MC - PEOPLE-FILES
Lauren Mcafee - Stephen McAlpine - SA McCarthy - Dan McCartney - Esau McCaulley - Dan McClellan - Earl McClellan - Chance McConnell - Dave McConnell - Scott McConnell - Dan McCoy - Rob McCoy - Brett McCracken - Lynn McDonald - Josh McDowell - Joel McDurmon - Alister McGrath - James McGrath - Bethel McGrew - Lee McIntyre - Alistair McIntosh - Doug McKelway - Alyce McKenzie - Vashti McKenzie - Dwight McKissic - Rebecca Laughlin - Brian McLauren - Willie McLaurin - C Matthew McMahon - Cindi McMenamin - Randy McPheron -
==Lauren McAfee======
Lauren McAfee
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24 (ESV)
...There are lies I have liked to believe as truth. Yet deep down, I know that clinging to a warped sense of reality will only bring me pain in the long run. One lie I’ve liked to believe is tied up in my own sense of control over my life — because life often feels most bearable when I think I have full control.
When Jesus taught His famous Sermon on the Mount, in Matthew 7, He closed with this analogy: You can choose to build your house on the rock or on the sand. “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24).
...I know almost nothing about construction, but when I get the chance to spend a day on the beach playing in the sand with my daughter, it is easy to see why sand makes a poor foundation for a home. Sand is nothing but rock fragments. The grains are easily moved by the waves or even a slight breeze. When I convince myself that because I am putting forth effort, God is going to reward me with all my dreams coming true, I am choosing to build my life on sand. But when I build my life on Jesus, my life has a firm foundation.
This teaching is about much more than my temptation to build my life on a false understanding of God; it identifies a false gospel I want to believe, one where I work to secure my own salvation and put God in my debt. The truth is that if I truly bring nothing to my relationship with God, then there is no limit to what He can require of me. I have no leverage over God. Rather, I must surrender wholly to Him. And in doing so, I find the peace I once sought in my own efforts to control my life.
Pastor Timothy Keller’s teaching on this passage warns against my religious attempts:
“The Sermon on the Mount is not a ladder. It’s not a way to climb up to God by doing certain things. It says there are two ways. One way is to say, ‘Out of my goodness I will seek to get God and other people to give me what I want in my inner emptiness; that is, a feeling of approval or worth.’ Or you can say, ‘I’m going to build my whole life and my approach to God on what Jesus has done for me.’ Be your own savior or let Him be your savior.”
The uncomfortable reckoning in my own life is a constant realization that I am not as in control of things as I would like to believe. My efforts to be in control are an effort to replace reliance on God. I don’t have control over whether or not I have children, whether or not my body faces infertility, or how people respond to me on social media. I also do not have control over when God’s presence feels near. But I can control whether or not I put myself in a place to be near God. I can control whether or not I choose to be involved in my community at my local church. I can control whether or not I prioritize Bible study, reflection and prayer.
When life is challenging, I am often tempted to doubt who God is. I constantly need to remind myself of the character of God and recall that He always does the best thing. Romans 8:28 guarantees it. I don’t always feel like having faith, but as Charles Spurgeon says, “God is too good to be unkind, and He is too wise to be mistaken. And when we cannot trace His hand, we must trust His heart.”
May we trust His heart as our firm foundation today and every day.
Heavenly Father, help me to trust in Your plan for me. Holy Spirit, provide me comfort in the midst of affliction, and provide intimacy in the journey of suffering. I surrender myself to You because You alone are in complete control of my life. Please fill my heart with Your peace that passes understanding. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
-Lauren McAfee; Proverbs 31 Ministries; Lies We Like; 9.6.23
...There are lies I have liked to believe as truth. Yet deep down, I know that clinging to a warped sense of reality will only bring me pain in the long run. One lie I’ve liked to believe is tied up in my own sense of control over my life — because life often feels most bearable when I think I have full control.
When Jesus taught His famous Sermon on the Mount, in Matthew 7, He closed with this analogy: You can choose to build your house on the rock or on the sand. “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24).
...I know almost nothing about construction, but when I get the chance to spend a day on the beach playing in the sand with my daughter, it is easy to see why sand makes a poor foundation for a home. Sand is nothing but rock fragments. The grains are easily moved by the waves or even a slight breeze. When I convince myself that because I am putting forth effort, God is going to reward me with all my dreams coming true, I am choosing to build my life on sand. But when I build my life on Jesus, my life has a firm foundation.
This teaching is about much more than my temptation to build my life on a false understanding of God; it identifies a false gospel I want to believe, one where I work to secure my own salvation and put God in my debt. The truth is that if I truly bring nothing to my relationship with God, then there is no limit to what He can require of me. I have no leverage over God. Rather, I must surrender wholly to Him. And in doing so, I find the peace I once sought in my own efforts to control my life.
Pastor Timothy Keller’s teaching on this passage warns against my religious attempts:
“The Sermon on the Mount is not a ladder. It’s not a way to climb up to God by doing certain things. It says there are two ways. One way is to say, ‘Out of my goodness I will seek to get God and other people to give me what I want in my inner emptiness; that is, a feeling of approval or worth.’ Or you can say, ‘I’m going to build my whole life and my approach to God on what Jesus has done for me.’ Be your own savior or let Him be your savior.”
The uncomfortable reckoning in my own life is a constant realization that I am not as in control of things as I would like to believe. My efforts to be in control are an effort to replace reliance on God. I don’t have control over whether or not I have children, whether or not my body faces infertility, or how people respond to me on social media. I also do not have control over when God’s presence feels near. But I can control whether or not I put myself in a place to be near God. I can control whether or not I choose to be involved in my community at my local church. I can control whether or not I prioritize Bible study, reflection and prayer.
When life is challenging, I am often tempted to doubt who God is. I constantly need to remind myself of the character of God and recall that He always does the best thing. Romans 8:28 guarantees it. I don’t always feel like having faith, but as Charles Spurgeon says, “God is too good to be unkind, and He is too wise to be mistaken. And when we cannot trace His hand, we must trust His heart.”
May we trust His heart as our firm foundation today and every day.
Heavenly Father, help me to trust in Your plan for me. Holy Spirit, provide me comfort in the midst of affliction, and provide intimacy in the journey of suffering. I surrender myself to You because You alone are in complete control of my life. Please fill my heart with Your peace that passes understanding. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
-Lauren McAfee; Proverbs 31 Ministries; Lies We Like; 9.6.23
==Stephen mcalpine======
Hillsong Founders Brian And Bobbie Houston Launch ‘Online Church’ And Ask For Money
Longtime Australian minister Stephen McAlpine, who lives in Sydney, told The Roys Report (TRR) that Christians are concerned about the Houstons’ rapid reemergence in public ministry. “People do find it troubling, but not surprising,” he said. “In a subset of evangelicalism, returns to ministry occur without consideration around appropriate time out or reparations.”McAlpine added that some “deeper questions” remain unanswered. “How do megachurches do accountability outside of their own, self-interested structures?” he asked. “There seems little time to pause and lament. And it doesn’t reflect a biblical approach to church discipline.”
(Religion Unplugged 8/28/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Longtime Australian minister Stephen McAlpine, who lives in Sydney, told The Roys Report (TRR) that Christians are concerned about the Houstons’ rapid reemergence in public ministry. “People do find it troubling, but not surprising,” he said. “In a subset of evangelicalism, returns to ministry occur without consideration around appropriate time out or reparations.”McAlpine added that some “deeper questions” remain unanswered. “How do megachurches do accountability outside of their own, self-interested structures?” he asked. “There seems little time to pause and lament. And it doesn’t reflect a biblical approach to church discipline.”
(Religion Unplugged 8/28/24) READ MORE>>>>>
==dan mcclellan======
The Bible Says So…or Does It?
