Lament and the Church – Dr. Soong Chan Rah

June 21, 2021

When Soong-Chan Rah planted an urban church in Cambridge, Massachusetts, his first full sermon series was a six-week exposition of the book of Lamentations. Preaching on an obscure, depressing Old Testament book was probably not the most seeker-sensitive way to launch a church. But it shaped their community with a radically countercultural perspective.

The American church avoids lament. But lament is a missing, essential component of Christian faith. Lament recognizes struggles and suffering, that the world is not as it ought to be. Lament challenges the status quo and cries out for justice against existing injustices.

– About Dr. Soong-Chan Rah
Dr. Rah holds a ThD from Duke Divinity School, with a primary field of study in theology and ethics and a secondary field of study in American evangelical history. He also holds an MDiv and a DMin, with a concentration in urban ministry leadership, from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, as well as a ThM from Harvard University, with a thesis on the immigrant church.

He is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Covenant Church, and a member of the Academy for Evangelism in Theological Education, American Academy of Religion, and American Society of Missiology. He has spoken widely on the topics of the witness of the church, cross-cultural ministry, and social justice at academic conferences, seminaries, Christian colleges, local churches, denominational gatherings, and ministry conferences on both the domestic and global level.

A Message of Thanks from Expressions Church | Pastor Christopher Spolar
A Message of Thanks from Expressions Church | Pastor Christopher Spolar

Pastor Christopher Spolar shares his gratitude for the overwhelming support from our Free Methodist family following the recent fires. Standing in front of their temporary new church home, he reflects on the power of community and the hope we find in supporting one another.

Thank you to everyone who has supported Expressions Church through prayer, encouragement, and practical assistance. Together, we continue sharing hope with our community.

For updates and ways to help: fmcsc.org/fire

Clases de Ordenación en Español | FMCSC y ASOM 2025
Clases de Ordenación en Español | FMCSC y ASOM 2025

¡Nuevas oportunidades de educación ministerial en español! La Iglesia Metodista Libre en el Sur de California (FMCSC) y la Escuela de Ministerio Aldersgate (ASOM) ofrecen clases de ordenación completamente en español a partir de enero 2025.

Próximas Clases Online:
📚 Historia y Política: 27 de enero – 2 de febrero, 2025
📚 Teología Wesleyana: 3 de febrero – 6 de abril, 2025

Ideal para:
– Candidatos Ministeriales Locales (LMC)
– Ministros Licenciados Locales (LLM)
– Candidatos Ministeriales de Conferencia
– Líderes que buscan ordenación como Ancianos

Más información y registro:
🌐 https://www.aldersgatesom.com/fmc
📧 [email protected]

#IglesiaMetodistaLibre #EducaciónMinisterial #FMCSC #ASOM #Ordenación

Fresh Oil, Fresh Anointing – FMCSC Pastors’ Celebration 2025
Fresh Oil, Fresh Anointing – FMCSC Pastors’ Celebration 2025

FMCSC Pastors – join us for the Free Methodist Church in Southern California (FMCSC) Pastors’ Celebration on February 22nd, 2025, at PazNaz in Pasadena. This special gathering features Bishop Kenny Martin as our guest speaker and worship led by Chapel of Change.

Experience authentic fellowship, uplifting worship, and spiritual renewal with your FMCSC family. Event includes:
• Coffee & fellowship starting at 9:30 AM
• Program from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
• Complimentary lunch
• Childcare available
• Spanish translation provided

RSVP by February 7th – check your email!
Location: PazNaz, Pasadena
Questions? Contact: [email protected]

#FMCSC #FreeMethodist #PastorsCelebration #SouthernCalifornia