Hopewell Arp Church

Seven Reasons Why We Should Not Accept Millions of Years

There is an intensifying controversy in the church all over the world regarding the age of the earth.

Why we will no longer be a welcoming church

We’ve decided to quit being a welcoming church. No kidding. We’re giving it up. Like so many congregations, we’ve sunk an amazing amount of time and energy into becoming a welcoming church. We changed worship styles, trained greeters and ushers, wore name tags, brewed coffee, went to workshops on hospitality and put our friendliest people …

Why Words Matter When It Comes to Homosexuality

We can all agree that gaining understanding is at a premium when it comes to the topic of homosexuality. So what are we to make of (the words) “homosexual” and “gay”? Are these two words alike? Are they synonymous in meaning? Perhaps they are. Then again, there are such differences in people’s minds when they …

Why Homosexuality Is Not Like Other Sins

Homosexuality is not the only sin prohibited in the Bible, but it is different from all the rest, at least right now. And we have really good news for homosexuals.

How Long Should You Stay at Your Church?

With sweat pouring down my cheek, my father said to me: “Put your head down; focus on the path before you. Don’t look to the right or the left. Take your time. Don’t finish quick but finish well.” This is how my dad taught me to mow the lawn. His advice is also relevant to …

Why Are So Many Christians Unhappy?

The only way to have joy is to say a full “Yes” to God. Which means saying “No” to the world.

Assistant Counselor or Pastoral Counselor New Era Wellness & Therapy Center

A substance abuse counselors job is far more than talking an addict through treatment. Counselors have ethical and moral responsibilities they have to follow...

Whose problem is clergy burnout?

Training in healthy ministry for pastors—and congregations

Should Christians Get Prenups?

The relationship is serious. The word “marriage” is now used freely by both of you. Everything seems perfect. But then your spouse introduces a new word to your relationship’s vernacular—prenup.

Why Christians Should Say No to the Drug War

Social issues have long separated conservatives from progressives. As a wave of cities and states continue to legalize marijuana or even decriminalize all

Is Not Voting an Option for Christians?

Before you get all “but people died for the right to vote” on me, understand I'm just asking a question. As you've probably noticed, there are a lot of people asking questions this election cycle:<br>What is going on in America?<br>Have you ever seen anything like this?<br>How did a billionaire who lives on

How to Teach Elementary School Students About the Trinity

How can we begin to explain the Trinity to young children? Jimmy Akin shows us how to make the mystery more accessible while avoiding subtle errors.

Are You Too Christian for Non-Christians?

Many Christians find over time that they have fewer non-Christian friends and acquaintances. Here are seven simple steps to boost your personal evangelism.

Asking the Clergy: How do you care for yourself?

Lay people can usually take a break from routine by exchanging work gear for beachwear and a fancy cocktail on a vacation from responsibilities. But what of clergy, for whom leaving the grid may be mo

When Angry Christians and the Media Meet

Facebook is a cesspool of conspiracy theories, straw-man arguments and schoolyard bullying. These arguments have a cumulative effect, with each successive interaction ratcheting up the outrage. Even those rare instances

Transfigur-what? — Christian education at home

The story of Jesus’ transfiguration ranks high on my list of Tricky Biblical Texts to Explore with Young Children. The event seems to come out of nowhere, its purpose isn’t immediately clear, and it’s so unusual that it’s difficult for concrete thinkers to imagine. Despite all this, I love when this passage comes up in the lectionary! Not only does it encourage children to use their imaginations, it also provides an opportunity to recognize the value of experiencing God’s presence even when we…

12 Questions Christians Should Ask About Social Justice

Whatever else we might say about the contemporary church, we must say this: We are well resourced. When a new challenge presents itself, when a new teaching arises, when a new heresy appears, it does not take long before we have access to books that address, confront, and correct it.…

Many questions remain in clergy abuse

How can these men of God believe they're doing God's will?

Why Is Christian Dating So Weird?

Christian dating can be awkward and downright weird sometimes. But let’s be fair. All dating is awkward—for those inside and outside the church. How could it not be? On a first date,…

12 Things Clergy Spouses Want You to Know