K. Runia, Trowel and Sword. November 1962 Preamble: A mountain of books have been written on how to evangelise. One such story was called “The Gospel Blimp”, which is outlined here by Prof. Runia of RTC. He goes on to contrast it with the work of “The Back To God Hour’ which older readers willContinue reading “The Gospel Blimp And The Back To God Hour”
Author Archives: Bert Moritz & Pieter Stok
The Reformation and Education
Preamble: The following is an article by Prof. George van Groningen in the October 1967 issue of T and S. It reflects on the influence of education on the reformers and the way God used that in the development of the Reformation. He goes on to challenge the reader to consider the continuing importance ofContinue reading “The Reformation and Education”
THE MAKING OF A MINISTER
T.L. Wilkinson, Trowel and Sword, October 1968 Preamble: Last week or focus was directed towards the shortage of ministers in the churches which was already an issue back in 1976 and how Sessions looked for creative short term solutions to a long term problem. Ultimately, as has been said many times, the answer is toContinue reading “THE MAKING OF A MINISTER”
Australian Gleanings/Letter From New Zealand On Vacant Churches
Preamble: This week we look at two items from December 1976: Australian Gleanings and its New Zealand equivalent under the heading “A Letter From New Zealand”. Although they mainly deal with general news items, it is of particular interest that they both mention a problem that is still very much with us today: Ministerial vacancies.Continue reading “Australian Gleanings/Letter From New Zealand On Vacant Churches”
The Crisis and Challenge of a New Era
DIRK VAN GARDEREN, T&S, December 1976 Preamble: In this essay Dirk looks at various aspects of church growth from the early days of the Reformed Churches and the need to reassess methods of evangelism 25 years later as the demographic of the church has changed. It is now almost another 50 years since his articleContinue reading “The Crisis and Challenge of a New Era”
Shall We Adopt The New Or Maintain The Old?
Preamble: When Abram answered God’s call to pack up his family and his belongings and move to another land, he did so without hesitation. But at the back of his mind he no doubt asked himself the same questions that many immigrants asked themselves when they landed on the shores of Australia or New ZealandContinue reading “Shall We Adopt The New Or Maintain The Old?”
The Value Of Church History
Rev A. Barkley, BA, “Trowel and Sword,” October 1954. Preamble Alexander Barkley and his wife Elsie came to Australia in 1947 to serve the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Geelong as its minister. He developed a close working relationship with the Dutch migrants coming to this part of the country in the early 50’s and sharedContinue reading “The Value Of Church History”
Are We Still Bound To The Ten Commandments?
Rev. Dr. Klass Runia Th. D., Trowel and Sword, November 1958 – Jan/Feb 1959 Preamble: Dr. Runia arrived in Australia in 1956 to take up the position of Systematic Theology at RTC. According to “A Church En Route” he is remembered for outstanding scholarship, which shines through in the article below despite the fact EnglishContinue reading “Are We Still Bound To The Ten Commandments?”
Church Membership
Rev. J.A.Scarrow, Trowel and Sword Dec. 1955 Preamble: Reverend J. A. Scarrow resigned from the Presbyterian Church because of a difference with the Auckland Presbytery over the family of a church elder winning an art union lottery prize. It was believed Mr. Scarrow advocated the disciplining of the elder by the Paris Session. The Presbytery,Continue reading “Church Membership”
Reformed Preaching In A Scientific Age
Rev. A. Barkley BA. Trowel & Sword, April/May 1955 (Part 1) Preamble: April 25 (Anzac Day), 1955 saw the official opening of the Reformed Theological College in Melbourne where both newly installed lecturers, Rev. J.A. Schep and Rev. A Barkley gave their inaugural addresses. Prof. Barkley’s subject was, “Reformed Preaching in a Scientific Age,” whichContinue reading “Reformed Preaching In A Scientific Age”
T&S Revisited 