jodiemcneill.com » Theology

Shooting myself in the foot

Jodie — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 19:53:58 +0000

It’s probably not a smart idea to talk about the sometimes sensitive relationship between churches and ‘parachurch’ organisations.

In fact, to do so might lead me to shoot myself in the foot, given that I work for such an organisation.

However, in a ‘courageous’ move (potentially in the tradition of ‘Yes Minister’), I boldly step where wise angels wouldn’t dare tread.

In my latest column at sydneyanglicans.net read about why I think it’s better to call our ‘parachurches’ by the name ‘hupochurch’.

I just hope I got my Greek right, or I’ll look like a real idiot.

Follow the link, have a read, and leave your thoughts in the comments section.

Sacred spaces still matter

Jodie — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 05:56:02 +0000

Visiting three McNeill Sacred Spaces reminded me of the significance of buildings to the Christian life.

Read my thoughts and reflections in my weekly blog at sydneyanglicans.net.

KPI’s and beating ministry blues

Jodie — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 05:51:53 +0000

In Patrick Lencioni’s book ‘The Three Signs of a Miserable Job’ he states that the inability to measure results is one of the three key causes of job dissatisfaction. The problem for ministers is that most of the important results of our ministry are immeasurable.

Read my thoughts and readers’ comments in my weekly blog at sydneyanglicans.net.

Tall Poppy Christianity

Jodie — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 05:47:24 +0000

When a person speaks about his or her success in ministry, the response from others is often lukewarm. Perhaps it’s a Christian version of the so-called ‘Tall Poppy Syndrome’, in which Aussies habitually cut down high achievers to the median level of mediocrity. But is this a Christian response?

Read my answer in my article at sydneyanglicans.net.

Is ‘Word’ the right word?

Jodie — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 05:38:34 +0000

Have you ever been involved in creating a mission or purpose statement for a Christian group? If you have, then you will know the challenge in trying to generate a sentiment that is broad enough to include every possible activity of the organisation, and yet narrow enough to help define the core passion.

Read my conclusions in my article at sydneyanglicans.net.

A ‘Naked Church’ is best

Jodie — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 05:37:06 +0000

As a result of market-driven ministry models, many churches have tried to work out how to make church more tasty (i.e. entertaining).

Read my thoughts in my article at sydneyanglicans.net.

Divine Plagiarism

Jodie — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 05:35:02 +0000

How often have you heard the saying “Preach the gospel always, and if necessary use words”? This oft-repeated quote from St Francis of Assisi is often bandied around as a reminder that our actions speak louder than words. Yet, this motivation to live good lives can easily turn into an excuse not to speak at all.

Read my full thoughts in my article at sydneyanglicans.net.

Ministry Minus the Megaphone

Jodie — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 11:20:52 +0000

It is difficult to argue with C. S. Lewis’ famous sentiment that “pain is God’s megaphone to rouse a deaf world”. But what do you do when your nation is characterized by health and prosperity? How can God’s message be heard above the deafening sound of materialism?

Read the answer in the full article at your.sydneyanglicans.net.

The Problem of Evangel Immunisation

Jodie — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 11:18:30 +0000

Immunisation is great when the disease is life-threatening. But immunisation can be an issue when the foreign object is life-saving. This kind of problem can occur when we give people a tiny taste of the gospel without a full exposure to the implications or fruit of the message. If we are not careful, we can lead people to end up hardened against Jesus, not softened to his promises.

Read the full article at your.sydneyanglicans.net.

The power of the song

Jodie — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 09:48:12 +0000

It is remarkable to reflect on the way in which God chose to create his universe. Everywhere we turn there is evidence of his lavish love and creativity; the boldness of a sunset… the beauty of a tulip… the brightness of the sun.

One particular area in which we see his creativity is in music. Music has the power to move people in a way that words fail to achieve. It can lift us to new heights, and take us on a journey to places unexpected.

At the 2004 TWIST Music Conference, Mike Raiter spoke of the power of the song. In referring to the wonderful Colin Buchanan concert the night before, he said that because of his gift of music, Colin could have taken our crowd anywhere. “But”, he observed, “aren’t we thankful that he took us to God!”

We know the power of music. We use it every week to proclaim God’s praises. Yet, we want to make sure we use this powerful tool to achieve the best possible outcomes.

That’s why it’s important our musicians are well trained. That’s why the TWIST Music Conference is such an important event for our musicians.

Registrations close Monday night, and the conference begins the Saturday after. Don’t miss out on stimulating teaching from Mike Raiter, terrific congregational music from some of Australia’s most gifted musos, and invaluable hands-on training in many great workshops.

Full details at www.twist.org.au. Don’t miss out!