This edition is sponsored by SEMILLA
Today’s Briefing
What shall it profit you if your preferred candidate wins an election but you lose your soul? Twenty-five precepts to stay sane and faithful in an election year.
After their declaration confused some evangelicals in attendance, the theologians behind Lausanne’s Seoul Statement answer questions about LGBTQ issues, evangelism, and the role of the Global South.
Have you ever noticed the parts of the Bible that are not part of the Bible? A new book says you should.
When surrounded by stories of clergy scandal, pastors must refocus on staying faithful and finishing well.
In Letters to a Future Saint, professor Brad East offers a distinctive blend of theological instruction and spiritual mentorship.
Behind the Story
From ideas editor Kara Bettis Carvahlo: There are plenty of bad leaders. James writes that many people should not be teachers because they can’t handle the responsibility (3:1). But there are also plenty of quiet leaders plodding along who are faithful to their wives, families, and congregations until they retire or pass away.
My dad, who served quietly as a small church pastor in New England for 25 years, often quips that people don’t notice good leadership. We make examples of bad leaders, especially when they harm those in their care (Prov. 29:2), but good leaders don’t often receive accolades. We need to remember those people too.
Working with Jim Essian on his piece about changing the scoreboard for pastors reminded me of the many good and faithful pastors in my life. In the midst of too-often tragic news about Christian leaders who have betrayed our trust, remember to encourage your local pastor and celebrate the daily grind of integrity and faithfulness.
Paid Content
We all need a reset sometimes. Whether it’s a break from school, work, or the ordinary,
SEMILLA’s CASAS program in Guatemala offers a unique sabbatical option that combines language learning with cultural immersion. Spend your mornings deepening your Spanish skills and your afternoons exploring local communities, indigenous culture, and Central American faith practices.
SEMILLA’s programs are flexible, making it easy for individuals, families, or groups to find a fit. Whether you’re looking for a one-week stay or something longer, SEMILLA helps you grow in both language and understanding.
Discover how a trip to Guatemala could be more than just a getaway.
In Other News
- Pastor Mark Dever celebrates 30 years at Capitol Hill Baptist in Washington, DC.
- Oklahoma is considering a 2025 budget that includes $3 million for Bibles.
- Evangelicals back Trump at about the same level they did in 2020.
- Unexpected Christian crossover series: In his new show, Man vs. Wild’s Bear Grylls is taking cast members from The Chosen into the wilderness.
Today in Christian History
September 30, 1452: The first section of the Gutenberg Bible was finished in Mainz, Germany, by the printer Johannes Gutenberg. It is unclear when Gutenberg conceived of his Bible project, though he was clearly in production by 1452. He probably produced about 180 copies — 145 that were printed on handmade paper imported from Italy and the remainder on more luxurious and expensive vellum. Only four dozen Gutenberg Bibles remain, and of these only 21 are complete.
in case you missed it
My dad eased his pickup truck along the rolling sidehill, tracing the curves in the rows of hay stretching before us, the steering wheel wandering beneath his hand. The afternoon…
The Lausanne Movement’s decision to release a 97-point, 13,000-word theological statement on the inaugural day of its fourth world congress has sparked a week of debate and conversation. The seven-part…
For a time when I was a child, I wanted nothing unless it was grilled cheese—without the bread. My loving parents accommodated me by placing a special order when we…
Pornography use has continued to climb over the past decade, especially among young people who are exposed to explicit images earlier than ever. Yet most Americans today don’t see porn…
in the magazine
Our September/October issue explores themes in spiritual formation and uncovers what’s really discipling us. Bonnie Kristian argues that the biblical vision for the institutions that form us is renewal, not replacement—even when they fail us. Mike Cosper examines what fuels political fervor around Donald Trump and assesses the ways people have understood and misunderstood the movement. Harvest Prude reports on how partisan distrust has turned the electoral process into a minefield and how those on the frontlines—election officials and volunteers—are motivated by their faith as they work. Read about Christian renewal in intellectual spaces and the “yearners”—those who find themselves in the borderlands between faith and disbelief. And find out how God is moving among his kingdom in Europe, as well as what our advice columnists say about budget-conscious fellowship meals, a kid in Sunday school who hits, and a dating app dilemma.
CT Daily Briefing
Get the most recent headlines and stories from Christianity Today delivered to your inbox daily.
Delivered free via email to subscribers weekly. Sign up for this newsletter.
You are currently subscribed as no email found. Sign up to more newsletters like this. Manage your email preferences or unsubscribe.
Christianity Today is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
“Christianity Today” and “CT” are the registered trademarks of Christianity Today International.
Copyright ©2024 Christianity Today, PO Box 788, Wheaton, IL 60187-0788
All rights reserved.