Gary Neal Hansen

Theology. It's good for you.

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You are here: Home / Archives for Ideals

John Wesley’s “Plain, Old Christianity,” or “The Marks of a True Methodist”

September 4, 2013 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

I recently posted on John Wesley’s “Basic Christianity,” looking at the rock-bottom standards he insisted on for members of the early Methodist movement. True enough, Wesley’s baseline was to avoid obvious sin, do a lot of good, and practice basic Christian spiritual disciplines. However, Wesley was very clear that toeing the mark on these things […]

Filed Under: Community, Wesley Tagged With: Holiness, Ideals, John Wesley, Methodism

Where’s Your Community Going?

April 29, 2013 by Gary Neal Hansen 22 Comments

I was guest preacher at a little country church.  There are thousands like it. They looked to be teetering on the brink of the abyss, hardly able to muster the leadership and funding to survive. My wife was chatting with one of the members — someone with a lot of complaints about their denomination’s influence […]

Filed Under: Community, Monasticism Tagged With: Benedict of Nursia, Ideals, Mission, Mission statement, Monasticism

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Theology. It’s good for you.

I'm a Church historian by trade. My writing, speaking, and teaching explores the Christian past to equip today's disciples. Join me here for regular posts on the best of theology, spirituality, community, and ministry. read more…

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