The church is not a building. Never has been. The church is people. But it seems like almost every community of faith I know is either trying to build or remodel a building.
All tagged community
Asking More, Not Less
Before we ask people to do more in our churches, we need to make sure that what we are asking them to do creates identity, community, meaning, and purpose.
We Disagree and I Think You Are…
Just because we disagree does not make one of us stupid. In the same way, one of us may be wrong about things, but that does not mean we are not in love with Jesus.
In the Name of Jesus: A Reflection on Christian Leadership
Using two passages from the New Testament—Matthew 4:1-11 and John 21:15-19—Henri Nouwen offers us a profound reflection about the type of leadership Christ wants for his church.
Why One Minister Has Stayed
These are my top five reasons that I have stayed in ministry. This isn’t the final word, but I do think that these are things that every person in full-time ministry needs to some degree.
Jesus's Feeding the 5,000
Jesus was inviting them out of their fear and scarcity mindset to one of abundance. Rather than seeing the scarcity of the moment, Jesus invited them to see the not-yet-visible abundance of the kingdom of God.
Lattes, Candles, and Ukuleles Are Not Exactly Missional
The missional call is not doing what you already do at a better or more creative level. It’s joining people where they are, bringing the love of Jesus with you, and allowing the Spirit of God to form Christian community.
Restoring Unity to the Body of Christ
The body of Christ cannot be idle in its efforts to cultivate unity. If the body of Christ is going to function to the fullest, the body must be one.
Reading Scripture as a Renewal Exercise
The reason to know about God in the past is so that we can recognize the action of God today.
Joy in Togetherness
If I may be direct: see if you can find ways to encourage your people to enjoy togetherness. God is a master of bringing renewal to a dry and weary land, and the same is true with dry and weary hearts.
Ontological Musings
Koinonia means we share, in equal parts, the instability of our humanity and the security of our identity in Christ; trusting God looks like trusting people.
Moral Injury and the Church: No One Stands Alone
No one should ever have to stand alone in their suffering or their shame. Instead, we need to become a safe harbor for those who are floundering; this is our sacred calling.
IRL @ Church - Conversation Required
Do your people know how to sincerely welcome guests? Even if they used to, the pandemic has altered how we interact with others, and they may have forgotten how.
Companions for the Journey
We know the value of good companionship, right? For some of us, we have made it through the past two years of pandemic life precisely because of our companions.
Free Black Mamas 2022
It’s that time of the year when I, along with the Philadelphia Community Bail Fund, work to liberate as many Black mothers out of jail as we can for Mother’s Day.
Celebrating Black Excellence
Many of us are making history today, and it is also imperative that we celebrate and support our Black leaders. We must honor Black history by supporting and celebrating Black excellence today.
We Are Sheep
Sheep respond to nurture, and we are sheep according to John’s Gospel. Thus, we know our master’s voice of grace, which causes us to turn our heads and assent to follow.
Five Spiritual Resources for When You Need Help
As leaders in our communities of faith, we need to make sure that our people know the resources available to them when they are in spiritual need.
Sheep Respond to Nurture
This week I saw a sheep with an adopted master, following close because it knew familiarity and care. It had everything it needed and responded simply in acceptance.
Getting Our Questions in the Right Order
Until folk see and experience the countercultural power of true Christian community and begin to ask, “What does this mean?,” they will not be asking the next question, “What shall we do?”