Author Archives: Pastor Doug Brown
Highway Robbery
Do to others as you would like them to do to you. Luke 6:31 (NLT) I was perturbed. It was frustrating enough that the mechanic couldn’t tell me why the red warning light had come on in my car. But in addition, he rattled off a long list of other items he said needed immediate attention. He was willing to
» Read moreTrust: Your Most Valuable Leadership Asset
Sitting in the airport terminal I couldn’t help but overhear the cell phone conversation of the man sitting directly behind me. Apparently returning from a business trip this jerk was clearly proud of his accomplishments. He was loud and caustic as he spoke about the stupidity of his boss who, I’m sure, had no idea how he was being taken
» Read moreThe Shame of it
It seems just about everyone I know has had one of those dreams where you find yourself out in a public place with no clothes on. I suppose at the root of it is the human fear of being exposed and feeling shame that is common to all people. None of us likes to feel shame. We generally run and
» Read moreD.A.R.V.O.
As I’ve studied abuse patterns I’ve noted common patterns among abusers as they respond to allegations of abuse. These patterns have been observed and written about extensively. This abuse response pattern is evidenced in all types of abuse such as; emotional, spousal, spiritual, physical, sexual, and organizational abuse. A great way to remember and identify these patterns is an an
» Read morePodcast: Church Growth Isn’t What You Think It Is
God Took a Break
By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Genesis 2:2-3 (NIV) In years past, my wife and I enjoyed restful summer vacations at the lake. We still go, but now that our family has grown, our time away has become more activity-filled and kid
» Read more9.5 Theses on Church Dysfunction
Okay so I couldn’t come up with 95 theses on the subject but I got as far as 9.5, which is really just a cute way to say there’s an even ten. In reality, none of these theses are half truths. What you will read here is my response after having dealt with significant dysfunction in more than one church
» Read moreThe Boss
Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. Romans 13:1-3 (NLT) When I was a college, I had a part-time job helping out some homeowners. They usually had me assist with yard maintenance or some other home upkeep repairs, and I really enjoyed the
» Read moreCorruption in the Church: Why Does God Allow It?
It’s surprising sometimes that abuse and corruption finds its way right inside the church. I’m embarrassed that people outside the church see these things and make the assumption that all Christians are abusing, cheating thieves. I hate that! Do you ever wonder why God doesn’t sweep in and zap these abusers like he did Ananias and Sapphira. They fell dead
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