Posts tagged ‘Turning Controversy into Church Ministry’

15 March, 2011

“Online Coaching to Help Your Ministry” by W.P. Campbell

by Andrew Rogers

[Today's post is written by W.P. Campbell. You may remember his book from our blog tour or his older post. Enjoy! - AR]

William P. CampbellI am continually being asked, “How are people receiving your book, Turning Controversy into Church Ministry: A Christlike Response to Homosexuality?”  Many offer this question with an anxious tone and a look of concern. One minister, in fact, looked me in the eyes and warned me, “Expect a firestorm to develop all around you, and to come against your church and family. Nobody can speak openly about this topic and not experience that kind of reaction.”

Surprisingly, the reception to the book and its adjoining resources has been very positive. Evangelical church leaders continually say things to me like “Now I get it,” or, “This is the most balanced book on this topic that I’ve read.”

Theologically liberal church leaders, and even many gay advocates have said things to me like, “Finally, a book that calls Christians to respond with compassion,” and, “this book is good for the church.” You can see reviews from various sides of the spectrum at http://www.amazon.com/Turning-Controversy-into-Church-Ministry/dp/0310321328 .

25 September, 2010

10 Ministry Essentials and a recap of the Blog Tour

by Andrew Rogers
Turning Controversy into Church Ministry: A Christlike Response to Homosexuality by W.P. Campbell

Turning Controversy into Church Ministry: A Christlike Response to Homosexuality

I really enjoyed our recent blog tour supporting Turning Controversy into Church Ministry. I use the word “enjoyed” because throughtout the blog tour I sensed a genuine desire by all participants to approach the topic of homosexuality with love, respect, and general civility. Truly, that’s a step in the right direction for church ministry to those struggling with same-sex attraction - regardless of your belief on the matter. Thank you all.

On page 17 of Turning Controversy into Church Ministry W.P. Campbell offers us “Ten Ministry Essentials” that set the tone for how to minister to people struggling with same-sex attraction:

1. The best way to avoid extremes is to follow Christ’s example.

2. Churches that blend uncompromised grace and truth are positioned for dynamic ministry.

3. Ministry begins when we connect brokenness in our hearts with brokenness in others.

4. Church leadership is about godly role models, not rights.

15 September, 2010

A Christlike Response to Homosexuality by W.P. Campbell

by Andrew Rogers

William P. Campbell

(Enjoy today’s guest blogger, W.P. Campbell.)

An author of several books related to the contemporary church recently told me, “Homosexuality will be the number one social issue to face the church for the next fifty years.” Whether or not he is right, of this I am certain: the church at large has failed to adequately address this issue in the fifty years now past.

As a pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA), I have been researching and teaching on this topic for over twenty years, and I have come to believe that the debates and conflicts related to homosexuality have done more harm than good to our congregations and denominations. Perhaps the greatest harm has been inflicted on those who suffer quietly with unwanted same-sex attractions and who struggle to locate a church home where they can find support to live in purity and obedience to God.

When we face our greatest challenges, our lesser challenges become more manageable.

13 September, 2010

Blog Tour This Week: “Turning Controversy into Church Ministry”

by Andrew Rogers
Turning Controversy into Church Ministry: A Christlike Response to Homosexuality by W.P. Campbell

Turning Controversy into Church Ministry: A Christlike Response to Homosexuality

This week bloggers will be discussing W.P. Campbell’s Turning Controversy into Church Ministry: A Christlike Response to Homosexuality. As always, I’ll be keeping a running list of the review links here. 

Also, you can order copies of this book for 40% OFF and FREE shipping Monday through Friday of this week (9/13 – 9/17) at www.zondervan.com. Use this source code 980761

See video. Read sample

Stops on the Blog Tour:
Your Daily Strength
Searching for Meaning and Purpose
Christ Glory Alone
Against Nothingness 
Simul Iustus et Peccator 
Faith Reasonings 
The Squirrel Factor 
Ponderings by Andrea 
The Burner 
In Defense of Orthodoxy 
Baker Book House Church Connection 
Borrowed Light

3 September, 2010

Staggering Statistics about Unhappy Pastors

by Andrew Rogers

The Turning Controversy into Church Ministry blog tour is almost here, Sept. 13-17. As I prepare for this blog tour I stumbled across this quote from chapter one . W.P. Campbell writes: 

 

Rapid changes in societal values have swept over the church in a torrent that has many pastors holding on for the ride, or holding their breath and looking for a way of escape. Could this be why 80 percent of pastors would find another job if they were able, and 85 percent of pastors’ wives are depressed? It is vital that we identify the currents that are coming against the church if we hope to navigate our congregations to safe ground and settle them as outposts of recovery for the needy, the hurting, the drowning people we are called to reach. 

The statistics he quotes above floored me. 80% !? 85% !? Those are staggering numbers.  

6 August, 2010

Sign up for the “Turning Controversy into Church Ministry” Blog Tour

by Andrew Rogers

September 13-17 we’ll be hosting a blog tour for a new book, Turning Controversy into Church Ministry: A Christlike Response to Homosexuality. This book is by pastor W.P. Campbell, a 20-year veteran of ministry to people struggling with same-sex attraction. Sign up for the blog tour, and your free copy, here. [Sorry! This blog tour sign-up has been closed. Check back for chances to receive free books every month on the Engaging Church Blog.]

Here’s a video from the author:

read sample

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