Greetings from the librarian. Remember that Jesus is the Word and that readers will be leaders. Even the renowned apostle wanted his books. He reminded his associate to be sure and bring them when he came, along with the parchments.
At the heart of contemporary Protestant ministry lies a fundamental tension between two competing paradigms: ministry as sacrificial service (diakonia) and ministry as clerical status. This study examines the theological foundations of both models through biblical exegesis, Reformation theology, and contemporary scholarship, while incorporating African theological perspectives, particularly from Angola and the Tocoista church movement.
Drawing from extensive research across Protestant theological literature and African contextual theology, this analysis reveals that the biblical model of servant leadership, exemplified in Christ's washing of the disciples' feet (John 13) and his teaching on greatness through service (Mark 10:42-45), stands in sharp contrast to hierarchical clericalism that prioritizes status over service.
Contemporary challenges including authority crises, formation deficits, and the tension between presence and active service further complicate ministerial identity. African theological voices, particularly the servant-king model and Ubuntu philosophy, offer valuable insights for reclaiming diakonia as the essence of Christian ministry.
This study argues for a radical rediscovery of ministry as sacrificial service, moving from status-oriented clericalism toward functional, community-empowering leadership that reflects Christ's model of humble service.
Here is an intriguing volume. One so daring, the author had to self publish it under a pseudonym.
So, Jesus himself ate with sinners and publicans. Often comparing himself to the bread of life and water of life. Encouraged those who gave banquets to invite the undesirables. Compared a relationship with Himself to sitting together and eating a meal.
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20
We are learning that the original Lord's Supper was a meal. A memorial meal traditionally eaten in a Jewish home. Known as Passover. We also can surmise from the early literature that some meetings of the early church were essentially dinner meetings.
When you come together, it is not the Lord’s supper that you eat. For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. 1 Corinthians 11
Given that every meal was to be received with thanksgiving. And that all actions were to have reference to HIM - even whether we eat or drink... 1 Corinthians 10 31.
The question arises: Would a hungry unbeliever be allowed to partake? Partake in whole or in part?
This volume delves into that question. A question few in the West consider because the whole concept to feeding the hungry belongs to the state. Actually, the Constitution of the USA does not provide or even consider such charity, assuming (falsely) that the Christian Church would do it's basic duty.
Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do. Galatians 2:10
One of you say unto them, “Depart in peace; be ye warmed and filled,” without giving them those things which are needful to the body, what doth it profit? James 2:16
Finally, notice in Jude's letter that some were eating with them who were there on false pretense. The remedy was not to terminate the feasts nor to replace them with a micro meal which does nothing to satisfy hunger.
These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted. Jude 12
Amazing people from a distant Island! There are none quite like them. Which is why you pull up to intersections around the world and see many of their automobiles. Or motorcycles.
Unfortunately, there were critical issues which Western Missionaries taught them long ago which are turning out to be... the seeds of death. I am referring to issues of church structure and leadership. If plurality and parity of eldership had been adapted rather than a traditional single pastor model, things would surely be much different today.
Instead they were taught that a "teaching elder" is the actual clergyman - and all others are merely laymen. Yes, there are other factors regarding Japan's situation. There always are.
The question now is: Is it too late? The obvious answer should be an emphatic NO. "The knowledge of God will eventually cover the earth as the waters the sea." Including this ancient island nation. Let us bow in prayer on their behalf...
Source: Japan Testimonies
One reason that people are abandoning church and just giving up on Christianity is the pervasive doom and gloom mentality which has become so popular among Christians. This view is not that of Scripture as this notable scholar reveals.
Please consider his sincere words and "report for duty". Our labor in the Lord is NOT in vain,
Source: Phone interview featuring NT Wright. Entitled: The Book of Revelation - What we get wrong.
Our friend and Kingdom worker @irnawan silitonga mentioned books by Marvin Vincent. His famous Word Studies have assisted many. His is a true scholar, especially compared to all the "scholars" and "doctors" in the church today.
Looking at this essay I was reminded of road trips where one wrong turn necessitated many more turns in order to simply return to the previous starting point. The church today is so far from the scriptural patterns that controversies about church government became endless. And as he observes, most of our research is undertaken to validate our own opinions and systems.
Things have become much more complicated and expensive than the apostles themselves could have ever imagined.
So, let us return to the point of our departure and open our minds to the truth of Scripture.
Let us rejoice with those who have found their Messiah. And have made their peace with the Almighty. Let us rejoice with the angels in Heaven.
Conversion to Christianity, by the way, requires a huge amount of courage in many parts of the world.
Too often, we hear that Islam is taking over. But in reality most of the growth is by physical multiplication. Islamic men are allowed multiple wives, you see.
(As always, the appearance of a video is not a complete endorsement of the presenter.)
Meet Thomas Smyth. A guy from South Carolina with a library of 20,000 volumes. According to this forgotten genius author, the traditional "call to preach" is: Unwarrantable, unattainable, and delusive.
In other words, the Scripture alone, containing the command of Christ, is sufficient in order for a qualified person of any gender to confidently enter Christian "ministry". Granted, there is a spiritual aspect to these things but NOT to the degree of complexity and mysticism currently being practiced.
I inquire. Where would the Church of Christ be today if a (spurious) standard and needless barrier had not been in place now for hundreds of years among even the Reformed Churches?
In his day, the laborers were few. As a result of the mysterious "call to preach" the problem is now worse.
With such an open and enlarged view of ministry and missions, it is only natural that Smyth would author another book: "The Duty of Interesting Children in the Missionary Cause.” The keyword is DUTY.
Therefore those who were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the Word. Acts 8:4
Kingdom stratagist Wolfgang Simson has done a noble service for the church with this excellent book. If you read it, you will be inspired in the coming days of 2026 and beyond. He writes:
This small book is about our ultimate human purpose. It explains a global vision and the resulting mission that is probably bigger than anything you have heard before. The Starfish Vision is based on four things: biblical revelation, a response to the critical times we live in, prophetic insights and strategic thinking.
Published almost 20 years ago, the internet links at the conclusion no longer seem to work.
Enjoy!
Owen is referred to as the Prince of the Puritans. Yet how many of his admirers today will agree with him on this important point? Not many.
"Mutual watchfulness over one another by persons in any society is a prime dictate of the law of our creation which was first rejected by this first murderer, " Owen writes.
The passage in view from Hebrews demonstrates that all believers are responsible for oversight in the church - not just elders or pastors. This fact is not commonly known. Much less practiced.
Failure to care for others put us on the level as Cain, the first murderer, according to this author.
Another post regarding this urgent matter is found on our sister site for those interested in house churches.
We rejoice when good news comes our way. And we pray that the European churches will advance on better principles than those who came before. Without the hierarchy and the priestcraft which has plagued them (and us) since the Reformation. And of course, prior to it.
A fascinating volume. By a bold pioneer. By a real Christian scholar.
George Bush (June 12, 1796 – September 19, 1859) Was a relative of 2 USA Presidents who bore his name.
Born in Vermont, Bush graduated from Dartmouth in 1818 and then studied theology at Princeton, where he was a tutor 1823–1824. He spent four years as a Christian missionary in Indiana, and in 1831 became professor of Hebrew and Oriental Literature at New York University.
The section here, page 57ff, on the imaginary subject of "the office of deacon" is especially enlightening and long overdue.
Enjoy this free book!