On this week’s “More To The Story,” religious scholar and TikTok star Dan McClellan examines how some Christian nationalists use—and often abuse—the Bible to gain political power. “The hot new thing right now is to be a Christian nationalist,” says McClellan, who also wrote The Bible Says So: What We Get Right (and Wrong) About Scripture’s Most Controversial Issues. “And I think a lot of people are jumping at the opportunity to get on board this attempt to take over the government on the part of Christians. And unfortunately, it means hurting an awful lot of people along the way.” (Reveal 7/30/25) READMORE>>>>>
On this week’s “More To The Story,” religious scholar and TikTok star Dan McClellan examines how some Christian nationalists use—and often abuse—the Bible to gain political power. “The hot new thing right now is to be a Christian nationalist,” says McClellan, who also wrote The Bible Says So: What We Get Right (and Wrong) About Scripture’s Most Controversial Issues. “And I think a lot of people are jumping at the opportunity to get on board this attempt to take over the government on the part of Christians. And unfortunately, it means hurting an awful lot of people along the way.” (Reveal 7/30/25) READMORE>>>>>
==earl mcclellan======
Earl McClellan kicks off Passion 2026 warning against conference highs, points students to Christ alone
Pastor Earl McClellan opened the first night of Passion Conference 2026, urging young Christians to place their expectations not in a conference or an emotional moment but in the transforming power of Jesus alone.
Preaching from Luke 3 before tens of thousands of college-aged attendees gathered on New Year's Day at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, McClellan framed his sermon around the theme “Fresh Fire.” Spiritual endurance and repentance, he declared, are evidence of true and lasting faith rather than short-lived religious enthusiasm. (Christian Post; 1.2.26) READMORE>>>>>
Pastor Earl McClellan opened the first night of Passion Conference 2026, urging young Christians to place their expectations not in a conference or an emotional moment but in the transforming power of Jesus alone.
Preaching from Luke 3 before tens of thousands of college-aged attendees gathered on New Year's Day at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, McClellan framed his sermon around the theme “Fresh Fire.” Spiritual endurance and repentance, he declared, are evidence of true and lasting faith rather than short-lived religious enthusiasm. (Christian Post; 1.2.26) READMORE>>>>>
==sa mccarthy======
Z-NOTE: September 8, 2024:
That "Border Wall" Again...
 Zorek Richards
S.A. McCarthy is a Christian Nationalist "for Jesus". He is right winger and has written this op ed for the Christian Post. He writes for other right wing newspapers and magazines. He blames Harris for border problems which is not totally true. In a post published today at the Christian Post, he wrote that "Vice President Kamala Harris is trying to be unburdened by what has been — namely her far-left political record — by adopting MAGA policies. The latest instance of flip-flopping is Harris’s support for the border wall proposed by former President Donald Trump. According to Axios, the vice president is now pledging to spend an estimated $650 million to complete the border wall Trump started, despite having called the initiative “racist” and “un-American” during Trump’s White House tenure."
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==dan mccartney======
Dan G. McCartney (PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary) is professor of New Testament interpretation at Redeemer Seminary in Dallas, Texas. He previously taught at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia for more than twenty years. He is the author of Let the Reader Understand: A Guide to Interpreting and Applying the Bible and Why Does it Have to Hurt? The Meaning of Christian Suffering. McCartney also revised J. Gresham Machen's New Testament Greek for Beginners.
Dan McCartney
Your gold and silver have rusted and their rust will be a witness against you. It will consume your flesh like fire. It is in the last days that you have hoarded treasure! (James 5:3)
James uses an intensified form of the verb “to rust,” in the perfect tense (κατίωται, katiōtai), probably meaning “completely rusted” or “rusted right through” (see Ropes 1916: 285), where no integrity to the base metal remains. James here picks up on the irony, seen elsewhere in Jewish wisdom literature (e.g., Sir. 29:10), that objects made of gold, and to a lesser extent silver, actually do not rust. Gold can withstand corrosion and retain its metallic integrity for centuries, and although silver tarnishes on the surface, it too lasts a long time in harsh environments and does not “rust through” the way iron does. Yet here James declares the material that is, from a worldly point of view, incorruptible to actually be, on the day of judgment, not just rusted, but rusted right through—totally worthless
James uses an intensified form of the verb “to rust,” in the perfect tense (κατίωται, katiōtai), probably meaning “completely rusted” or “rusted right through” (see Ropes 1916: 285), where no integrity to the base metal remains. James here picks up on the irony, seen elsewhere in Jewish wisdom literature (e.g., Sir. 29:10), that objects made of gold, and to a lesser extent silver, actually do not rust. Gold can withstand corrosion and retain its metallic integrity for centuries, and although silver tarnishes on the surface, it too lasts a long time in harsh environments and does not “rust through” the way iron does. Yet here James declares the material that is, from a worldly point of view, incorruptible to actually be, on the day of judgment, not just rusted, but rusted right through—totally worthless
==esau mccaully======
July 11, 2025: In an op-ed published by the New York Times, Esau McCaulley — a theology professor at Wheaton College in Illinois and author of the forthcoming children's book "God's Colorful Kingdom Storybook Bible" — examines the role Christianity plays in the anti-Trump resistance. And the op-ed's headline poses the question: "Is the Christian Resistance to Trump Growing?" "For too long this administration has presented itself as the only defender of Christianity while it engages in merely symbolic gestures like posting Bible verses or publicizing worship services in the White House. Frederick Douglass described this type of performance: 'Religion simply as a form of worship, an empty ceremony, and not a vital principle, requiring active benevolence, justice, love and good will towards man.' I fail to see how you can shout glory to God one minute and laugh about the harsh conditions of Alligator Alcatraz the next."
==chance mcconnell======
Pastor Chance McConnell began serving First Baptist Taylorsville as pastor in 2018. Originally from Princeton, Kentucky, Chance has served churches in both Kentucky and Tennessee prior to coming to FBC Taylorsville. Chance is a graduate of Campbellsville University and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.
2023 REWIND: Ky. Baptists remained faithful to the Bible, made disciples, baptized believers
More than one thousand messengers and guests gathered for the Kentucky Baptist Convention Annual Meeting at Somerset First Baptist Church in November. Messengers elected Associational Mission Strategist and evangelist Randy McPheron as KBC president, Dripping Springs Baptist Church Pastor Jeff Noffsinger as First Vice President and First Baptist Taylorsville Pastor Chance McConnell and Second Vice President.
(Mark Maynard/Kentucky Today 1/4/24) READ MORE>>>>>
More than one thousand messengers and guests gathered for the Kentucky Baptist Convention Annual Meeting at Somerset First Baptist Church in November. Messengers elected Associational Mission Strategist and evangelist Randy McPheron as KBC president, Dripping Springs Baptist Church Pastor Jeff Noffsinger as First Vice President and First Baptist Taylorsville Pastor Chance McConnell and Second Vice President.
(Mark Maynard/Kentucky Today 1/4/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Family thankful for adoption journey, God’s faithfulness
Before Chance and Brittany McConnell even met, God was weaving the thread of adoption into their story. And now, 11 years into marriage, two of their three children are adopted — all three a testament to the Lord’s kindness and faithfulness. “We met on a mission trip to Nicaragua,” said Chance, pastor of First Baptist Church Taylorsville, Kentucky. “In a conversation on one of the bus rides, we were just talking about how (adoption) was something we both wanted eventually in our lives whenever we were married…That passion would be sort of paved through the pain of what was nearly a decade of infertility and struggle to have a family.”
(The Baptist Paper 11/26/23) READ MORE>>>>>
Before Chance and Brittany McConnell even met, God was weaving the thread of adoption into their story. And now, 11 years into marriage, two of their three children are adopted — all three a testament to the Lord’s kindness and faithfulness. “We met on a mission trip to Nicaragua,” said Chance, pastor of First Baptist Church Taylorsville, Kentucky. “In a conversation on one of the bus rides, we were just talking about how (adoption) was something we both wanted eventually in our lives whenever we were married…That passion would be sort of paved through the pain of what was nearly a decade of infertility and struggle to have a family.”
(The Baptist Paper 11/26/23) READ MORE>>>>>
==dave mcconnell======
Mar 8, 2023: Christian Post: 'Orwellian': Street preacher appeals conviction for 'misgendering' man who identifies as a woman
The appeal of Dave McConnell, 42, from Wakefield, who was convicted in August 2022, is scheduled to take place Thursday and Friday at Leeds Crown Court, the group Christian Concern, whose arm Christian Legal Centre is supporting his case, said..
