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I'm in mid-fifties and retired from ministry since my combination of multiple sclerosis and brain cancer together has tied be to either a bed or a desk. I read more than comment, but occasionally I will contribute, I promise.

I would highlight one point: our ideas about time limits are different (I believe) for God. God is in no way limited by time. God could say "Tonight, you will be with me in Paradise" and mean anything in time. Theoretically, time is not a limit to God. God has always been and will always be...

To me, these three verses are in concert with each other. When we confess and repent, forgiveness is available. The situation Peter describes does not include repentance, which makes me think that the only repentance comes in this instance at judgement time. Can you be more specific? Thanks...

Maybe I can help a bit. I became a Methodist on my way to ordination some eight or 9 years later. I began as a Presbyterian. So I had no inclination in favor of saints. When I was about 14 years old in a dream I was shown an oil portrait of a middle-aged Saint David and heard a voice telling me...

The pastor usually has control over the layout of the service. As pastor I tried to get the congregation involved to as great a degree as I could. The church I now attend goes like this: Prelude Greeting & Announcements Hymn Children's Moment Concerns & Praises Pastoral Prayer followed by the...

GraceSeeker has nailed it nicely. Proper quotes from the Discipline and everything. Nice job! Grace! -Rog

Lots of pastors work for minimal pay, or while using donations or savings to survive or a spouse's earnings. I have served several churches and have never received the full pay and allowances the UMC conference says I should receive. My wife supports me and we have lived well. Just my example...

I understand what you have quoted here. I would also like to say that the relationship with the church is also a responsibility. We are fortunate that in the USA we can chose our church. This isn't the case in North Korea or China (among others.) We can find a place to commit not only to a...

I have seen boils heal quickly if the area is kept clean and some topical antibiotic used. My son made it through one last week. I would not annoint the area but the forehead with something like olive oil.

Nathan, I am sorry to hear of your problems with NTS. I suffered much the same. I am guessing your Student Advisor was Dr. Samuel Galloza. He seems to be the only US-based advisor. Dr. Galloza doesn't return phone calls, rarely returns emails, and collects the payments. This is my experience. I...

I would not recommend Northwestern Theological Seminary at this point. I have been able to track down several students who feel abandoned by NTS. I recommend you look at the NTS Facebook page and you'll see what I mean. Grace! -Rog

Contacting NTS problems explained. Finally discovered that the school will never telephone you. You can phone them and leave a message if you wish. Contacted Bishop Sarkela. His emails were terse, but I did get action. I was told I now have my doctorate and I received a refund of almost...

Of course, we have to take into account the person's needs, but as UMC clergy, I sometimes feel the need for a very brief period away from the congregation and time to experience worship outside the UMC umbrella. I think the same need applies to many.

In the churches I have lead, I have often invited those who wish to "the rail" or to come forward to join. I have been surprised at the response many times. As Methodists, I think we can find many new disciples of Christ if we'll open as many doors as possible.

To me, it seems that a variety of understandings doesn't mean that most of us are wrong; rather, it means the Holy Spirit can use a variety of understandings for us to enjoy the faith and grow. Yes, there are hard parts, but if the discussion draws you closer to reading the Word and...

I have been struggling with NTS for some weeks after finishing my dissertation and submitting it. I will be writing the external authority who ran the school when it had a very good reputation, Bishop Sarkela. He's officially the man responsible for the denomination owning the school. I would...

Northwestern Theological Seminary (NTS) has two good points: it has a fair reputation and the cost is low. On the other hand, in the last year, there are students who cannot get an answer from the school or instructors. NTS needs to make some changes. I'd save my money for a few months. Just...

My involvement with Northwestern is because I want to get a doctorate quickly. The email link and the "72 hour deadline for response" were the keys for me. My master's of divinity is actually a CTM from the Faculty of Divinity at Cambridge in the UK. I attended for three years and cranked out a...

Correction to Northwestern fax number, now it is posted as: 1-727-213-9048

I am someone who is a United Methodist minister with a short time to complete a doctorate (medical projection of about 18 months remaining.) I'm trying to do this through Northwestern as well. My problem is unanswered emails. I thought this was an issue with the server, not with the one who...