Category Archives: Church History

Is the “Dark Night” of Christianity in the West Inevitable?

Posted on May 23, 2013 by John Armstrong

Are we living in a “dark night” for Christianity in the West? The church, and culture shaping Christian influences, have both been losing ground since the late 1950s. The only people who seem unaware of this are Christians of my … Continue reading →

Posted in ACT 3, Church History, Culture, Current Affairs, Missional Church, Missional-Ecumenism, Renewal, The Church, The Future | 1 Comment

Mary in Ecumenical Perspective

Posted on April 18, 2013 by John Armstrong

I mentioned yesterday that I attended two seminars at the National Workshop on Christian Unity (NWCU) in Columbus, April 8–11. The second was titled: “Mary in Ecumenical Perspective.” It was taught by one of the leading liturgical scholars in North … Continue reading →

Posted in American Evangelicalism, Church History, Church Tradition, Creeds, Liturgy, Missional-Ecumenism, Orthodoxy, Patristics, Protestantism, Roman Catholicism, The Church, The Future, Unity of the Church | 14 Comments

Two Unique Opportunities to Consider the Question of Unity & the Gospel

Posted on April 5, 2013 by John Armstrong

On Tuesday, April 30, ACT3 Network will host a Leaders Luncheon beginning at 11:45 a.m. The meeting will end at 1:30 p.m. This event will be at Alberto’s Restuarant at the Holiday Inn in Carol Stream, Illinois. The topic is: “Calvin … Continue reading →

Posted in ACT 3, Church History, Church Tradition, Faith, Gospel/Good News, Missional-Ecumenism, Roman Catholicism, The Church, Unity of the Church | 3 Comments

The Lausanne Catholic-Evangelical Conversation on Unity in Mission

Posted on March 29, 2013 by John Armstrong

Over the course of the last two weeks I’ve written about the new pope. I have tried to explain why I, an evangelical Protestant minister and mission director, find this new world leader so encouraging for the cause of global … Continue reading →

Posted in ACT 3, American Evangelicalism, Church History, Current Affairs, Evangelism, Missional Church, Missional-Ecumenism, Roman Catholicism, The Church, The Future, Uncategorized, Unity of the Church | 3 Comments

A Pentecostal Ecumenist Reflects on the New Pope and His Installation (2)

Posted on March 28, 2013 by John Armstrong

Papal Audience with Ecumenical and Interreligious Representatives March 20, 2013 Last evening, we were informed that Pope Francis I needed to postpone our audience with him by one hour.  Thus, following a leisurely breakfast at our hotel, which we shared … Continue reading →

Posted in America and Americanism, Church History, Church Tradition, Current Affairs, Evangelism, Missional-Ecumenism, Roman Catholicism, The Church, The Future, Uncategorized, Unity of the Church | 2 Comments

A Pentecostal Ecumenist Reflects on the New Pope and His Installation (1)

Posted on March 27, 2013 by John Armstrong

My Friend Mel Robeck: Pentecostal Ecumenist Dr. Cecil M. (Mel) Robeck, Jr. is professor of church history and ecumenics and the director of the David J. DuPlessis Center for Christian Spirituality at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena. His recent publications … Continue reading →

Posted in American Evangelicalism, Church History, Church Tradition, Current Affairs, Evangelism, Missional-Ecumenism, Roman Catholicism, The Church, The Future, Unity of the Church | 3 Comments

Back to Lausanne

Posted on March 25, 2013 by John Armstrong

Evangelicals will always have a mixed reaction to anything papal. After all, we do not accept the Catholic claims regarding the Petrine office as adequately and properly rooted in biblical authority. But we can respect the man, even love him … Continue reading →

Posted in American Evangelicalism, Church History, Culture, Current Affairs, Gospel/Good News, Missional-Ecumenism, Protestantism, Roman Catholicism, The Church, The Future, Unity of the Church | 2 Comments

Who Is Pope Francis, Really?

Posted on March 25, 2013 by John Armstrong

Yesterday marked the beginning of Holy Week in the Western Church. I am well aware of the importance of each day in this week for Christians who follow the liturgical calendar. Many of you, like me, follow the liturgical calendar … Continue reading →

Posted in Church History, Church Tradition, Culture, Current Affairs, Missional-Ecumenism, Roman Catholicism, The Church, The Future, Unity of the Church | 10 Comments

Habemus Papam Franciscum (5) – Why the Name Francis?

Posted on March 22, 2013 by John Armstrong

What About the Junta Years? “The Dirty War” One subject of controversy that has begun to surround the new pope is his role under the Argentine military dictatorship of 1976-1983. when he led the country’s Jesuits. According to the BBC’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Church History, Church Tradition, Current Affairs, Missional-Ecumenism, Roman Catholicism, The Church, The Future, Unity of the Church | 3 Comments

Habemus Papam Franciscum: What Has Lausanne to Do with the Pope? (4)

Posted on March 21, 2013 by John Armstrong

The Lausanne Movement Evangelicals in general, and evangelical leaders in particular, know far too little about the Lausanne Movement. This movement for global evangelization begin in the 1960s through the vision of Dr. Billy Graham. As Graham began to preach … Continue reading →

Posted in American Evangelicalism, Church History, Church Tradition, Culture, Current Affairs, Evangelism, Friendship, Missional-Ecumenism, Personal, Roman Catholicism, The Church, The Future, Unity of the Church | 6 Comments