Issues in the Church and Christian Ministry

These resources are offered as a ministry of CRI/Voice, Institute with no access charge or subscription fees. How You Can Help . . .

Satan: Context in Biblical Interpretation and Ministry

An examination of some facts about the use of satan in the Old testament, reflections about cultural context, concluding with observations about the relationship of cultural context and ministry.

Woman's Right to Preach the Gospel

A classic article by Catherine Booth, cofounder of the Salvation Army, defending the right and responsibility of women to be involved in ministry in the church.

Women's Speaking Justified, Proved, and Allowed by the Scriptures

An article by Margaret Fell Fox, co-founder of the Society of Friends (Quakers), defending the right and responsibility of women to speak and teach in the Church. Edited into modern English.

Women and the Call of God

Reflections from a woman minister on the calling of God to women and the biblical basis for women in ministry.

Neo-fundamentalism: An Essay on Being Who We Are

An essay on the influence of basically Calvinistic fundamentalist and neo-fundamentalist agendas in Wesleyan churches, using the example of Focus on the Family's attack on the TNIV gender inclusive Bible translation; includes a brief definition of neo-fundamentalism.

Change and Conservatism

A short essay on the tensions in the Church between conservatism and traditionalists and those who see the need for change.

God Is Dead: False Images of God

Some people have a false view of God as vindictive and judgmental, when in fact God is presented in the Bible as gracious, loving, and forgiving.

The Jonah Syndrome: Reflections on Attitudes in the Modern Church

A short article reflecting on the tendency toward attitudes of negativity and defeatism that prevail in some segments of the church, and the effect of those attitudes on ministry and vision.

A World Parish and a Catholic Spirit: Brotherhood and Evangelism

A reflective essay on the problem of dissension and conflict within Christianity, and the solution of a global vision of the church and a spirit of brotherhood enabled by grace.

A Friend: A Reflection on Grief and Ministry

An essay drawn from experience reflecting on grief and the cost of war from the perspective of ministry in the church.

My God! My God! September 11, 2001

Lament and September 11; responding to evil and loss.

Nurturing the Call into Ministry: An Educator's Reflection

Reflections on an educator's task and responsibility in preparing ministers for their vocation in the church, based on the call narrative of Jeremiah (1:4-10)

Divine-Human Synergism in Ministry

A paper given at the Second Breckenridge Conference on Clergy Preparation, dealing with the mission of the Church and implications for ministry and education in the church. Note: If printed, this will take 25-30 pages.

The Triumph of Arminianism (and its dangers)

Comparison of the basic perspectives of Arminianism and classic Calvinism, concluding that most modern-day churches that cling to Calvinism in doctrine are actually Arminian-Wesleyan in practice, as well as noting the need for balance between the extremes of either position.

The Third Generation: Nehemiah and the Question of Identity

A reflective article addressing the tendency of religious traditions to drift from their original purpose and vision as they move further away from their origins; based on Nehemiah 13, in which the crisis of identity and survival facing the post exilic community became the stimulus for some rather strong action by Nehemiah.

Renewing the Pioneer Spirit, M. V. (Bud) Scutt

A theological foundation from the Wesleyan tradition for the evangelistic mission of the Church. Dr. M. V. Scutt served as the District Superintendent, Southwest Indiana District Church of the Nazarene, until his retirement in 1999. This is his 1995 Annual Report to the District Assembly.

Prophets Today?

A reflective essay on the role of Israel's prophets, and what role a prophetic voice might play in the church today.

Faith and Identity: A Reformation Meditation

An essay on the Protestant Principle of "Faith Alone" traced through Habakkuk, Paul, Martin Luther, and John Wesley, concluding that genuine Faith is faithfulness in commitment to God despite circumstances and religious ideas about God.

The Image of God and Sexuality

Brief thoughts on Purity Balls and Integrity Balls and what they imply about gender relationships, suggesting a more biblical approach.

These resources are offered as a ministry of CRI/Voice, Institute with no access charge or subscription fees. (See Copyright and User Information Notice). If you find these resources useful in your personal Faith journey or ministry, we only ask that as you use the material you assist us by a contribution or monthly donation to enable us to continue making them available. (See How You Can Help!).