Featured Poll

PLEASE NOTE: You probably have several that apply, choose the one that seems to be most important.

This poll can apply to other forms of ministry besides the pastorate, BTW. So if you are not a pastor, you are encouraged to participate.

Bible colleges, seminaries, divinity schools, on-line courses, seminars, conferences, books, magazines, posts, pod casts – pastors are always needing to learn and grow in their skills. Few professions (callings) require such a large skill set knowledge base (missionaries sometimes even need more).

What is your view of the current nation of Israel? Comments about eschatological Israel are welcome if they relate. What do you think about the rise of Antisemitism? Are you Antisemitic? Is your church?

Luke 16:19-31 presents what many believe is a parabolic story of the Rich Man and Lazarus.

The text does not state that this is a parable, so some take this as an actual account, and thus develop the belief that before the Resurrection of Jesus, saved souls went to the paradise compartment of Hades (but since the Resurrection have been relocated to heaven) while lost souls went to the torment compartment (where they continue until they are cast into the Lake of Fire).

In this poll, we are not talking about who is saved or which is best. We are asking for your understanding of GROUPS that, by and large, can be described as evangelical. We obviously cannot list all choices. And we are assuming that evangelical is the broad term, and that fundamentalism is a sub-category of evangelical.

We are talking about the term as used in the United States. For example, in Europe, the term “evangelical” has traditionally been the preferred term for Protestant.

Please choose from the choices closest to your view.

There have been a few occasions where I preached someone else’s sermon. I did a series from a retired pastor friend (he began attending our church after he retired) who passed away on the subject of the Lord’s Prayer, but everyone knew (and I stated) that I was using his material. This was to honor him and his legacy at our church.

A handful of other times, I borrowed an outline from a popular author, but shared that I was using the outline. But most the material I preached was my own.

How common is gambling among conservative evangelicals? With the lottery and the rise of gambling on sports, it seems more and more Americans are getting involved in this vice. With the increase of casinos and recreational trips to Las Vegas, I suspect many Christians participate in gambling regularly. But what about conservative evangelicals in general?

I have found out about a few closet gamblers when people share memories at funerals! What are your thoughts? What have you read? Experienced?

What are your thoughts about what the war with Iran is likely to accomplish for the Christians there? Will a new leader arise who will be harsher, or will they be more tolerant?

Michael Rydelnik and others argue that the idea that Ishmael is the father of the Arabs comes from the Koran and is not a correct teaching (see https://www.michaelrydelnik.org/blog/thoughts-on-antisemitic-terrorism). The idea, however, originated with Josephus.

Many of us self-identify differently in differing contexts. For example, if I were among international people of non-Christian religions, I would identify myself at a Christian. If I were among left-leaning evangelicals, I might say I leaned more fundamental. If I were among fundamentalists, I would say I lean more conservative evangelical. But I USUALLY describe myself as Conservative Evangelical, so that would be my answer.

But what about your answer. How do you MOST TYPICALLY identify yourself?

We all have different ways of trying to keep Christ in Christmas. Nonetheless, the Christmas season is busy as pastors and members seek to be with their families for the holiday. In many instances, a Christmas service keeps a pastor away from his family, since pastors were often reared in areas far away from the church they serve. On the other hand, a service can help families make a point of keeping Christ in Christmas. What are your thoughts?