The Lord’s Supper
By Todd Stewart
The concept of the Lord’s Supper (also referred to as Communion or The Eucharist), has generated a great deal of discussion, confusion, and even division throughout church history. In this short essay, Todd Stewart explains The Village OCN’s position and practice on this important subject.
The Village OCN Church Structures and Principles
By Todd Stewart
So you’ve been checking out The Village OCN and perhaps you’ve wondered why we do things the way we do. I’m glad you asked! Every local church has certain goals, and a strategy for accomplishing those goals. It also has structures and methods by which it carries out this strategy. We’ve determined these things based on biblical data with sound interpretive principles.
Women in Ministry
By Todd Stewart
Are only men allowed to lead in the church? Is the Bible’s instruction on this issue outdated and chauvinistic? How can we be both faithful to the Bible and effective in our culture on this controversial issue? This paper explores these questions and a method for studying similar topics.
The Bible and Profanity
By Todd Stewart
Christian culture has often incorrectly seemed to define holiness as merely avoiding doing bad things. As a result, generations of Christians have felt compelled to say “shoot” instead of “shit” with no real understanding of what difference it makes beyond keeping them out of trouble with other church friends. What does the Bible have to say about the importance of our speech?
Morality Makers or Made to Be Moral
By Todd Stewart
There is a timeless and universal question that haunts all who find themselves stuck in this modern morass — “Is there such a thing as objective morality?” This haunting question cannot be separated from another — “If objective morality exists, what is its basis?” In this essay, Todd Stewart explains the argument that humanity is made to be moral, rather than to function as our own morality makers.
Developing a Discipleship Culture
By Todd Stewart
Jesus’ final words before leaving this earth included a strong call for all Christians to make disciples. The Village takes this call to disciple-making very seriously. However, we also recognize that the discipleship process can be wrought with confusion and even personal baggage. Developing a Discipleship Culture was written to address these issues, and also provide Christian workers in The Village with a common starting point as they seek to make disciples
Becoming an Equipped Christian Worker
By Todd Stewart
Christian equipping should be thorough and rigorous. Some dismiss this as unrealistic for busy modern lives, but this thinking is flawed. In secular work, extensive training is expected—no one would trust an untrained doctor or electrician. How much more should we demand thorough training from those who speak for God and guide others in faith!