Deep and Wide: A book review by Gary Gilley

BOOK REVIEW: Deep and Wide, by Andy Stanley (reviewed by Gary Gilley) Initial comments below by Dave James, followed by the full book review by Gary Gilley: Only occasionally one runs across an article that could be considered a “must-read”—and even less frequently, a book review that would fall into the same category. However, this particular book review by Gary Gilley really is a must-read because it deals with an issue that is broadly affecting the church in America. It is concise, insightful, relevant—and important to the on-going discussion of what it means to “do church” in a way that is

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Pope Francis: History’s Final Pope?

Note: portions of this article have been edited to more accurately reflect portions of Petrus Romanus in response to comments by one of the authors, Cris Putnam concerning the original version of the article. “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” (2 Timothy

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Where Should We Meet?

A Theological and Historical Response to the Contemporary Home Church Movement By Paul Barreca Pastor, Faith Bible Church, Vineland, NJ ABI Co-founder A recent Associate Press article highlighted a trend among Christians to leave their churches and worship at home instead. (1) Sometimes called Organic Church, Missional Church or House Church, this movement appeals to many who have grown dissatisfied with the corporate and impersonal nature of many American churches. Propelled by books such as Pagan Christianity (Frank Viola and George Barna), Life After Church (Brian Sanders) and They Like Jesus but Not the Church (Dan Kimball), some Christians urge

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“Pub Theology 000” by Pastor Larry DeBruyn

Larry DeBruyn, the guest writer of this ABI blog post, received his Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1974 and has been the Pastor of Franklin Road Baptist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana for many years. Pastor DeBruyn has published two books; regularly writes articles as a guest contributor on several websites; is a conference speaker; and has taught internationally including at the Word of Life Bible School in Hungary. _____________________________ “Some thoughts on Sunday night church in a bar.” As he begins to rip into “a screaming guitar solo,” the band member yells out at the audience, “Let’s go to

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Church – For People Who *Do* Like Church

(This article is available in downloadable and printable PDF, 2-column article format: Click here to download) The following are examples of some slogans that are currently in use by churches in America (as reported on www.poetpatriot.com): “Real church…Real People” “The Church of Tomorrow…Today!” “Equipping People for Life” “The Small Church with a Big Dream” “The Fortified City” “A Church Where Miracles Happen” However, there is one slogan in particular that has gained broad usage in recent years: “A Church for People Who Don’t Like Church” Although I understand what is meant and why it is used, something about this slogan

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