Josh Benner

Tag: church

  • Megachurch pastor accused of sexual misconduct

    A long investigative story from the Chicago Tribune reports on several allegations of moral filings from Bill Hybels, the founding pastor of Willow Creek, a suburban Chicago church which is one of the largest churches in America. The article says: The alleged behavior included suggestive comments, extended hugs, an unwanted kiss, and invitations to hotel…

  • A sinner’s guide to repentance

    Originally published March 22, 2017 Repentance is sincere remorse or regret for an action. Theologically, repentance is associated with the idea of turning away from sin and turning to God. James 4:7-10 gives what’s almost like a “how to” guide for repentance. It’s not exhaustive, but he says five things that are important to repentance. 1. Repentance involve…

  • Wisdom is as wisdom does

    Originally published March 8, 2017 There are two ways to go. The way of the wise and the way of the fool. This is based off of the wisdom tradition of the Old Testament. Which often talks about these two roads. In James 3:13, he asks a rhetorical question, “Who is wise in understanding among…

  • Your church is not a restaurant: the mentality of consumerism and its danger to the American church

    In America, where we have so many options with everything, every business with which we interact lives and dies on our satisfaction. And we often treat churches in much the same way. Like it’s just another business that we’re patronizing. Where if you’re not happy with a church, if you decide you don’t like something…

  • Is Harvey Osteen’s Katrina?

    There have been numerous articles criticizing Houston mega-church pastor Joel Osteen, the pastor of Lakewood Church, the largest church in America for not doing enough in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, and for not letting people stay in the expansive church facility as a shelter. In terms of his prosperity gospel theology, there are many…