by John Ellis History tells me to tread lightly here. But I’m going to ignore history and put on my adult-sized stomping boots. So, if you ask me what I think of women’s and men’s ministries, I’ll say, “I don’t like them and believe they do not belong in the church.” Often – not always … Continue reading Women’s and Men’s Ministries in Churches are Problematic
Tag: church
Wanting An Audience Is (Can Be) God Honoring
by John Ellis I recently finished rereading Elmer Gantry by Sinclair Lewis, who is one of my favorite authors. The book, a satirical take on Christian fundamentalism in America, earned book bans and burnings across the country as well as threats of violence towards its author. However, being a powerful and incisively cutting, if flawed, … Continue reading Wanting An Audience Is (Can Be) God Honoring
The Idol of Unity Is Undermining the Evangelical Witness
by John Ellis I speak from experience. As a pastor, I elevated unity above honesty, courage, and integrity. Because therein lies the path of least resistance. For a brief time, I was a pastor in a reformed-ish Southern Baptist affiliated church. And I’ve observed in other pastors what I’m about to write. What’s more, pastor … Continue reading The Idol of Unity Is Undermining the Evangelical Witness
A Godless Fundamentalist
by John Ellis To help make it easier to read, I've posted links to each chapter in the story of how I went from being an atheist to a Christian. You can find those links below. Clicking the link will open a new tab to the corresponding chapter. This should be much easier than having … Continue reading A Godless Fundamentalist
A Godless Fundamentalist: Chapter 18 “Saved by Grace”
(The previous chapters can be found by clicking on A Godless Fundamentalist under Topics on the right hand side of this page. To receive email notifications whenever subsequent chapters are published, hit the follow button.) by John Ellis Minus a rudely interrupted nap under a tree at a rest area in Nebraska, a couple hours … Continue reading A Godless Fundamentalist: Chapter 18 “Saved by Grace”
A Godless Fundamentalist: Chapter 9 “The Fool’s Gold of Freedom”
by John Ellis In hindsight, God’s refusal to let me have my way is somewhat humorous, not to mention, and more importantly, a tremendous blessing. Granted, I didn’t see it that way at the time. Living with constantly having my plans thwarted and my path redirected was increasingly frustrating. However, that frustration was in the … Continue reading A Godless Fundamentalist: Chapter 9 “The Fool’s Gold of Freedom”
The Gospel and Poverty
“Blessed is the one who considers the poor.” Psalm 41:1 by John Ellis In 2011, successful Wall Street bond trader Chris Arnade walked into one of the Bronx’s worst neighborhoods. Prior to his foray into America’s world of poverty, Arnade was warned that “it was too dangerous, too poor.”[1] He didn’t care and went anyway. … Continue reading The Gospel and Poverty
Public Speaking and the Pulpit
by John Ellis At the beginning of my acting career I was embarrassed to have Bob Jones University plastered on my resume. I was afraid that I would be labeled a Christian or, worse, a fundamentalist Christian at that. Needless to say, the world of theatre and the world of conservative Christianity are often at … Continue reading Public Speaking and the Pulpit
Does Divorce and Remarriage Disqualify a Man From Being a Pastor?
by John Ellis As someone who is divorced, remarried, and who has served as a pastor, this question is not abstract for me. Years ago when I was first approached about the possibility of serving as a pastor, I initially balked because of my divorce and remarriage. In fact, I resisted becoming a pastor for … Continue reading Does Divorce and Remarriage Disqualify a Man From Being a Pastor?
Theology from My Back Patio
by John Ellis Theology shouldn't be reserved for the professionals. But it is. An argument can be made from history that, unfortunately, this sad reality has been the norm throughout much of the history of the Church. Today, as 2019 comes to a close, it doesn't appear to be any less the unfortunate reality than … Continue reading Theology from My Back Patio
Practically Known Theology 