Monat: Juni 2006

I just read the first chapter of the Gospel of Mark – an impressive witness of Jesus’ ministry. His teaching was specifically noticed for its authority, which, of course, was further proven by the accompanying miracles. Thinking ahead to the final chapter of Mark, the famous, disputed long ending has Jesus’ promise that the same kind of authoritative signs would accompany the preaching of his disciples (which, we remember from Acts, they did throughout the first generations). But what about today? Where are the signs and wonders? As a Pentecostal, I need to ask myself this question even louder than my brethren in the other denominations, who simply might not believe in the possibility of something like this happening at all in our age. But I do. And I expect it. What has happened so that nothing happens?

Continue reading „Signs, wonders, and patchwork theology“ →

Last week, in our church leaders council (something like a board of deacons), I conducted a survey of important themes people would like to talk about in future sessions. We then rated these themes by means of points given by each participant. Interestingly, the topic that got by far the most points was the question of the exact place and method of teaching within the church. So here are some random thoughts on this topic out of my daily writing.

Continue reading „Ramblings on teaching in the Pentecostal church“ →