Monthly Archives: April 2007

The Death of My Friend Bob Webber (1933-2007)

Posted on April 30, 2007 by John Armstrong

Bob Webber (1933-2007) died Friday at 6:10 PM (Eastern time) in his wife Joanne’s arms, after an 8 month battle with pancreatic cancer. Bob is best known for his numerous books published over the past forty years. He touched on … Continue reading →

Posted in Personal | 2 Comments

A Visit to a Small Church in Rural Central Illinois

Posted on April 29, 2007 by John Armstrong

When most Christians in America think about the church they rarely consider local churches of less than 100 people, especially small churches situated in small towns all across the United States. In fact, in most small towns a local church … Continue reading →

Posted in Personal | 2 Comments

Some Reflections on the Don Imus Debacle

Posted on April 28, 2007 by John Armstrong

Now that Don Imus, and his racist comments about "nappy-headed hos," is back page news, if it is still news at all, I am ready to comment on this rather amazing episode in pop-cultural blow back. I have listened to … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

My Journey as a Minister of Word & Sacrament

Posted on April 27, 2007 by John Armstrong

On Tuesday, April 24, I was examined by the Illiana Classis of the Reformed Church in America (RCA) in order to have my ordination, which was originally granted in August of 1970 by the Frist Baptist Church of Lebanon, Tennessee, … Continue reading →

Posted in Reformed Christianity | 1 Comment

A Church Rooted in Suffering

Posted on April 26, 2007 by John Armstrong

Speaking to the Anglican Mission in America’s (AMiA) Northeast Network Mission & Ministry Conference in South Hamilton, Massachusetts, has afforded me a unique opportunity get to know some old friends much better and to make many new friendships as well. … Continue reading →

Posted in Renewal | 1 Comment

The Anglican Mission

Posted on April 25, 2007 by John Armstrong

I am spresently speaking to the Anglican Mission and Ministry Conference, April 25-27, in South Hamilton, Massachusetts, held on the campus of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Church planters, pastors, lay leaders and seminarians are spending three days together for fellowship, teaching … Continue reading →

Posted in Renewal | 1 Comment

Dissatisfaction and Church Switching

Posted on April 24, 2007 by John Armstrong

A new study, conducted by Lifeway Research (SBC) looked at how and why people change churches in America. My own informal and anecdotal observations tell me that lots and lots of people are "switching churches" more and more often so … Continue reading →

Posted in American Evangelicalism | 7 Comments

Once Again, Being Born Again Means So Little

Posted on April 23, 2007 by John Armstrong

It seems that every poll we read these days just reveals even more clearly how totally shallow the spiritual formation of American evangelicalism really is. A new Barna Research Group poll asks for a favorability response for several well-known public … Continue reading →

Posted in American Evangelicalism | 5 Comments

The Long Process of Becoming a Missional Church

Posted on April 22, 2007 by John Armstrong

Trinity Presbyterian Church (PCA) is located in suburban Dallas. Begun some twenty years ago it is not a large church (about 300 attenders) but it has had an effective ministry in several important areas for two decades. John McCracken, a … Continue reading →

Posted in Missional Church | 2 Comments

A 24 Addiction?

Posted on April 21, 2007 by John Armstrong

I reported several weeks ago that friends convinced me that I needed to watch the popular television series 24, starring Keifer Sutherland as agent Jack Bauer. I think they figured I was much too serious for my own good and … Continue reading →

Posted in Film | 6 Comments