Last night I was talking to a hungry young “seeker” who has been coming to “Coffee and Theology” for four weeks now. After class each week he patiently...

by C Michael Patton

Apologetics

Dealing with the Doubting: How to Have Mercy on Loved Ones Who Are Doubting their Faith

I know of only one person who I believed was being used by God significantly who had not been though some sort of faith crisis that caused them to doubt their beliefs at their...

What Defines Ministry Success?

“Grant to us that we sit on you right hand and left hand in glory.” Such were the presumptuous words of James and John to Jesus (Mark 10:35). I have often wondered...

Some Advice About Confronting Others (Especially About Theological Error)

You know what I hate? I hate when I am corrected by my wife. Especially when she is right! My first tendency is to get defensive. “Michael, do you think you can start...

When You Want to Die for Christ, But He Won’t Let You

You know what it feels like: you are on fire; you are ready, willing and able; you don’t need any more sermons on Rom 12:1. You are a living sacrifice. You have read...

by C Michael Patton

Ecclesiology (Church)

Grace Killer #1: “Biblical” Ways of Doing Church?

In theology, I have learned what the three most controversial topics are: 1. Women in ministry 2. Creation/Evolution issues 3. Calvinism/Arminianism stuff I would put them in...

Cracked

A few weeks ago we were trying to sell our SUV. It was a great car we just could not afford it anymore. I like the heavy cars for the wife and kids. It puts my mind at ease....

by C Michael Patton

Christian Life

Ministry

Personal (Michael Patton)

29Comments

I Don’t Really Know if I am Called to Ministry

The Holy Spirit does not give me an overwhelming sense of my calling. This moment is better than some, but it usually depends on the day hour that you ask me. “Michael,...

by C Michael Patton

Ministry

20Comments

Why I am Not Fit for Ministry

I live with the fear that someone will discover that I am not fit for ministry. Wait, I am getting ahead of myself . . . January 2000. I have just been hired as an intern at...

How to Choose a Seminary

There are a lot of things that you must think through when choosing a seminary for your ministry preparation. I will attempt to cover them here. Type of Seminary There are...

by C Michael Patton

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