Lead Pastor or Plurality of Elders in the Church — What’s Biblical? Few topics generate more tension—or confusion—in modern church leadership than whether a congregation should have one lead pastor or a plurality of elders. Some insist that every local church must be led by a team of equal elders, while others believe the model of a “lead pastor” is biblical and necessary.

When Should a Pastor Step Down—and Can They Be Restored? Few topics stir more emotion in the Church than the fall of a pastor. When a leader sins, the damage is deep and wide—families wounded, faith shaken, credibility lost. The question quickly follows: Can they ever come back?

Christian Nationalism: Why Blending the Cross and the Flag Damages the Gospel. “Christian nationalism” promises cultural renewal by wedding Christian identity to national identity. It sounds noble—who doesn’t want a “Christian nation”?—but history and Scripture warn that mixing the kingdom of God with the kingdoms of this world distorts both. The gospel cannot be reduced to a party platform or enforced by state power without being disfigured.

Should Christians Call Priests “Father” or Leaders “Teacher”? Jesus’ words in Matthew 23 have stirred centuries of debate:

Tithing—Do Christians Have To? Money always tests the heart. For centuries, many churches have taught that Christians are required to tithe—give ten percent of their income—as a binding law. But what does the New Testament actually teach? Scripture shows that while generosity is central to Christian discipleship, the Mosaic tithe is not imposed on believers in Christ.

Shepherds and Self-Control: Why Gluttony Disqualifies Pastors. Churches rightly expect pastors to be above reproach in doctrine and character. Yet one sin—gluttony—often hides in plain sight. Scripture calls for leaders who are “self-controlled & disciplined” (Titus 1:8 NASB) and “temperate” (1 Timothy 3:2 NASB), yet overindulgence in food is frequently ignored. Gluttony is not about body shape; it is about surrendering to appetite instead of the Spirit. For pastors, this is

The Death Penalty: A Biblical and Historical Examination. Few issues generate sharper debate among Christians today than the death penalty. Some insist it is commanded by God, citing the Old Testament law. Others argue that it is abolished in Christ, pointing to Jesus’ call for forgiveness. To resolve this, we must examine Scripture carefully, consider how the early church responded, and weigh the theological implications.

Is Prophesy for Today? A Biblical Case for Continuing Prophecy. Prophecy is one of the most debated gifts in the church today. Some claim that prophecy ended with the apostles, while others insist it continues in full force. Yet the real question is not what traditions say, but what Scripture itself teaches. The Bible not only affirms prophecy in the New Testament church but also instructs believers how to discern and test it.

Ecclesiology: What Is the Church? Ecclesiology is the doctrine of the church. The Greek word ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia) literally means assembly or called-out ones. It was used in the ancient world for gatherings of citizens but was adopted by the New Testament to describe the people of God. The church is not a building or an institution but the redeemed community called out by Christ.

The Message (MSG): A Contemporary Paraphrase. The Message (MSG), created by Eugene Peterson and released in segments between 1993 and 2002, is one of the most popular modern paraphrases of the Bible. Peterson, a pastor and scholar in biblical languages, wrote it with the intent of making Scripture vivid and accessible in everyday conversational English.

The CEB: Accessibility, Collaboration, and Controversy. The Common English Bible (CEB) is one of the newest major English translations, first published in 2011. It was created with the goal of making Scripture clear and approachable for everyday readers while still retaining accuracy and faithfulness to the original texts.

The RSV: Scholarship, Tradition, and Continuity. The Revised Standard Version (RSV) stands as a notable midpoint between historic English Bibles and modern translations. First published in 1952 (with the New Testament arriving in 1946), the RSV updated the American Standard Version (ASV, 1901) in contemporary language while preserving the literary style of earlier English Bibles.

The NRSV: Scholarship, Tradition, and Inclusivity. The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) is one of the most respected English Bible translations in academic, liturgical, and ecumenical settings. First published in 1989, it grew out of the Revised Standard Version (RSV) tradition, carrying forward a legacy of careful, committee-based translation work rooted in mainline Protestantism. It is known for its scholarly precision, inclusive language, and acceptance across denominat

The NLT: History, Clarity, and Faithfulness. The New Living Translation (NLT) is one of the most widely read modern English Bibles, known for its readability and devotional warmth. First published in 1996, it has often been mislabeled as a “paraphrase,” largely because it grew out of Kenneth Taylor’s Living Bible. But the NLT is not a paraphrase. It is a serious translation from the original languages.

The NIV: History, Claims, and Clarity. The New International Version (NIV) is one of the most widely read and debated Bible translations of the modern era. First published in 1978, it was created with the goal of bridging the gap between accuracy and readability. It quickly became a favorite among evangelicals, pastors, and laypeople worldwide. Its philosophy of “dynamic equivalence” sought to communicate not just words, but meaning, in contemporary English.

The KJV: History, Myths, and Meaning. The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, first published in 1611, remains one of the most famous and enduring translations in the history of Christianity. Its phrases shaped the English language, its cadence inspired poets and preachers alike, and its cultural impact has been felt for over four centuries. Yet as loved as it is, the KJV is also surrounded by myths and misconceptions.

The ESV: History, Method, and Meaning. The English Standard Version (ESV), first published in 2001, has quickly become one of the most influential English translations of the Bible. Marketed as “essentially literal,” it aims for word-for-word accuracy while maintaining readability. Popular among Reformed and complementarian circles, the ESV has become the standard translation for many evangelical churches.

The NASB: History, Method, and Meaning. The New American Standard Bible (NASB) is widely regarded as one of the most literal English translations of the Bible. First published in the late 20th century, it has become a standard for pastors, scholars, and students who want an English text that stays as close as possible to the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek originals.

The Fivefold Ministry: Gifts, Not Programs. Many churches today use the phrase “fivefold ministry” to describe the list of gifts Paul gives in Ephesians 4:11: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Whole programs have been built around this idea, sometimes even marketed as if the Christian life could be managed through leadership formulas. Yet this misses Paul’s intent.

The Two Witnesses of Revelation 11: The Church’s Prophetic Calling. Few images in Revelation have been as misunderstood as the two witnesses of Revelation 11. Some expect Elijah and Enoch to return in the flesh; others anticipate two mysterious prophets in the end times. But when Revelation is read in light of its own symbolism and the Old Testament background, the witnesses are revealed as the church itself in its prophetic mission.