Should your church cancel worship services and other corporate gatherings? Here is how we are thinking through that question at my church.
All in Culture
A Journey of Inclusion (Part 1)
Inclusion means that the congregation embraces the inherent value in all voices and seeks to make them an active part of the whole.
The Black Mamba: Lessons from and Tribute to Kobe Bryant
Bryant models to us that leaders celebrate the wins of other winners, even if the win is greater than theirs.
Preaching Ephesians in 2020
There may be no better text for preaching in divisive cultural moments than the book of Ephesians. Here, the church sees a picture of all-encompassing unity.
The Revelation Of
Factions from both sides of the aisle find reasons to believe their opponent is the devil’s minion or the devil incarnate.
Five Simple Steps to Change a Life
Have your neighbors, coworkers, or classmates over for a meal. Just pick a family out of your world and host them in your home.
“Whistling Vivaldi” by Claude M. Steele
What cues for a negative stereotype are we sending out often without even knowing it? And how can we create a culture that will maximize learning for all kinds of people? (Nonfiction)
Christmas: More Than a Gift
I do not know what the future holds for these kids, but my gifts to them are no longer about Christmas; they’re a statement of my hopes and dreams that they will be great.
What Does It Mean to Be in Charge?
Jesus reveals that true leadership is about taking responsibility for others, not amassing authority for ourselves. As the church, what image of kingship do we promote?
The Power of Persistence
When the Son of Man comes, will he find the kind of faith that nags at an unjust system even when it feels like the cards are stacked against what is right?
“March” by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell
In these three graphic volumes you have the very personal recounting of the civil rights movement. (Nonfiction)
How to REALLY Grow Your Church
True growth comes not from questions of defense, but questions about how to reach a dark world with the light of Jesus.
Thankful for Tornadoes
There is no doubt in my mind that everything done that day was a reflection of God pushing us out of fear and into productivity and resilience.
Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly
To operate under the assumption that we all encounter injustice in the same way diminishes the strength that comes when we purposefully stand up for each other.
“Beartown” by Fredrik Backman
This book is actually about many things and it is a good old-fashioned plot-driven, character-rich novel. (Fiction)
“Vietnam” by Max Hastings
I never really understood the war then or later, so reading this book was, for me, a way to reckon with a history that never made sense to me. (Nonfiction)
A Most Complex Hug
While many feel inspired by this embodiment of love and forgiveness, others believe you cannot hug away decades of racism and police brutality.
The Bill of Rights
How does my understanding of myself as an American citizen with these guaranteed rights inform my view of gospel living?
“Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates
If you are going to read two post-civil rights books on race, there are two short classics that I would recommend. (Nonfiction)
“The Plot against America” by Philip Roth
Roth takes seriously how nationalism, nativism, race hatred, and fear of the other can turn dangerous and then deadly. (Fiction)