The appeal of Dave McConnell, 42, from Wakefield, who was convicted in August 2022, is scheduled to take place Thursday and Friday at Leeds Crown Court, the group Christian Concern, whose arm Christian Legal Centre is supporting his case, said..
==scott mcconnell======
Scott McConnell has researched the needs and preferences of church leaders, laity, and the unchurched for Lifeway Christian Resources for over 25 years. His in-depth studies and national polls have generated relevant insights on today’s church and culture. Scott received a Bachelor of Science in Economics degree in Marketing and Strategic Management from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He was mentored in sound survey methodology and actionable decision-focused research as an associate project manager at NAXION, a Philadelphia based research and consulting firm. This research included segmentation, satisfaction and product development research for Fortune 100 telecommunications and utilities companies. For 15 years, Scott has led Lifeway Research’s national polling that regularly measures the views of Americans, churchgoers, and Protestant pastors.
May 19, 2023: Only Sky: The Southern Baptist Convention had its worst EVER membership drop in 2022
The director of Lifeway’s research division, Scott McConnell, theorizes that the drop in membership happened because “the record keeping is finally catching up” with long-inactive members. I’m not so sure that’s the reason.
The director of Lifeway’s research division, Scott McConnell, theorizes that the drop in membership happened because “the record keeping is finally catching up” with long-inactive members. I’m not so sure that’s the reason.
==dan mccoy======
Trump campaign touts evangelical support in Iowa as faith leaders endorse him
Pastor Dan McCoy, who leads the First Baptist Church in Urbandale, deemed the announcement a "powerful message that faith communities trust President Trump to lead our nation forward with integrity and moral clarity." (Ben Wedon/Just The News 11/21/23) READ MORE>>>>>
Pastor Dan McCoy, who leads the First Baptist Church in Urbandale, deemed the announcement a "powerful message that faith communities trust President Trump to lead our nation forward with integrity and moral clarity." (Ben Wedon/Just The News 11/21/23) READ MORE>>>>>
==Rob mccoy======
Rob McCoy, the Senior Pastor of Godspeak Calvary Chapel of Thousand Oaks (California), is the son of a conservative Naval officer father and a Republican activist mother. An All-American Water Polo player and a National Finalist Swimmer, he graduated from California State University Fresno with a B.A. in History and received his seminary training from The Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary in Fresno, California. Prior to entering the ministry, he was a Divisional Manager with Unilever and an Area Manager with Chesebrough Ponds, Inc. He has served as the Senior Pastor of Godspeak Calvary Chapel of Thousand Oaks for 17 years. He has been a member of the Thousand Oaks City Council since 2015 and is the former Mayor of Thousand Oaks, term starting in December of 2018. He served as a Ventura County Sheriff’s Chaplain for 4 years and on the board of the Conejo Pregnancy Center.
Why Do Christian Nationalists Like Rob McCoy Know So Little About The Constitution?
One of the defining characteristics of Christian nationalist activists is a willingness to misrepresent history, as time after time they spread blatant falsehoods in defense of their right-wing ideology. Often, this is rooted in their own ignorance about the Founding Era and the creation of the Constitution, as right-wing pastor, former mayor and city councilman Rob McCoy demonstrated during a recent appearance on "The Heidi St. John Podcast." While insisting that the United States was created with "a Christian form of government," McCoy rattled off a series of completely false statements. "When they did the Constitutional Convention and they were at loggerheads in 1787 and they broke for three days of fasting and prayer—and [Benjamin] Franklin's prayer is remarkable—but they come back and they come up with a brilliant idea of a bicameral legislature," McCoy said. "And they put the Three-Fifths Clause in there because they couldn't deal with slavery at the time but they had a sunset clause all established to get rid of it, and they did the Three-Fifth's Compromise so the slaveholding states couldn't have representation in the lower house if they weren't going to give Black Americans citizenship and the right to vote. So they were working through this."
(Right Wing Watch 10/22/24) READ MORE>>>>>
One of the defining characteristics of Christian nationalist activists is a willingness to misrepresent history, as time after time they spread blatant falsehoods in defense of their right-wing ideology. Often, this is rooted in their own ignorance about the Founding Era and the creation of the Constitution, as right-wing pastor, former mayor and city councilman Rob McCoy demonstrated during a recent appearance on "The Heidi St. John Podcast." While insisting that the United States was created with "a Christian form of government," McCoy rattled off a series of completely false statements. "When they did the Constitutional Convention and they were at loggerheads in 1787 and they broke for three days of fasting and prayer—and [Benjamin] Franklin's prayer is remarkable—but they come back and they come up with a brilliant idea of a bicameral legislature," McCoy said. "And they put the Three-Fifths Clause in there because they couldn't deal with slavery at the time but they had a sunset clause all established to get rid of it, and they did the Three-Fifth's Compromise so the slaveholding states couldn't have representation in the lower house if they weren't going to give Black Americans citizenship and the right to vote. So they were working through this."
(Right Wing Watch 10/22/24) READ MORE>>>>>
June 12, 2023: Word & Way: With Turning Point Faith, Pastors Use Politics as a Church-Growth StrategyHis first stop was Godspeak Calvary Chapel of Thousand Oaks in California, headed by Pastor Rob McCoy, a former city council member and local mayor who had been a rising star in conservative evangelical circles during the early days of COVID-19. Under his leadership, Godspeak openly flouted California’s pandemic restrictions, holding in-person, maskless services that prompted a series of legal battles with county and state authorities.
According to McCoy, Kirk helped land the pastor on Sean Hannity’s Fox News show to talk about his activism. As media attention grew, Godspeak’s attendance ballooned: far from dissuading churchgoers, COVID-related controversy only raised the church’s profile — and, according to multiple accounts, packed its pews.
“We experienced 400% growth,” McCoy told Religion News Service in a recent interview.
According to McCoy, Kirk helped land the pastor on Sean Hannity’s Fox News show to talk about his activism. As media attention grew, Godspeak’s attendance ballooned: far from dissuading churchgoers, COVID-related controversy only raised the church’s profile — and, according to multiple accounts, packed its pews.
“We experienced 400% growth,” McCoy told Religion News Service in a recent interview.
With Turning Point Faith, Pastors Use Politics as a Church-Growth Strategy
His first stop was Godspeak Calvary Chapel of Thousand Oaks in California, headed by Pastor Rob McCoy, a former city council member and local mayor who had been a rising star in conservative evangelical circles during the early days of COVID-19. Under his leadership, Godspeak openly flouted California’s pandemic restrictions, holding in-person, maskless services that prompted a series of legal battles with county and state authorities. According to McCoy, Kirk helped land the pastor on Sean Hannity’s Fox News show to talk about his activism. As media attention grew, Godspeak’s attendance ballooned: far from dissuading churchgoers, COVID-related controversy only raised the church’s profile — and, according to multiple accounts, packed its pews. “We experienced 400% growth,” McCoy told Religion News Service in a recent interview.
McCoy said he encouraged other pastors to host Kirk, who lionized congregations that refused to close as garrisons against “tyranny,” a talking point that still shows up in Kirk’s stump speeches. Eventually, McCoy became co-chair of TPUSA Faith; “We play offense with a sense of urgency to win America’s culture war,” reads a tagline on a pamphlet distributed at TPUSA events.(Word & Way 6/12/23) READ MORE>>>>>
His first stop was Godspeak Calvary Chapel of Thousand Oaks in California, headed by Pastor Rob McCoy, a former city council member and local mayor who had been a rising star in conservative evangelical circles during the early days of COVID-19. Under his leadership, Godspeak openly flouted California’s pandemic restrictions, holding in-person, maskless services that prompted a series of legal battles with county and state authorities. According to McCoy, Kirk helped land the pastor on Sean Hannity’s Fox News show to talk about his activism. As media attention grew, Godspeak’s attendance ballooned: far from dissuading churchgoers, COVID-related controversy only raised the church’s profile — and, according to multiple accounts, packed its pews. “We experienced 400% growth,” McCoy told Religion News Service in a recent interview.
