The Importance of Preaching in a Post-Covid World
I had the privilege of preaching at Scots Presbyterian in Sydney a couple of Sundays ago, and it reminded me of how much I miss the joy of being able […]
Preaching Clubs
Ulrich Zwingli, the Swiss Reformer, preached his sermon on ‘The Shepherd’ in 1523. The sermon and its publication was widely influential in the developing role and model of ministry in […]
Worshipping the Creature
When the Apostle Paul entered Athens, we are told that his spirit was “provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols” (Acts 17:16). As […]
Antagonism
Two Christian radio commentators were being compared, and one was preferred because, ‘he never preaches at us’. The preferred one, ‘is just nice, accepting and just like us, except that […]
Are we shooting ourselves in the foot?
I’m retired, and I know I’m getting grumpy, but I’ve visited lots of churches this year (in person or online) and too many of our church services are just too […]
Forty Years On
In October, 1980, I was ordained and inducted as a parish minister. Now, forty years on, I sit at my computer writing this article and reflecting on my pilgrimage. I […]
Expository Preaching on the Wane?
I studied at Moore Theological College from 1973 to 1975, under the principalship of D. B. Knox. We always anticipated his Doctrine 1 lectures, held twice a week for the […]
Preparing to Preach
A preacher must prepare a sermon to preach. But he must also prepare himself to preach. Paul says: ‘Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you […]
Noel Weeks: A Memorial
On 14 March 2020 a memorial service for Dr Noel Weeks was held at the Shire Christian School, the school he did so much to help set up in and […]
A Day in the Life of an Assembly Junkie
Moderator’s Comments – Posted 1 June 2019 I missed out on his top-floor suite, but President Reagan loved staying at the Anatole whenever he was in town. Dallas’ Hotel Anatole […]
The Antioch Principle: Missionary Support and Sending
One of the strengths of the Presbyterian Church in the 21st century is the number of missionaries it has sent and supported. Healthy congregations are those praying for and sending […]
Passion in Preaching
One of the Church’s greatest needs is for preachers who feel the power of the doctrines they expound. We need preaching that is imbued with passion. I am, of course, […]
A Surprising Hunger: How Systematic Theology Classes have Blessed a Tasmanian Congregation
By Campbell Markham Nearly two years ago a Christian couple arrived at Cornerstone, and almost immediately urged me to begin teaching systematic theology to the church. The husband is a […]
Raising the Dead: A Humbling but Powerful Lesson for a Sunday School Teacher
Teaching Sunday School to a bunch of five-year olds can be a humbling experience. I found this out one Sunday morning when I was abruptly interrupted mid-way through a dramatic […]
Blessed Change: Revitalised Churches Build on Growth, Openness and Mission
We are all familiar with the joke about how many Presbyterians it takes to change a light bulb. (31 – one to change it, and five six-member committees to review […]