“The tongue is the great instrument of duty; and if it be not governed, there can be no religion.” —Thomas Adam (1701–1784) Source: Thomas Adam, Private Thoughts on Religion (London: J. Johnson, 1786), 112. Reflection: Where does my speech today reveal a need for deeper governance by the Spirit so that my words align with genuine faith?
Book Review, Words that Shape Us: How America’s Most Influential Evangelical Magazines Craft the Narrative of Christian Culture
Return to Journal of Christian Teaching Practice (in Communication Studies) Book Reviewed: Waters, Ken (2025). Words that Shape Us: How America’s Most Influential Evangelical Magazines Craft the Narrative of Christian Culture (Pasco, WA: Integratio Press). Reviewed By: Tamara J. Welter Reviewer Affiliation: Baylor University Total Pages: 213 ISBN: 978-1-959685-29-6 View on amazon (affiliate link) American media operates differently than news organizations in …
A Prayer for the Way of Truth in Speech, by Richard Greenham, 16th Century
“O Lord, open mine eyes, that I may see mine own wants; open my heart, that I may learn to fear thee; open my mouth, that my lips may speak of thy praise; open mine ears, that I may hear thy voice; open my hands, that I may do thy will. Make me to know the things that belong unto …
Quote of the Week, The Guileless Tongue, by John Fletcher, 18th Century
“A guileless tongue is the genuine index of a sanctified heart.” —John Fletcher (1729–1785) Source: John Fletcher, Checks to Antinomianism, vol. 2 (London: J. Buckland, 1774), 207. Reflection: Where does my speech today reveal places where my heart still needs sanctifying grace?
A Prayer for Keeping the Door of My Lips, by William Romaine, 18th Century
“Lord, keep the door of my lips, that no corrupt communication may proceed out of them; but that all my words may be seasoned with grace, and may tend to edification. Let the law of kindness be in my tongue, and enable me to speak what is good in Thy sight, to the glory of Thy great name.” –William Romaine …
Quote of the Week, When Words Carry More Than We Mean, by Richard Hooker, 16th Century
“Words are as the wings of actions, and therefore ought to be spoken with care, lest they carry things further than we intend.” –Richard Hooker (1554–1600) Source: Richard Hooker, Of the Lawes of Ecclesiastical Politie, Book V (London: John Windet, 1597), 68. Reflection: Where in my teaching, preaching, or daily conversations do my words tend to “carry things further than I …
Book Reviewers needed, Four Books, Journal of Christian Teaching Practice (JCTP)
The Journal of Christian Teaching Practice is seeking reviewers for the following books published by Integratio Press: Minding Our Hearts: Devotionals on the Teaching Life for Christian Professors, ed. John Marsen Dunaway In Their Steps: What Jesus and His Disciples Teach About Sharing Our Leadership Life Stories in Transformational Ways by Chris Hamstra Habits of the High-Tech Heart: Living Virtuously in the Information Age (Updated …
A Prayer for a Tongue Shaped by Grace, by E.M. Bounds, 19th Century
“Lord, help me to guard my lips, that no hasty, unkind, or untrue word may escape them. Keep my speech pure, seasoned with love, and full of the gentleness of Christ. Let my tongue be a fountain of blessing, speaking only what edifies and comforts. Deliver me from idle talk and from every word that wounds or misleads. Grant that …
Quote of the Week, Character in Every Word, by Phillips Brooks, 19th Century
“Character may be manifested in the great moments, but it is made in the small ones.” —Phillips Brooks (1836-1893), Episcopal preacher best known for O Little Town of Bethlehem and for his widely published lectures on preaching and Christian character Source: Phillips Brooks, Addresses (New York: E.P. Dutton, 1895), 12. Reflection: How do the small, everyday choices in my speech—tone, honesty, …
Column Entry, Leadership Life Stories, by Chris Hamstra
Column Title: Leadership Life Stories: Communicating and Leading through Your Story Column Entry: “Listening Before the Miracle: Leadership, Communication, and Naaman” By Chris Hamstra, PhD, Davenport University Description: There is a power when people come together to share stories. As people of faith, the practice and process of storytelling helps us understand ourselves, our communities, and our organizations. When combined with leadership, stories …