McCoy said he encouraged other pastors to host Kirk, who lionized congregations that refused to close as garrisons against “tyranny,” a talking point that still shows up in Kirk’s stump speeches. Eventually, McCoy became co-chair of TPUSA Faith; “We play offense with a sense of urgency to win America’s culture war,” reads a tagline on a pamphlet distributed at TPUSA events.(Word & Way 6/12/23) READ MORE>>>>>
==brett mccracken======
Brett McCracken is a senior editor for the Gospel Coalition and the author of Uncomfortable ; Hipster Christianity ; and Gray Matters. He lives with his family in Southern California, where he serves as an elder at Southlands Church.
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How Local Churches Can Bridge a Widening Gender Divide A recent Financial Times article sparked a frenzy of hot takes when it described how survey data across the developed world showed an “emerging global gender divide” along ideological lines. Author John Burn-Murdoch argued that in places like the U.S., the U.K., Germany, Poland, and South Korea, there’s a widening gap between women (becoming increasingly progressive) and men (leaning more conservative). Gen Z, Burn-Murdoch says, is “two generations, not one.” While Burn-Murdoch perhaps overstates his case—other data suggests the gap isn’t quite so large—he isn’t the only one in recent years citing evidence of a growing political gender gap. Late last year, the Washington Post even ran an editorial arguing the growing gender ideology gap posed an ominous threat to the already beleaguered institution of marriage. (Brett McCracken; Gospel Coalition 2/14/24) READ MORE>>>>> |
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Brett McCracken
If there’s one big takeaway from this summer’s hits, it’s that contemporary culture is fragmented and at war—not only with “the other side” but also with itself. Without a solid biblical foundation upon which to build coherent works, a culture is bound to produce discordant spectacles that may strike a chord with certain audience segments, but fail to harmonize meaning in any lasting or universal sense. Into this chaos, Christians should strive to be voices of coherent truth and consistent conviction, creating transcendent works of culture that don’t just play well with one side or the other but that speak gospel truth fearlessly to all sides, come what may. --Brett McCracken; Gospel Coalition; Taylor, Oliver, ‘Barbie,’ ‘Freedom’: Pondering 4 Summer Sensations 9.2.23
Brett McCracken
Honoring sacrifice does makes sense in the context of belief in eternal life, however. If we believe the creedal words “I am not my own” and that there is life beyond this life, then what is it to die? To be cut down in the prime of life in service of some cause (even a questionable cause) may still be undesirable, but it becomes more tolerable, or even honorable. Humans can suppress, but never quite escape, our God-given knowledge that there’s something more than this life. Perhaps that’s why mainstream audiences are so stirred by war movies that depict soldiers in the line of duty, willing to courageously pay the ultimate price. They capture the beautiful valor and “into the fray” grit that comes more naturally when we anchor our lives in truths and hopes beyond this world. --Brett McCracken; Gospel Coalition 5.27.23
==lynn mcdonald======
Jan 31, 2023: Christian Post: Andy Stanley to host conference for Christian parents of LGBT-identified kids
With a stated goal of helping “parents demonstrate the unconditional love of Jesus,” the Unconditional Conference includes a scheduled lineup featuring Stanley, Embracing the Journey co-founders Greg and Lynn McDonald, former megachurch pastor John Ortberg, North Point Ministries’ Debbie Causey, and LGBT advocate Justin Lee.
With a stated goal of helping “parents demonstrate the unconditional love of Jesus,” the Unconditional Conference includes a scheduled lineup featuring Stanley, Embracing the Journey co-founders Greg and Lynn McDonald, former megachurch pastor John Ortberg, North Point Ministries’ Debbie Causey, and LGBT advocate Justin Lee.
==josh mcdowell======
Joslin "Josh" McDowell (born August 17, 1939) is an evangelical Christian apologist and evangelist. After his conversion, his plans for law school turned instead to plans to tell a doubting world about the truth of Jesus Christ. After studying at Kellogg College, Josh completed his college degree at Wheaton College and then attended Talbot Theological Seminary, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Master of Divinity degree. In 1961, Josh joined the staff of Campus Crusade for Christ International. Not long after, he started the Josh McDowell Ministry* to reach young people worldwide with the truth and love of Jesus. He is the author or co-author of over 150 books. In 2006, his book Evidence That Demands a Verdict was ranked 13th in Christianity Today's list of most influential evangelical books published after World War II. Other well-known titles are More Than a Carpenter, A Ready Defense and Right from Wrong..
Cold-Case Investigator Turns to Science to Disprove Christ's Resurrection, Gets Shocked by the Evidence
As a young atheist, Josh McDowell set off to write Evidence That Demands a Verdict to show the evidence about Christ, including His Resurrection, was so weak, the verdict would be "Not True." "The Resurrection was one of several things I knew I had to refute as a non-believer," McDowell recalled. But instead of refuting, he became so convinced it happened, he spends dozens of pages in Evidence That Demands a Verdict knocking down false theories, like the one suggesting Christ didn't really die but woke up and escaped from the tomb.
"There were a hundred and some pounds of encasement of aromatic spices and gumming of cement consistency around His body, wrapped tightly in three separate linen cloths weighing about 117 pounds," McDowell told CBN News. He continued, "Christ was encased in that, and it becomes hardened. Second, how would He be able to move in such a state like that a one-and-a-half to two-ton stone away from the entrance?"
(CBN 3/29/24) READ MORE>>>>>
As a young atheist, Josh McDowell set off to write Evidence That Demands a Verdict to show the evidence about Christ, including His Resurrection, was so weak, the verdict would be "Not True." "The Resurrection was one of several things I knew I had to refute as a non-believer," McDowell recalled. But instead of refuting, he became so convinced it happened, he spends dozens of pages in Evidence That Demands a Verdict knocking down false theories, like the one suggesting Christ didn't really die but woke up and escaped from the tomb.
"There were a hundred and some pounds of encasement of aromatic spices and gumming of cement consistency around His body, wrapped tightly in three separate linen cloths weighing about 117 pounds," McDowell told CBN News. He continued, "Christ was encased in that, and it becomes hardened. Second, how would He be able to move in such a state like that a one-and-a-half to two-ton stone away from the entrance?"
(CBN 3/29/24) READ MORE>>>>>
April 7, 2023: CBN: Cold-Case Investigator Tries to Disprove Christ's Resurrection, Gets Shocked by the Evidence
As a young atheist, Josh McDowell set off to write Evidence That Demands a Verdict to show the evidence about Christ, including His Resurrection, was so weak, the verdict would be "Not True."
"The Resurrection was one of several things I knew I had to refute as a non-believer," McDowell recalled.
As a young atheist, Josh McDowell set off to write Evidence That Demands a Verdict to show the evidence about Christ, including His Resurrection, was so weak, the verdict would be "Not True."
"The Resurrection was one of several things I knew I had to refute as a non-believer," McDowell recalled.
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Dec 10, 2022: CBN: 'I was Homosexually Raped': Josh McDowell on How He Overcame Childhood Abuse
Since 1960, the 73-year-old has written or co-authored more 147 books. But in an interview with CBN News, McDowell said it was the Bible that radically transformed his life after he was sexually abused as a child. "In my life from six to 13 years of age, for seven years, every week I was homosexually raped," said McDowell. |
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==JOEL MCDURMON======
Joel McDurmon, Ph.D., has worked for over a decade as a public theologian. He has authored and edited over twenty books, including The Problem of Slavery in Christian America and Restoring America One County at a Time. Joel lives near Atlanta, Georgia with his wife and five children. American Vision is a United States nonprofit organization founded in 1978 by Steve Schiffman. It operates as a Christian ministry, and calls for "equipping and empowering Christians to restore America’s biblical foundation." The organization promotes Christian Reconstructionism and Postmillennialism, and opposes dispensationalism. Gary DeMar was the organization's president from 1986 to 2015. From 2015 to March 2019 Joel McDurmon was president, during which time Demar was Senior Fellow. Gary Demar returned as president in March 2019 when McDurmon resigned.
