Top Five Posts From 2009 That Weren't Mine
I started this blog in June of 2009 mostly as a way to connect with people in our fledgling faith community. After that project began to take on its own life (and spawn its own website), Pastoralia emerged to become a space for writing about my thoughts and experiences as a leader exploring the intersections of faith and culture.
I have enjoyed writing here so much I’ve decided to devote more time to it from now on. Consequently, Pastoralia will undergo some significant changes in the coming weeks, but in the meantime, here are a few of my favorites posts of 2009 from around the Christian blog-world (don’t worry, this’ll be quick):
Top Five Favorite Posts From 2009:
5. Preach The Gospel at All Times by Jamie Arpin-Ricci: Jamie writes an excellent blog at The Living Alternative, and in this post he addresses one of the most important issues facing the church in Western Culture; how do we proclaim the gospel effectively? Well worth the read.
4. What is What? by Bill Kinnon: Lately Bill has been the grumpy old man of the Christian blogosphere (just kiddin’ Bill – you’re not old), and I love it. His writing style is dry, intelligent, and scathing. In this post he is firing on all sarcastic cylinders as he takes on the sub-culture of gospel commodities. The single most important phrase I read all year is on this post: “What we win them with is what we win them to.” Amen and amen! Don’t ever forget it.
3. Toward a Missional Vision of Theological Education: The Root of the Problem by JR Rozko: I know, long title, but here’s the thing – this is actually a series of excellent posts by JR that are still under construction (latest post here). This, the – 2nd installment – is, for my money, the best one for getting a taste of what being missional is really all about. Why not read it now?
2. Why Is The Emerging/Missional Church So White? by David Fitch: It was hard to select just one favorite from Fitch’s blog – he’s posted several stellar thoughts this year – but given the persistent problem of race in Western Christianity and the love fest that generally surrounded Soong-Chan Rah’s book, The Next Evangelicalism (and for good reason), this was a brave and important post. Fitch essentially calls everyone out and confesses while he’s at it. Very compelling.
1. The Coming Evangelical Collapse by Michael Spencer: Again, another series. Do yourself a favor and read them all. While I don’t agree with everything he says, the “Internet Monk” is in my opinion the best Christian blogger on the internet. His writing is always intelligent, beautiful at times, and remarkably prolific. Sadly, Michael has recently been battling cancer. If you pray, keep him in mind.
Mr Grumpy is honoured to be in this company of writers… and to be able to call you friend.