http://www.matthewmorine.com by Matthew Morine Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:20:39 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en This week I had a interesting conversation with my friend Colin Packer about what will get you fired in a congregation.  Of course, there are certain things that will get you fired, and most of you know what they are, like moral sin, or teaching false doctrine, but this post ... http://www.matthewmorine.com/church-news/what-will-get-you-fired/1225/ In 1 Corinthians 15:24-27, the theocentric focus of Paul becomes more in view.  This section emphasizes the post resurrection work of Jesus in which Christians participate in overthrowing the rule and authority of this present age.  Jesus will deliver up the kingdom of God when “He has abolished all ... http://www.matthewmorine.com/church-news/the-paradigm-for-social-justice/1222/ I read this book because of my friend Josh Ross.  He mentioned a story from it.  And I am always looking for some new books to read.  I thought about reading it before, but with his endorsement, it was a sealed deal.  This book was really interesting because the author ... http://www.matthewmorine.com/church-news/review-of-a-year-of-living-biblically/1220/ Sometimes I hear about churches that would rather have a congregation of 150 truly faithful over a congregation of 350 of weak Christians.  This is really a funny situation or desire.  First of all, can you really have a church of one or the other.  Can you have the entire ... http://www.matthewmorine.com/church-news/a-church-for-weak-christians/1217/ Throughout my ministry, I have received some pretty awesome gifts.   Sometimes I feel like the best treated minister in the Churches of Christ.  People are always doing amazing things for me and are always giving me over the top presents.  But this latest gift has been the best, by ... http://www.matthewmorine.com/church-news/the-best-gift-ever/1214/ This was an awesome book.  It is not a "how to" on parenting but is a scientific study of some of the ways that people raise children.  This book was a great read, which means that it flowed well, and was a highly interesting read.  It really causes you to ... http://www.matthewmorine.com/church-news/review-of-nurtureshock/1212/ This is typically not the problem with a minister.  You might not have any close friends, but you are always invited to all of the parties.  There is always a standing invitation for you at the door, unless it is a sinful party then you will not be invited, which ... http://www.matthewmorine.com/church-news/how-to-make-friends-at-church/1209/ "Behold, the sower went out to sow;" and some fell on the rocky soil, and some on the thorny soil, and some fell along the road, and some fell on good soil.  This sower has really bad aim.  If this guy was working for me, I would have fired him.  ... http://www.matthewmorine.com/church-news/what-was-that-sower-doing/1206/ Everyone who understands system theory knows that "change is always resisted."  This is a rule that will never be broken.  This rule is even more solidified in a church setting.  People will refuse to change.  If in the little stuff, change can cause some serious anxiety in the congregation.  And ... http://www.matthewmorine.com/church-news/clarity-in-change/1203/ Our natural tendency is to focus on the negative in life.  This is seen in marriages, churches, and jobs.  It is a powerful force of negativity in life.  It can start to take hold of a person and cause some serious problems.  In the church, this is especially true.  People ... http://www.matthewmorine.com/church-news/searching-for-bright-spots/1200/