Reviewed by J.H. (Hans) Kouwenberg. Incarnational preaching: “the incarnation is the truest theological model for the mysterious divine-human preaching event, which is neither all of the human nor all of God, but which partakes of both with precisely the same degree of mystery and humility” … Read more
Channels Editorial: Sexuality and the Church
By J.H. (Hans) Kouwenberg. The ecclesiastical landscape of Canada will change significantly if The United Church of Canada adopts the recommendations of its National Coordinating Group for the Programme of Study and Dialogue on Sexual Orientations, Lifestyles and Ministry. But what are the implications for Presbyterians in Canada? … Read more
Prayer: The Prelude to Revival
Roger Nicole reminds us to pray because everything depends on God, and He works in concert with our prayers. We must be prepared to submit our own ideas, aims, and ambitions to the sovereign God. Let us not give up, and do what we can to achieve what we are asking. … Read more
Strength
By Bill Steele. Lord make me strong as steel spiritually and morally in a muddy swampy world. Lord make me mellow as the melody of a holy Hebrew psalm sung by sinners saved by your mercy. Lord make me faithful as a follower of You Father Yahweh Who will be Who You are. Lord make me gentle as the growing grass stretching sunward. Lord make me wholly human as the Holy Human God the Son. … Read more
Three New Board Members
Calvin Brown, the Executive Director, introduces Raymond Lee, Kent D. MacLeod, and David Jennings as new Board members. They will each serve a three-year term. A complete list of the Board of Directors is on the inside front cover. … Read more
Letters
The Editor shares letters received in appreciation for the Wedding Album in the Summer ’85 issue of Channels. … Read more
Putting Values Together
By Leith Anderson. Integrity brings all of life together into a consistent whole. When each part of a person’s life agrees with every other part, when everything is there that is supposed to be there, that person has integrity. … Read more
Editorial: Alpha and Theological Education
Calvin Brown introduces the Alpha Course and calls for the appointment to PCC theological colleges of principals who are committed to classical biblical Christianity and who will train pastors who will be clear about their convictions. … Read more
What Stripe of Christian?
By Darrell W. Johnson. The question "What stripe of Christian are you?" has validity amidst theological diversity. Darrell Johnson is not yet what he wants to be: a faithful, grace-filled, grateful, joyful, Christ-centered, Spirit-filled, Trinitarian servant who will do all he can to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with the world. … Read more
A Bad Habit: Summer Non-Attendance
By Wallace Whyte. One of the chief factors contributing to the summer slump at church is the attitude and expectations of the congregational leaders, including the minister. If the impression is given that members are not expected to worship during the summer, they are likely to comply. … Read more
Lifestyle Evangelism, by Joseph C. Aldrich
Reviewed by Terry Hibbert. Dr. Aldrich zeroes in on the reasons why evangelism is more often than not ineffective. He expresses a concern that frequently church members view the unsaved as “enemies rather than victims of the Enemy,” and how relational evangelism can bridge the credibility gap between the Christian and non-Christian communities. … Read more
Revitalize That Midweek Meeting!
By Herman de Jong. If your fellowship evening looks like a closely-knit club or is religiously well-programmed, then the time may have come to break through the exclusiveness of the evening and combine the foremost purpose of the fellowship hour with outreach to the community. … Read more
Healing in the Church
John M. Allison explains how his church responded to requests for anointing for healing by the elders at home, privately in the church, or publicly in a more scheduled manner. … Read more
Annual Meeting Report
By A. Donald McLeod. The remarkable growth of the movement in the past year was evidenced by attendees from all over Canada. British Columbia was strongly represented, and there were several from the Atlantic Provinces, including more clergy than before. A clergy conference was also held at Crieff: “Hope In Our Calling”, on the theme of burnout. … Read more
Miracle at Calvin
By Howard & Wilma Cumming. “Well, God,” we prayed, “you called us here. If it was only to close down Calvin, your will be done. But if you really want Calvin to grow, you are going to have to do something about it. We seem to be at a dead end.” … Read more
An Interview with Eugene Peterson
By Rodney Clapp. Eugene Peterson says, “My characteristic feeling at the end of the day is a sense of awe about what God is doing with these people.” … Read more