Monthly Archives: September 2011

Garry Williams (John Owen Centre) study day on scripture as covenant

Posted on September 28, 2011 by

Thanks to Kip Chelashaw for organising an excellent study day with my former college lecturer, Garry Williams.  It was great to have my mind stretched on the big issue of scripture as covenant.  Here’s my very sketchy notes which supplement … Continue reading →

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Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands – chapter 2 insights

Posted on September 27, 2011 by

Dear All I liked the way this second chapter was really encouraging about informal “all member ministry”, the ministry which happens on a daily basis as our people meet each other and share their lives. So, as we dig deeper … Continue reading →

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Lessons in ministry from the life of Thomas Boston #5: Spend time in the study

Posted on September 22, 2011 by

This is the fifth in a series of five posts on lessons for ministry from the life and times of Thomas Boston. Lesson #5 – spend time in the study There is a simple and unalterable rule in ministry: there … Continue reading →

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Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands – Chapter 1 insights

Posted on September 21, 2011 by

Our preaching group at Holy Trinity is reading Paul Tripp’s “Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands” together, a chapter a week.  We are writing emails to each other about what we found helpful in each chapter.  Here’s my first email to … Continue reading →

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Lessons in ministry from the life of Thomas Boston #4: Overcoming addiction

Posted on September 20, 2011 by

The human heart is made to love and this love settles on almost anything in or around us and when it does we face addiction.  Self-image, stimulants, power, money, other people, all compete for our affection and that affection can … Continue reading →

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Lessons for ministry from the life of Thomas Boston #3 – time and scale in ministry

Posted on September 19, 2011 by

This is the third in a series of five posts on lessons for ministry from the life and times of Thomas Boston. Lesson #3 – it takes time to turn a whole parish to Christ. Boston’s first “placement” was in … Continue reading →

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When “the mind of the church” opposes God’s will.

Posted on September 15, 2011 by

Amending Canon C2: Open reception (aka the mind of the church or the Gamaliel principle) what is it? Synods, both deanery and diocesan, up and down the country will be voting on motions on the consecration of women bishops in … Continue reading →

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The disasterous effect of bishops as the focal point of unity.

Posted on September 14, 2011 by

West Bromwich deanery agreed on the submission of papers of one side of A4 before we vote on the motion on women in the episcopate and CEEC following motion.  This is my paper: What happens when Bishops take the place … Continue reading →

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Lessons for ministry from the life of Thomas Boston #2 – denominational politics

Posted on September 13, 2011 by

This is the second in a series of five posts on lessons for ministry from the life and times of Thomas Boston. Lesson #2 – Denominational decisions can have an unexpected and adverse effect on ministry. Denominations make decisions which … Continue reading →

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Lessons for ministry from the life of Thomas Boston #1 – preparation for ministry

Posted on September 12, 2011 by

I’ve always had an interest in the life of Thomas Boston who was born in Duns, just 24 miles from where I grew up in Melrose.  His ministry in Ettrick, which began in 1707, must have influenced the culture of … Continue reading →

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