Community Development, I believe, is a critical component for the church and church members in being salt and light to the world. And... assuming the …
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In the Christian Life, “If It’s Broke, Fix It!!”
You know the quote... "It it's not broke, don't fix it." Although the equivalent is the contraposive ("If you must fix it, it's broke"), the inverse is important as well. "IF IT'S BROKE, FIX IT!" I believe that there is an aspect of Christianity that is definitely broke, but it is not its essence. The …
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Protestant Missions Summary by the Century
This is a very broad brush summary of Protestant Missions from the 16th century to the present. 16th Century Adoniram Judson, detail from an engraving by Alfred Jones after a painting by Chester Harding, 1846 (Photo credit: Wikipedia) Cross-cultural Missions? Almost none Leading Sending Nation: None Primary Concepts? State Protestant Denominations. Theological development. …
What Direction Do We Point People Towards in Christian Ministry?
This is May 24, three days after Harold Camping predicted the start of the Apocalypse. This is not a gloat message. Most people were not particularly surprised that Christ did not return at that time. But some were surprised and confused. This story makes me think about what direction we point people toward as missionaries. …
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Is Pastoral Counseling Compatible With Missions?
I consider myself to be a missionary. However, my biggest single role is the administrator of a pastoral counseling center. There are forms of counseling that are distinctly evangelistic. But “normal” pastoral care, counseling, and chaplaincy typically work within the “faith context” of the client/patient and assume (to a large extent) that the person already …
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What is Good Faith, Bad Faith, True Faith, and False Faith?
Osama Bin Laden, the leader of Al Qaida, died yesterday. The responses to this have been interesting. Some take on a party-like celebration. On the other extreme are those who vow vengeance. Some look at the killing as a case of justice, others as an ideological battle, and still others as a geopolitical contest. It …
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