By John Chandler Language creates culture. What we say, and how we say it, not only reflects who we are but also shapes what we will become. With that in mind, we can forecast where the world is heading by…
The new apostasy: Staying put
By John Chandler My colleague and friend J.R. Woodward, author of Creating a Missional Culture and leader of the V3 church planting movement, was recently leading a “Community of Practice” — a collection of church pastors and leaders working over…
The end of church membership?
By John Chandler While visiting friends last spring, Mary and I were invited to worship at a Presbyterian church. Our friends were active and enthusiastic members, and their invitation reminded me of an old truth — that far and away…
Texting and discipleship
By John Chandler An extensive Expedia “Road Rage” survey this past spring revealed that seven of 10 American drivers rate their fellow drivers who are texting, emailing or talking while driving as among the most irritating motorists on the road….
Closing the confidence gap
By John Chandler Imagine a tightrope stretched over a gorge. There are two figures attached to it. One is striding assuredly on top of the rope. The other is hanging on for dear life beneath the rope. According to a…
The changing shape of denominational tribes
By John Chandler Seven years ago, I was asked about the future of local Baptist associations. My response was to say that while I felt the future of Baptists associating was still very strong, the future of local Baptist associations…
Selfies
By John Chandler In a recent New York Times op-ed piece, columnist Charles Blow interprets Pew Research on Millennials (North Americans ages 18-33). Unsurprisingly, he details some of the now-tiresome broad brushstrokes of their political and socioeconomic mores: they are,…
New South demographics
By John Chandler I grew up in Greensboro, N.C., in a neighborhood that occasionally welcomed “exotic” newcomers. Our city was home to several large corporations, and middle management job transfers sometimes brought families from faraway places to our neighborhood. On…
The new face of generosity
By John Chandler I grew up bringing my Baptist “Six Point Envelope” to church: Present. Bible Brought. Bible Read Daily. Lesson Studied. Giving. Worship. Note that the scorecard was on an envelope intended for my Sunday school offering — which…