David reminds us that in addition to the currently-running Karl Barth Blog Conference (which so far has included some great papers), that there are also two other blog conferences coming up: the Sergei Bulgakov Blog Conference (September 2008), and the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Blog Conference (November 2008).

Andrew offers a nice reflection on the nature of love, and Craig Carter reviews Douglas Farrow’s, Nation of Bastards: Essays on the End of Marriage.

Finally, Tim Chester has reposted some helpful lessons/reminders about church planting:

1. There are worse things than failure
… we need to take the long view in planting – develop a 100 year plan! [This reminded me of Forsyth’s ‘Think in centuries!]

2. Church planting is like surfing
… reflect on the providence of God. We cannot create the waves, we simply ride them as they come.

3. Know your
… there are different ways of planting – be clear on what your is.

4. You need a team
… for support, for diversity of gifts…

5. Ideals need to become flesh
… ‘too many people plant churches in their heads’. We must live it in everyday life.

6. Enthusiasm is a discipline
… and remind yourself in the hard times, how this estate is beautiful in God’s sight… and remember Jesus is your Saviour not your ministry.

7. Small may not be beautiful but it will do
… and size of church is not the source of your identity/security.

8. Locals are better than me
… those who have been around and grown up in the area will always be better equipped at relating to other locals, so equip them.

9. Read the Parable of the soils
… be clear about your conviction that the Word of God, though small, is powerful and will bring a harvest.