Link to question #2. Reshaping must always start with the philosophy of the budget. What is the budget’s use? I would not consider the budget the economic structuring document, free of morality or agendas we’ve come to expect from such a cold rehearsal of the facts. The first thing I would want to see done…
There are three general ways to state one’s approach to budgetary issues: 1) In broad goals, such as budget balanced or not, high or low taxes, etc., 2) In details, as in which programs should be cut or expanded, which taxes or types of taxes should be cut or raised, etc., and 3) As political…
Link back to Question #1. One of the benefits of extended discussion is that it can at times bring more light to a subject than heat. Reading Watts’ second reply was one of those moments, for as he clarified his view, I realized that we actually were in some agreement, and both of us believe…
Today we continue the series of interviews with Energion authors on transforming mainline congregations. In the first week, Dr. Bruce Epperly responded to the interview questions. Dr. Bob LaRochelle provided our second set of responses. Today, Dr. Bob Cornwall, pastor, church historian, and author of Energion titles Ephesians: A Participatory Study Guide, Ultimate Allegiance: The…
Today we continue the series of interviews with Energion authors on transforming mainline congregations. Last week Dr. Bruce Epperly responded to the interview questions. Today, Dr. Bob LaRochelle, pastor of Second Congregational Church, Manchester, Connecticut, (United Church of Christ), and author of Part Time Pastor, Full Time Church (Pilgrim Press, 2012), Crossing the Street (Energion…
I am humbled by my friend’s admission that I am right, or nearly right, about everything. If only he had stopped there, at that admission, he would have continued to be right. I believe he disagrees with my assessment of our individualistic society, that we tend to shy away from tackling communal problems lest we…
In his reply to my answer, Watts claimed that my “point is a black-and-white dichotomy, and it is a severely falsely dichotomy.” I must admit, however, that I am not completely clear exactly what point he was referring to, as his description does not match any of my views. I am certainly not against all…
Today I present the first of three interviews with Energion authors about how mainline congregations can be transformed and can renew their ministries. As I read the responses, however, I sensed that these answers don’t just apply to mainline congregations—any congregation can benefit from some of these practices. While I presented the questions for this…
Elgin is correct: the discussion usually revolves around the policing of either the item or the person. Yes, he is correct, partially, in pointing out the problems of enforcing any type of gun control. While his evidence is somewhat anecdotal, most evidences are in this regard. For instance, I know many, including myself, who use…
As I read Joel Watts’ answer, I first found a lot that I agreed with, but soon the differences emerged. I agree that there is a significant social component to this issue. What we do as individuals often impacts others. But while I agree in broad concept, we will probably disagree over the details and…