Aug 4, 2021: Capstone Report: Guy who attends Woke J.D. Greear’s church sides with Wokesters in attack on Voddie Baucham.
The allegation of plagiarism and misattribution arose from Woke Joel McDurmon. And as you can see in that Twitter thread, the Woke delusion is strong with McDurmon. He slandered Samuel Sey.
The allegation of plagiarism and misattribution arose from Woke Joel McDurmon. And as you can see in that Twitter thread, the Woke delusion is strong with McDurmon. He slandered Samuel Sey.
“Love is not coercion, and the state is only an agent of coercion. It has no other function and can work no other way. Its job is to be the last resort in society: the coercion of criminals through punishment. Its nature and its funding are coercion. Any solution it offers will inescapably be coercive. When we make it the primary agent of healing, we fundamentally alter the nature of society. We ought to have a society in which the power of love drives us to break down all social, class, and political barriers, and to effect healing through private means, private associations, private institutions, counselors, networks, schools, hospitals, charities, businesses, etc. It ought to be driven by giving. Love is giving; selfishness is taking. When we make the state the mover, we make the primary solution one of taking rather than giving. This inverts God's designed order for all human relations, including race relations and racial healing.”
― Joel McDurmon, The Problem of Slavery in Christian America; 2017
― Joel McDurmon, The Problem of Slavery in Christian America; 2017
“While slaveowners worked vigorously to allow slaves only so much biblical teaching as to make them good, docile, submissive slaves, even the most basic moral elements of Christian truth proved revolutionary. This phenomenon arises clearly with the commandment against theft. Reading the proslavery defenses from the antebellum era, one encounters consistent references to slaves stealing and "pilfering" from their masters' stores and livestock, etc. This is always held up as evidence of their incapacity for civilization. Yet it was hardly any lack of capacity; it was resistance and restitution in their keen understanding of their masters' hypocrisy. "While white preachers repeatedly urged 'Don't steal,' slaves just as persistently denied that this commandment applied to them, since they themselves were stolen property." Former slave Josephine Howard retorted to those slaveholders who preached against theft: "[T]hen why did de white folks steal my mammy and her mammy? . . . Dat de sinfulles' stealin' dey is." A Virginian slave preached back at his master, "You white folks set the bad example of stealing—you stole us from Africa, and not content with that, if any got free here, you stole them afterward, and so we are made slaves." Former Georgian slave George Womble agreed: "Slaves were taught to steal by their masters." [...] It is no wonder that whole audiences full of slaves were known to get up and leave the preaching services of missionaries when they began to preach on stealing. They simply could not stomach the hypocrisy.”
― Joel McDurmon, The Problem of Slavery in Christian America; 2017
― Joel McDurmon, The Problem of Slavery in Christian America; 2017
“American slavery was specifically racist slavery. It could not exist apart from racism, and could not be separated from it. Slavery was a massive institution, but its evil was only enabled by the constraints of law and power. Change the law, and you can end the slaver, for the slavery rested on law. But racism rests in the heart and mind. You can change laws, but changing hearts is a whole different matter. Once the slavery was taken away, the racism still existed. The hearts of millions of whites hated and despised blacks just as before, only now even more so. Now they would have the added insult of an occupying government and military force attempting to make them live as equals - politically at the very least. If the racism remained, unrepentant and unhealed - and it certainly did - the evil would only manifest in a new way.”
― Joel McDurmon, The Problem of Slavery in Christian America; 2017
― Joel McDurmon, The Problem of Slavery in Christian America; 2017
==alister mcgrath======
Alister McGrath, Andreas Idreos Professor of Science and Religion at Oxford University, has written a new book on the famous physicist, A Theory of Everything (That Matters): A Brief Guide to Einstein, Relativity, and His Surprising Thoughts on God (Tyndale).
December 4, 2019: Alister McGrath said: Narrative apologetics, like narrative theology, tried to remain faithful to the biblical emphasis on telling stories as a way of explaining what the Christian faith is all about. For CS Lewis, Christianity is able to out-narrate the dominant narratives of our culture. In other words, Christianity tells a better story than its secular alternatives—a story that is more truthful and trustworthy, which is capable of capturing the imagination and serving as a gateway for Christian truth.
==james mcgrath======
Dr. James F. McGrath is the Clarence L. Goodwin Chair in New Testament Language and Literature at Butler University. His PhD is from the University of Durham in England. His interests include not only early Christianity but also the Mandaeans, science fiction, and the intersection of religion and science. He blogs at Exploring Our Matrix on the Patheos web site. Among his many writings, McGrath both co-edited of Religion and Doctor Who: Time and Relative Dimensions in Faith and served as editor for Religion and Science Fiction.
There certainly is a culture war going on between different camps each of which wants their own values to be the dominant ones in their society. Christians who engage in the culture war have by definition already lost. A culture war casts aside love of enemy, willingness to learn from those who disagree with us, and countless other essentials of the teaching of Jesus and the history of Christianity, all in the interest of “winning.” Sometimes (to quote the movie War Games) the only way to win is not to play. But that doesn’t mean that Christians, and in particular progressive Christians and Baptist like myself, should not be engaged. Unless one is going to follow the path of fascism and try to enforce the dominance of one religion and/or ethnic group by law and force of arms, then the alternative is pluralism and guarantees of freedom for all. Baptists have historically stood for freedom of religion and separation of church and state, having experienced how forces that promote the dominance of Christianity inevitably end up promoting the dominance of their brand of Christianity, to the detriment not just of other religions but other denominations of the same religion. Baptists have also historically emphasized that making Christianity politically and culturally attractive does harm to the effort to promote genuine personal faith.
--James McGrath; Religion Prof; Kirk Cameron at the Indianapolis Public Library 12.29.22
--James McGrath; Religion Prof; Kirk Cameron at the Indianapolis Public Library 12.29.22
==bethel mcgrew======
Megan Basham’s “Shepherds for Sale” with Bethel McGrew
In this episode of the Theology and Ethics Podcast, The Kirkwood Center interviews Christian author, cultural commentator, and Patheos blogger, Bethel McGrew (Young Fogey) about a recent book: Shepherds for Sale: How Evangelical Leaders Traded Truth for a Leftist Agenda, by journalist Megan Basham. In part #1 of this two-part discussion, we tackle various aspects of Basham’s book, to include responses by her critics and whether or not Basham successfully makes the case that leftist politics has corrupted Evangelical teaching and practice.
(The Center That Holds 10/28/24) READ MORE>>>>>
In this episode of the Theology and Ethics Podcast, The Kirkwood Center interviews Christian author, cultural commentator, and Patheos blogger, Bethel McGrew (Young Fogey) about a recent book: Shepherds for Sale: How Evangelical Leaders Traded Truth for a Leftist Agenda, by journalist Megan Basham. In part #1 of this two-part discussion, we tackle various aspects of Basham’s book, to include responses by her critics and whether or not Basham successfully makes the case that leftist politics has corrupted Evangelical teaching and practice.
(The Center That Holds 10/28/24) READ MORE>>>>>
==lee McIntyre======
Lee Cameron McIntyre (born 1962) is an American author, researcher, and academic. He is a research fellow at the Center for Philosophy and History of Science at Boston University and an instructor in ethics at Harvard Extension School. He has published numerous nonfiction book and articles on the philosophy of the social sciences and attempts to undermine science. In 2023, he became a fellow with the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry.
