For generations, many people have grown up hearing the word holiness as part of their Christian identification. In some churches, like the Free Methodist Church, that designation seemed at times to eclipse the very calling to be Christ followers. During a big part of the 20th century, it became nearly synonymous with behavioral expectations. We were…

In the changing landscape of American culture, the reality of pluralism confronts Christians and the Church requiring new and adjusted patterns of living our faith. The idea that Judeo-Christian principles will be understood much less accepted de facto is history. In its place varying worldviews, presuppositions, and beliefs about the Divine and humanity are vying…

(Dictionary of Christian Spirituality. Glen Scorgie, General Editor. Zondervan. 2011.) The holiness movement describes a spiritual current within the 19th and early 20th century church emphasizing the work of the Holy Spirit in the experience of sanctification as well as social engagement. Attaining heart purity and the filling of the Holy Spirit were prominent themes within the…

Developed by the Wesleyan Holiness Connection God is love. In walking with God, we seek to love God and our neighbor. Such love compels us in engaging this conversation. It is a journey of discovery for all Christians living out an identity of humble integrity and loving purpose after the mind of Christ. We seek…

Reprinted from the National Council of Churches website. As we celebrate the 2000th anniversary of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, entering the third millennium, we pledge together to honor the Lord by committing ourselves afresh to God’s first institution-marriage.  We believe that marriage is a holy union of one man and one woman…

In Trust Magazine Theological Education has for millennia played a leading role in shaping the Church.  It has, through various eras and methods, served to inform the mind of leaders, guide the behavior of ministry, and ultimately shape the nature and direction of the Church.  The precise nature of its role has varied from time to…

Evangelical Christians are people who are on “the way” in following Jesus Christ while rooted firmly in the authority of God’s Word – the Scriptures.  While we take value from reason, experience and tradition, all are submitted to the authority of Scripture wherein we find the Absolute God.   When considered in light of the Absolute…

Recently a young man sat in my office enthusiastically telling me of God calling him to a new level of ministry in a well-known evangelical denomination.  In summarizing his new sense of motivation he recalled his formative journey:  “I was raised to know well what I was against, but really never knew what I was…

Have you ever taken careful note of jigsaw puzzle pieces before they are put together?  Each is unique.  Each has a place.  Each requires the others to find completeness. The Christian community these days is discovering new horizons of identity and maturity as the people of God.  Maybe it has to do with the passing of…

For centuries we have relied on the charitable efforts of churches to positively influence not just our culture, but each of our communities in practical ways.  It was once accepted by all that the presence of a church  raised education, lowered crime, increased community spirit, and decreased hostility.  The church in the community was the…