Theology

On Reforming, Not Conforming

Kirk E. Miller

Yes, in the past the Church has reformed and has had reform movements, even leading to significant changes in once-held beliefs and practices.

But note: those reforms came by a return to the scriptures and were scripture-initiated movements, not changes that (not so coincidentally) happen to occur on the heels of cultural revolutions, following their beck and call.

Can aspects of culture progress? Absolutely. And can we as Christian’s learn from the surrounding culture? Certainly.

But don’t appeal to the former (reforming) when in reality what you’re doing is the latter (conforming). They’re not the same. Not all change is created equal.

Stepping Up to the Plate: Every Member a Disciple-Making Disciple (Ephesians 4:7-16)

Kirk E. Miller

Stepping Up to the Plate: Every Member a Disciple-Making Disciple (Ephesians 4:7-16)
South City Church
August 27, 2017

Podcast link.

This sermon is a part of a series on the foundational principles of South City Church’s philosophy of ministry. See all content from this series.

The Church: Myths and Misconceptions

Kirk E. Miller

The Church: Myths and Misconceptions (Part 1)
South City Church
July 30, 2017

Podcast link.

The Church: Myths and Misconceptions (Part 2)
South City Church
August 6, 2017

Podcast link.

These sermons are a part of a series on the foundational principles of South City Church’s philosophy of ministry. See all content from this series.

The Church for Mission vs. the Church for Consumption

Kirk E. Miller

The following is an excerpt from my sermon The Church: Myths and Misconceptions (Part 1) delivered at South City Church, 7.30.17.

The Biblical reason we join and are a part of a church isn’t because a particular church offers the “goods and services” we want and like — making the church into something like a business, and us into its customers or consumers. The church is a people, a community. And the reason we join and are a part of this church community is for the sake of advancing our collective Christian mission — together.

When we become consumers, church becomes about “what I get out of it.” And when that happens, what determines “how I chose to do church” (or, as we might say, where I choose to “go to church” — as if church is something you “go to”) is what suits my preferences, what I like, or what meets my perceived needs.

In such a model, the church becomes a place where I come to be served. The pastors and the staff are the ones who do the ministry (rather than everyone). “It’s their job. They’re the ministers,” we say. “My job is to receive and be served.”

Continue reading →

Greg Gilbert, What is the Gospel? (Study Guide)

Kirk E. Miller

GilbertGospelThe following is a study guide I composed in ministry at South City Church for Greg Gilbert’s What is the Gospel?

Download Study Guide for What is the Gospel? by Greg Gilbert.

Greg Gilbert, What is the Gospel? – Surveys the basics of the Gospel—the good news about how we can be saved due to what Jesus has done through his cross and resurrection; valuable for both outreach as well as gaining personal clarity on the gospel. We recommend at least working through chapters 2-5.