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Disinformation threatens global elections – here’s how to fight back With over half the world’s population heading to the polls in 2024, disinformation season is upon us — and the warnings are dire. The World Economic Forum declared misinformation a top societal threat over the next two years and major news organisations caution that disinformation poses an unprecedented threat to democracies worldwide. Yet, some scholars and pundits have questioned whether disinformation can really sway election outcomes. Others think concern over disinformation is just a moral panic or merely a symptom rather than the cause of our societal ills. Pollster Nate Silver even thinks that misinformation “isn’t a coherent concept”. (Lee McIntyre/The Conversation 2/15/24) READ MORE>>>>> |
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==alistair mcintosh=============
Alastair McIntosh is a Scottish writer, academic and activist. He was brought up in Leurbost on the Isle of Lewis and is married to Vérène Nicolas. He is involved with Scottish land reform especially on Eigg and campaigned successfully against the Harris superquarry in Lingerbay. He is a fellow of the Centre for Human Ecology, an Honorary Fellow of the Schumacher Society, and helped to set up the Govan based GalGael Trust of which he is Treasurer and a non-executive director. In 2006 he was appointed to the honorary position of Visiting Professor of Human Ecology at the University of Strathclyde (Department of Geography & Sociology) – the first such post in Human ecology in a Scottish university. Alastair also features on Nizlopi's mini album 'Extraordinary' on the track titled 'Homage To Young Men'. He holds a BSc in geography, submajoring in moral philosophy and psychology from the University of Aberdeen (1977), a financial MBA from the University of Edinburgh (1981), and in 2008 the Academy of Irish Cultural Heritages (of which he is a Visiting Fellow) at the University of Ulster approved the award of PhD by Published Work based on Soil and Soul and twelve supporting publications presented with a short linking thesis, 'Some Contributions of Liberation Theology to Community Empowerment in Scottish Land Reform 1991-2003'. Parts of this were published in 2008 as Schumacher Briefing No. 15: 'Rekindling Community: Connecting People, Environment and Spirituality'.
Alistair McIntosh Files
May 2, 2023: Insights:THE INFLUENCE AND IMPACT OF WALTER WINK’S ENGAGING THE POWERS
Scottish activist and Quaker, Alistair McIntosh, writes in Engaging Walter Wink’s Powers – An Activist’s Testimony that one of the most important things that transformed him from teenage agnostic activist was encountering Wink’s works while at a Quaker and Iona Community event at Peace House led by Helen Steven. Wink’s work, she believed, “was of profound importance to activism, and especially nonviolent activism, because it took the understanding of power into realms deeper than she had ever previously encountered in theological writing.” Wink also offered a practical formula for activist application:
1) Name the Powers. . . finding the courage to break silence and simply state the abuse of power.
2) Unmask the Powers . . . revealing the social, economic, psychological, and spiritual dynamics by which they oppress.
3) Engage the Powers—wrestling so as not to destroy them—not to take life—but rather, to call them back to their higher, God-given calling.
This model has continued to be taught by Wink and others since the 1980’s as a life-affirming and proactive way of resisting the Powers in the world. McIntosh uses Engaging the Powers as a text for Spiritual Activism classes at Strathclyde University in Scotland. He also gives a number of practical examples where he utilised the model for successful outcomes including land reforms in Scotland, resisting environmentally damaging mining in Papua New Guinea and Scotland, explaining non-violence to military officers and exposing the destructive nature of cigarette advertising.
Scottish activist and Quaker, Alistair McIntosh, writes in Engaging Walter Wink’s Powers – An Activist’s Testimony that one of the most important things that transformed him from teenage agnostic activist was encountering Wink’s works while at a Quaker and Iona Community event at Peace House led by Helen Steven. Wink’s work, she believed, “was of profound importance to activism, and especially nonviolent activism, because it took the understanding of power into realms deeper than she had ever previously encountered in theological writing.” Wink also offered a practical formula for activist application:
1) Name the Powers. . . finding the courage to break silence and simply state the abuse of power.
2) Unmask the Powers . . . revealing the social, economic, psychological, and spiritual dynamics by which they oppress.
3) Engage the Powers—wrestling so as not to destroy them—not to take life—but rather, to call them back to their higher, God-given calling.
This model has continued to be taught by Wink and others since the 1980’s as a life-affirming and proactive way of resisting the Powers in the world. McIntosh uses Engaging the Powers as a text for Spiritual Activism classes at Strathclyde University in Scotland. He also gives a number of practical examples where he utilised the model for successful outcomes including land reforms in Scotland, resisting environmentally damaging mining in Papua New Guinea and Scotland, explaining non-violence to military officers and exposing the destructive nature of cigarette advertising.
==doug mckelway===============
Doug McKelway is a 40-year news veteran, former Washington, DC correspondent with Fox News and currently anchor/host of TBN's Centerpoint program.TBN, which claims to be the largest global Christian broadcasting network, made a concerted pivot to news broadcasting this past spring when it launched Centerpoint, a weeknight news show headed by ex-Fox News staffers. The half-hour program, which airs at 7:30 p.m, ET, is anchored by veteran Fox News correspondent Doug McKelway, who “retired” in 2020, and produced by Michael Clemente, a former Newsmax CEO who was once right-hand man to Roger Ailes back at Fox News.
June 2, 2023: Media Matters: American theocracy: Trinity Broadcasting Network’s nightly news program is spreading Christian nationalism
Anchor Doug McKelway questioned if God would “allow for revolution” to get the United States “back in order.” McKelway asked his guest, “If we are unable to get our house back in order according to God's tenets, Jesus’ tenets, … is he willing to allow for revolution?” [TBN, Centerpoint, 4/10/23]
Anchor Doug McKelway questioned if God would “allow for revolution” to get the United States “back in order.” McKelway asked his guest, “If we are unable to get our house back in order according to God's tenets, Jesus’ tenets, … is he willing to allow for revolution?” [TBN, Centerpoint, 4/10/23]
==alyce mckenzie================
Dr. Alyce McKenzie is Le Van Professor of Preaching and Worship at Perkins School of Theology and Director of the Perkins Center for Preaching Excellence at SMU.
Alyce McKenzie
Ways Preaching and Stand-up Comedy are Not (necessarily) Alike
Their Purpose
I can’t speak with authority about what stand-up comedians view as the purpose of their craft since I’m not one. I’ve experienced their work as an audience member and can speak to the various impacts it has had on me. It can make me laugh at myself or picture a ridiculous situation that is uniquely familiar. It can help me escape for a few moments, from an overriding anxiety. It can make me uncomfortable with certain attitudes and life patterns, as, for example, when a comedian did a bit on how his owning an Infinity instead of a Ford Focus contributed to thousands of hunger related deaths a year. It was only funny in a “this is dark and too true to be funny, but I’ll laugh nervously along with everyone else: “heh, heh, heh,” sort of way. Comedy can make me laugh without wondering about its purpose. I’m guessing the question “What is the purpose of my comedy?” is not always foremost in a comic’s mind. But I could be wrong about that.
I do know as a preacher that the question “What is the purpose of my comedy? does have to be a primary consideration. Lots of things make people laugh that are not the gospel, that undermine the gospel. The preacher activates the same knack for noticing and hyperbolizing that the comic does, but for the purpose of pointing up the human condition’s habitual tendencies and patterns in the context of God’s creative, forgiving grace. Throwing in humor to mask weak biblical work or sloppy theology is a cop out. It’s an insult to the genre of comedy as well as that of preaching.
The Source of the Speaker’s Confidence
Humor is a gift; it can be a means of grace; it has healing properties. I consider the ability to see the humor in life and convey it to others is a talent that can be used to build up the Body of Christ when it is used in a loving way. This perspective comes out of my recent work with 1 Corinthians in which Paul tells us there are many gifts but one Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:27-31) The spiritual gifts include teaching, knowledge, interpreting the present in light of God’s will, leadership, and healing (both physical and emotional/spiritual). The spiritual gifts are the road, our talents are our car and Love is the destination. --Dr. Alyce McKenzie; Perkins Center for Teaching Excellence; The Preacher as Last Comic Standing; 3.11.18
Their Purpose
I can’t speak with authority about what stand-up comedians view as the purpose of their craft since I’m not one. I’ve experienced their work as an audience member and can speak to the various impacts it has had on me. It can make me laugh at myself or picture a ridiculous situation that is uniquely familiar. It can help me escape for a few moments, from an overriding anxiety. It can make me uncomfortable with certain attitudes and life patterns, as, for example, when a comedian did a bit on how his owning an Infinity instead of a Ford Focus contributed to thousands of hunger related deaths a year. It was only funny in a “this is dark and too true to be funny, but I’ll laugh nervously along with everyone else: “heh, heh, heh,” sort of way. Comedy can make me laugh without wondering about its purpose. I’m guessing the question “What is the purpose of my comedy?” is not always foremost in a comic’s mind. But I could be wrong about that.
