Pastoral Authority Limitations, Critical Race Theory Explained, + Should Churches Use Hillsong & Bethel Music?

How Much Authority Does a Pastor Have?

Have you heard of or been to a church where the people seem to be micromanaged in a way that raises red flags?  

The following article is not exhaustive but helpful to explain the Scriptural pattern for pastors /elders.

How Much Authority Does a Pastor Have? Austin T. Duncan

What is Critical Race Theory, and why is it wrong?

If you are like me and struggle to remember and articulate things, having things available to review  in written form can be very beneficial.  

Not long ago someone asked me what CRT was, and I found myself fumbling to attempt to answer them (despite all I've heard before).

Eric Davis has a blog post which takes information from different sources and describes what Critical Race Theory & Intersectionality are (and their un-Biblical worldview).

Overview of Critical Race Theory & Intersectionality by Eric Davis

Should Churches use Hillsong & Bethel Music?

I've watched a few newer videos in recent times which gave good reasons for avoiding using music from these sources. 

While an occasional song might have okay lyrics and your individual conscience might let you sing those privately, there are ramifications of churches singing their music. 

It can encourage people to look them up and get led to their false teaching, financially aid their dangerous teaching, etc.

Much of the lyrics also reflect the poor Theology and dangerous views of those places.

1. Why We Don't Sing Bethel Music (Costi Hinn and others - Redeemer Bible Church)

2. Why your Church Shouldn't Play Bethel and Hillsong Music (Todd Friel and Justin Peters)

3. "Why our church no longer plays Bethel or Hillsong music," Pastor explains false teachings 

(I don't know the pastor here or what version or paraphrase he was using, but this was a thoughtful message to consider.)

Proclaiming the Gospel - Messages Worth Listening To

I have been listening to some really good messages lately that I would like to pass on to my blog readers who may have missed them.

1. The following message may have people thinking about their methods of evangelism and step on toes.
This will challenge people.  Austin was fired up.
Austin Duncan (Truth & Life conference TMU)

2. The day before Austin's message at TMU, John MacArthur gave a message to seminary students at TMS.  There was a connection in what was said.
Preaching the real Gospel and sacrificing freedom for the purpose of it.
John MacArthur at the TMS Chapel

Despite the difficulties happening to me and my family, I am so thankful for the online messages and prayers of friends. 

Thoughts On Looking For A Pastor

There are so many things to think about when considering pastors and churches.

I want a man (yes, that is a Biblical requirement for an elder) that holds to the Gospel of Scripture, loves God, holds to the 5 Solas, the Biblical doctrines of grace, doesn't hold to heresy, doesn't permit women to teach or exercise authority in the church, holds to believers' baptism, and hopefully he will normally teach expositionally.  He should be able to handle the Word of God accurately (though no pastor will always get everything perfectly right and neither do I always get everything right).
I would like him to care about modesty (teaching Biblical principles and the wife's clothing being a good example...and this isn't about wearing a legalistic uniform).
I want a shepherd that protects the flock from error and loves and serves the sheep.  

The pastor should meet all of the qualifications of an elder found in Scripture.

Not all of the things I've mentioned are just the responsibility of one man, and I do believe in a plurality of male leadership.

There are so many factors, and so I'm sharing three articles that have some of those other issues (including some that I've mentioned).

Thus Sayeth the Pastor: the Nature and Limits of Pastoral Authority   - Austin Duncan

What To Look For in a Shepherd - Jeremiah Johnson

When I look for a shepherd, I do not want a man who is divorced and remarried.

He cannot be devoted to his first wife, and if there was immorality on the man's part then that is certainly adultery.   

The man can be accused of not being above reproach.  If he had children, he cannot manage his household well from a distance.

I do not believe in remarriage in any case (Mark 10:10-11), though I've heard the opposing arguments.

A pastor/elder should be an exemplary example to the flock.

Asking a perspective pastor about his beliefs on some of all of these things and asking who his favorite authors are can give some ideas of what he believes.

What with brain fog and health issues of various kinds (including pain), things are so limited for me in that I often feel I can barely make it sitting through a church service in person. 
My hands are really acting up again more as well.

I know some may disagree with some of this post, but I pray it will edify someone, and that it was worth the pain and tingling typing causes.


Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 1:13 NASB

Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.

1 Timothy 4:16 NASB