Dr. Douglas Groothuis

As Paul wrote, for the church to “speak the truth in love,” it must be rooted in “the knowledge of the Son of God” (Ephesians 4:15; 4:13), and it must be wary of teachings or practices that can blow it off course through the dissimulations of false teachings. New Age philosophies are false teachings that Christians must resist so that the church can become the mature body of Christ that Christ himself desires.

Pastors must expose spiritual errors—even heresies—whether in the Church or in the world, especially when so much false teaching is prevalent in today’s culture.

Our relationship with God through prayer is the lifeblood of the Christian life, of following Jesus as Lord. Church leaders should pray publicly and privately and be quick to speak of the need for prayer, ready to relate answers to prayer, and lament the lack of prayer. It is also no sin for ministers to solicit prayer for themselves and their ministry to the church.

Our stand against abortion has not ended with the overturning of Roe v. Wade, churches should continue to stand for the dignity of pre-born human life.

Beyond Advent and Sunday worship and rest, pastors can lead congregations into a sense of sacred time by marking the seasons and events.

Church leaders can speak the truth in love about pornography and offer hope for repentance and restoration.