I do know as a preacher that the question “What is the purpose of my comedy? does have to be a primary consideration. Lots of things make people laugh that are not the gospel, that undermine the gospel. The preacher activates the same knack for noticing and hyperbolizing that the comic does, but for the purpose of pointing up the human condition’s habitual tendencies and patterns in the context of God’s creative, forgiving grace. Throwing in humor to mask weak biblical work or sloppy theology is a cop out. It’s an insult to the genre of comedy as well as that of preaching.
The Source of the Speaker’s Confidence
Humor is a gift; it can be a means of grace; it has healing properties. I consider the ability to see the humor in life and convey it to others is a talent that can be used to build up the Body of Christ when it is used in a loving way. This perspective comes out of my recent work with 1 Corinthians in which Paul tells us there are many gifts but one Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:27-31) The spiritual gifts include teaching, knowledge, interpreting the present in light of God’s will, leadership, and healing (both physical and emotional/spiritual). The spiritual gifts are the road, our talents are our car and Love is the destination. --Dr. Alyce McKenzie; Perkins Center for Teaching Excellence; The Preacher as Last Comic Standing; 3.11.18
==dwight mckissic======
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'Threat to democracy' or media phantom? Christian nationalism debate takes violent turn The Rev. Dwight McKissic, a Baptist pastor from Texas who spoke on the Evangelicals for Harris call, said he saw no “moral superiority of one party over the other,” citing the GOP’s decision to “abandon a commitment to ban abortion with a constitutional amendment” and to soften its stance against same-sex marriage in its party platform. Though he has historically voted Republican, McKissic said he would vote for Harris, whom he said has stronger character and qualifications. (Seattle Times 9/19/24) READ MORE>>>>> 10 Evangelical reactions to Trump's guilty verdict: 'A very sad day' Dwight McKissic, the senior pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas, shared his thoughts about the verdict on X Thursday. “I’m baffled as to the factual basis as to why white evangelicalism feels like an injustice occurred today,” he remarked. McKissic cited the reaction to the verdict as the latest example of how “there are two Americas, and two churches.” He pondered whether the “disappointment & disapproval of today’s verdict” was based on white Evangelicals’ “belief that DJT didn’t have sex with SD,” if it was “based on a belief that DJT didn’t pay $130,000 to cover up his affair so as not to hurst his election chances” or “based on not believing DJT’s own recorded words admitting to as such.” (Christian Post 6/22/23) READ MORE>>>>> |
October 23, 2024: McKissic Tweeted: If while John MaCarthur is preaching at his church this coming Sunday, and if I walked in, and walked through the aisles shouting “Jesus is Lord”, again while MaCarthur was preaching, the security team there, with MaCarthur’s approval, & no doubt instructions & directions would escort me out. MaCarthur would publicly rebuke my inappropriate, rebellious, and ungodly behavior for my disorderly, disobedient, disrespectful, & counter culture conduct. Kamala Harris was speaking, not preaching. Nevertheless, it would be equally as disrespectful, inappropriate, disobedient, and rebellious to disrupt a speech, using Jesus’s name in a hostile manner in that context. Really sad to see MaCarthur endorse this behavior, one he wouldn’t endorse at his own church. Because of hatred and political differences with VP Kamala Harris, the evangelicals are being shortsighted endorsing this rogue behavior for political gain. This could have a boomerang effect, and the evangelicals have already sanctioned it. This is a dark, disgraceful, & disappointing season in American evangelicalism and politics. |
==vashti mckenzie======
Vashti Murphy McKenzie (born May 28, 1947) is the interim president and general secretary of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA. She is also a retired bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and author of six books. In 2000, McKenzie became the first woman to be elected as bishop in the denomination's history. She later served as President of the Council of Bishops, becoming the first woman to serve as Titular head of the AME Church.
NCNW Holds Signature Uncommon Height Gala at Gaylord Hotel
The 18th Biennial Uncommon Height Awards Gala sponsored by the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) on Dec. 8 at the Gaylord National Harbor Resort in Oxon Hill, Maryland, proved to be an event to honor groundbreaking women, such as Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, and empower guests for the future. “This has to be one of the most inspiring and uplifting events that I have ever been to,” said Kaersten Deeds, a 40-year-old resident of Silver Spring, Maryland. “I don’t think I have ever been in a room full of well-dressed people who hold powerful positions and make such an impact on society. These folks are making a difference. And I really liked that they gave an award to Bishop McKenzie. She is deserving of that.”
(Washington Informer 12/13/23) READ MORE>>>>>
The 18th Biennial Uncommon Height Awards Gala sponsored by the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) on Dec. 8 at the Gaylord National Harbor Resort in Oxon Hill, Maryland, proved to be an event to honor groundbreaking women, such as Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, and empower guests for the future. “This has to be one of the most inspiring and uplifting events that I have ever been to,” said Kaersten Deeds, a 40-year-old resident of Silver Spring, Maryland. “I don’t think I have ever been in a room full of well-dressed people who hold powerful positions and make such an impact on society. These folks are making a difference. And I really liked that they gave an award to Bishop McKenzie. She is deserving of that.”
(Washington Informer 12/13/23) READ MORE>>>>>
May 4, 2023: Word & Way: Faith Leaders Ask Biden to Mark Mother’s Day With Prayer Day Against Gun Violence
Signatories on the letter include the Rev. Jesse Jackson of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, Bishop Vashti McKenzie of the National Council of Churches, Rabbi Jill Jacobs of T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, Shane Claiborne of Red Letter Christians and the Rev. Liz Theoharis of Kairos Center for Religions, Rights, and Social Justice.
Signatories on the letter include the Rev. Jesse Jackson of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, Bishop Vashti McKenzie of the National Council of Churches, Rabbi Jill Jacobs of T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, Shane Claiborne of Red Letter Christians and the Rev. Liz Theoharis of Kairos Center for Religions, Rights, and Social Justice.
==brian mcLaren======
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Jan 12, 2023: Texas Observer: A QUESTION WITH NO EASY ANSWERS
Brian McLaren's book "Do I Stay Christian?" challenges the faithful to examine the harm caused by modern religion. |
Although he was raised as an evangelical Christian, he later embraced a more inclusive kind of Christianity. In 1982, he co-founded Cedar Ridge Community Church, a nondenominational faith community, with others who shared his desire to welcome spiritual seekers of all kinds. The church’s vision statement invites people to “imagine a community … where everyone is accepted and respected and their journey cherished, regardless of their background, beliefs, or place in society.” McLaren served as its pastor for 24 years before becoming a full-time author, speaker, and teacher. |
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May 1, 2014: Tim Challies: Challies.com: The False Teachers: Brian McLaren
A few months ago I set out on a series of articles through which I am scanning the history of the church—from its earliest days all the way to the present time—to examine some of Christianity’s most notable false teachers and to examine the false doctrine each of them represents. Along the way we have visited such figures as Joseph Smith (Mormonism), Ellen G. White (Adventism), Norman Vincent Peale (Positive Thinking), and Benny Hinn (Faith Healing). Today we turn to a man who helped lead the Emerging Church and who was once named by TIME as one of the 25 Most Influential Evangelicals in America. |
In A New Kind of Christianity he insists that Christians have long been reading the Bible through the distorted lens of a Greco-Roman narrative. This narrative produced many false dualisms, an air of superiority, and a false distinction between those who were “in” and those who were “out.” These three marks of false narrative have so impacted our faith that we can hardly see past them. His book attempts to do that, and to reconstruct the Christian faith as it is meant to be. Leading the way is his view of the Bible. He does not see the Bible as God’s inspired, inerrant, infallible, authoritative Word. He displays this, for example, in his interpretation of the account of Noah by saying, “a god who mandates an intentional supernatural disaster leading to unparalleled genocide is hardly worthy of belief, much less worship” (A New Kind of Christianity). 5.1.14 |
==rebecca laughlin==============
Rebecca McLaughlin holds a PhD in renaissance literature from Cambridge University and a theology degree from Oak Hill College in London. She is cofounder of Vocable Communications and former vice president of content at the Veritas Forum, where she spent almost a decade working with Christian academics at leading secular universities. She's the author of several books including Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest Religion, and Is Christmas Unbelievable?
