As I continue to prepare Mantua Creek for a baptismal service on 9.15 and make some updates to Baptism and Its Significance, this week we’ll explore this question: How did the Baptist perspective on baptism offer an important corrective to the Church at a key moment in history, but then go too far?“ Derek Radney, Pastor at Trinity Church (PCA) … Read More
Making the Most of Your Child’s Baptism
Take a baptism class and/or read through and discuss a booklet like the one you’re reading now. Work with your pastor to make the service special. As a pastor, I make up special certificates for each person being baptized with my signature. [Tip: Just type printable baptismal certificate template in your computer’s search engine and you will get lots of ... Read More
Did the First Baptists Baptize by Immersion?
“A strange view held by many Baptists: Only immersion counts as real/valid baptism, but grape juice instead of wine will suffice in communion.” -Derek Radney, Pastor at Trinity Church (PCA) in Winston-Salem, NC In preparation for a Mantua Creek baptismal service on Sunday, September 15th hosted by our parent church, Ashland Church, I’m adding some updates to the constructive conversation … Read More
New Resource Available!
Hi All! Christian Nationalism: A Constructive Conversation is now available for purchase! It represents the most important thing I’ve wanted to say to the American church in this cultural moment. It’s also intimately tied to my journey as a national leader in the pro-life movement for six-and-a-half years, as well as my present work as a church planter. You can … Read More
The Best Alternative to Christian Nationalism
One more week till release! And I’ve included another excerpt from “Chapter 4: Danger #3: The Domination Problem” below. In many ways, whether we see Christian nationalism’s desire for political domination (primacy of place) as a problem or not comes down to whether or not we’re comfortable with living in a liberal democracy where all American citizens, not just Christians, … Read More
Christian America and the Lure of Christian Nationalism
Hi Friends, it’s only two weeks till the release of my new booklet Christian Nationalism: A Constructive Conversation. I appreciate your prayers and please enjoy this and next week’s section from Chapter 4 titled “Danger #3: The Domination Problem.” In his excellent book, titled “Was America Founded as a Christian Nation?”, historian and Messiah University professor John Fea details why … Read More
EXCLUSIVE PRAYER AND MINISTRY UPDATE-071024
“When ‘success’ is measured by ‘numerical growth’ we have abandoned what the gospel says flourishing is.” Scot McKnight, New Testament Everyday Bible Study: 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon (Grand Rapids, MI: HarperChristianResources, 2023), 98-99. This year, I’ve been taking our Mantua Creek Church family through the pastoral epistles and Scot McKnight’s new concise commentary has been optional reading. … Read More
Josh Hawley’s Vision of a Christian America
“Christianity is the electric current of our national life. Turn it off, and the light will fade. If we care about the future of our country, we must renew the influence of biblical faith in America.” Josh Hawley in February 2024. Unfortunately for Josh Hawley, Yale graduate and U.S. Senator from Missouri, his face and fist have become synonymous with … Read More
Justice that Prioritizes Trust and Heart-change
When I worked as a leader at the center of national pro-life ministry for six years, I couldn’t talk openly about the dangers of Christian nationalism without being canceled. This meant that, if I still wanted to tell the truth and steer folks in healthy directions, I had to find creative ways to do so. Without naming Christian Nationalism or … Read More
Christian Nationalism’s Blending or Blurring Problem
I want to thank those who’ve contributed to the definition below and continue to invite others to send any push-back or enhancements: Christian Nationalism is a subtle form of idolatry that blends patriotism with Christianity in such a way that Jesus is no longer our first allegiance but some vision of a great America. It begins as a well-intentioned desire … Read More