The Luis Palau Association and Gloo Launch a Free, First-of-its-Kind Evangelism Master Class to Christ Followers Across the U.S.
These key leaders include Christine Caine, Mark Mittelberg, Lisa Fields, Tyler Staton, Andrew and Wendy Palau, Rebecca McLaughlin, and many more. Within each episode, a keynote speaker leads the way in addressing common cultural barriers to evangelism and reveals the opportunities God has given us within those same challenges. Then, Ed and Kevin host rubber-meets-the-road conversations with vocational ministry leaders to better understand how Gospel sharing plays out in everyday life. As each episode draws to a close, viewers receive a practical challenge to engage culture in their own lives.
(Missions Box 10/19/23) READ MORE>>>>>
These key leaders include Christine Caine, Mark Mittelberg, Lisa Fields, Tyler Staton, Andrew and Wendy Palau, Rebecca McLaughlin, and many more. Within each episode, a keynote speaker leads the way in addressing common cultural barriers to evangelism and reveals the opportunities God has given us within those same challenges. Then, Ed and Kevin host rubber-meets-the-road conversations with vocational ministry leaders to better understand how Gospel sharing plays out in everyday life. As each episode draws to a close, viewers receive a practical challenge to engage culture in their own lives.
(Missions Box 10/19/23) READ MORE>>>>>
==Willie McLaurin===============
Aug 18, 2023: The Alabama Baptist: Deal with the Problems of the Self by the Cross through the Exercise of our Spirit
When Alabama’s Neal Hughes was elected chair of the second presidential search team for the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee on June 1, he consistently stated a commitment to “due diligence” in the process.
That commitment allowed a potentially scandalous situation related to Willie McLaurin to be handled prior to a nomination, vote and likely election as the next SBC EC president.
McLaurin, considered the recent frontrunner in the presidential search, resigned from his role as interim president and CEO on Aug. 17, effective immediately.
Effective Aug. 18, Jonathan Howe, EC vice president for communications, stepped into the role temporarily.
McLaurin’s resignation came in response to the search committee’s discovery of falsified academic credentials on his current resumé.
When Alabama’s Neal Hughes was elected chair of the second presidential search team for the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee on June 1, he consistently stated a commitment to “due diligence” in the process.
That commitment allowed a potentially scandalous situation related to Willie McLaurin to be handled prior to a nomination, vote and likely election as the next SBC EC president.
McLaurin, considered the recent frontrunner in the presidential search, resigned from his role as interim president and CEO on Aug. 17, effective immediately.
Effective Aug. 18, Jonathan Howe, EC vice president for communications, stepped into the role temporarily.
McLaurin’s resignation came in response to the search committee’s discovery of falsified academic credentials on his current resumé.
May 19, 2023: Only Sky: The Southern Baptist Convention had its worst EVER membership drop in 2022
Interestingly, this letter is not signed by any Executive Committee members—except for Willie McLaurin, its Interim President. Since the list is arranged alphabetically, he appears near the end. Drowning out his name, we see various other big-name Southern Baptist officers: seminary presidents, missionary organization presidents, the president of their financial planning group, leaders of important groups like Lifeway, and even the president of the Southern Baptist Convention himself, Bart Barber.
Interestingly, this letter is not signed by any Executive Committee members—except for Willie McLaurin, its Interim President. Since the list is arranged alphabetically, he appears near the end. Drowning out his name, we see various other big-name Southern Baptist officers: seminary presidents, missionary organization presidents, the president of their financial planning group, leaders of important groups like Lifeway, and even the president of the Southern Baptist Convention himself, Bart Barber.
==C Matthew McMahon=======
C Matthew McMahan
“The Bible is Complete. By the completeness of the Bible is meant that it contains all the extant revelations of God designed to be a rule of faith and practice to the Church. Nothing can rightfully be imposed on the consciences of men as truth or duty which is not taught directly or by necessary implication in the Holy Scriptures. If Christians are to stand fast in the liberty in which Christ made them free, they must adhere to the principle that in matters of religion and morals the Scriptures alone have authority to bind the conscience.”
― C. Matthew McMahon, Systematic Theology Made Easy
― C. Matthew McMahon, Systematic Theology Made Easy
==Cindi McMenamin======
Cindi McMenamin is a national speaker, Bible teacher, and award-winning writer who helps women and couples strengthen their relationship with God and others. She is also a mother, pastor’s wife, and author of 17 books, including When Women Walk Alone (more than 150,000 copies sold), When God Sees Your Tears, When a Woman Overcomes Life’s Hurts, and When Couples Walk Together:31 Days to a Closer Connection, which she co-authored with her husband of over 35 years.
Cindi McMenamin
Israel’s King David—known for his intimacy with God as expressed through many of the Psalms he wrote—experienced a season of sin in which he committed adultery and then murder to cover up his sin. It’s possible it was a full year or more from the time he first lusted after Bathsheba (a woman who was married to one of David’s “Mighty Men” referenced in 2 Samuel 23:8, 2 Samuel 23:39), to the day he was confronted by a prophet of God for taking another man’s wife and killing that man to cover up his sin (2 Samuel 12:1-9).
Upon realizing the extent to which he had betrayed his God, David penned Psalm 51. It’s a heartfelt prayer, begging for God’s mercy, cleansing, and restoration. In Psalm 51:10-12, David prayed: Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a wiling spirit. (ESV) According to Bible scholars, when David prayed “Create in me a clean heart” he used the same Hebrew verb that is used in Genesis 1:1 for the creation of the world, emphasizing that the kind of radical cleansing he needed could only come from God. David apparently knew the redirection of his desires and thoughts could only come about through the intervention of God, as well. --Cindi McMenamin; Crosswalk; What Does it Mean to Ask God to ‘Create in Me a Clean Heart?’ 1.7.20
Upon realizing the extent to which he had betrayed his God, David penned Psalm 51. It’s a heartfelt prayer, begging for God’s mercy, cleansing, and restoration. In Psalm 51:10-12, David prayed: Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a wiling spirit. (ESV) According to Bible scholars, when David prayed “Create in me a clean heart” he used the same Hebrew verb that is used in Genesis 1:1 for the creation of the world, emphasizing that the kind of radical cleansing he needed could only come from God. David apparently knew the redirection of his desires and thoughts could only come about through the intervention of God, as well. --Cindi McMenamin; Crosswalk; What Does it Mean to Ask God to ‘Create in Me a Clean Heart?’ 1.7.20
==randy mcpheron======
2023 REWIND: Ky. Baptists remained faithful to the Bible, made disciples, baptized believers
More than one thousand messengers and guests gathered for the Kentucky Baptist Convention Annual Meeting at Somerset First Baptist Church in November. Messengers elected Associational Mission Strategist and evangelist Randy McPheron as KBC president, Dripping Springs Baptist Church Pastor Jeff Noffsinger as First Vice President and First Baptist Taylorsville Pastor Chance McConnell and Second Vice President.
(Mark Maynard/Kentucky Today 1/4/24)
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More than one thousand messengers and guests gathered for the Kentucky Baptist Convention Annual Meeting at Somerset First Baptist Church in November. Messengers elected Associational Mission Strategist and evangelist Randy McPheron as KBC president, Dripping Springs Baptist Church Pastor Jeff Noffsinger as First Vice President and First Baptist Taylorsville Pastor Chance McConnell and Second Vice President.
(Mark Maynard/Kentucky Today 1/4/24)
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June 4, 2023: Kentucky Today: Randy McPheron to be nominated as next KBC president
Randy McPheron, an associational mission strategist who also serves as an itinerant evangelist and has pastored for 25 years, will be nominated as the next president of the Kentucky Baptist Convention.
Randy McPheron, an associational mission strategist who also serves as an itinerant evangelist and has pastored for 25 years, will be nominated as the next president of the Kentucky Baptist Convention.
