Community has become such a buzzword in the American church that it seems like the miracle suave for all our ills, and in many ways it is.
All in Discipleship
The Tension between Invitation Versus Protection and Why You Should Never Eat Mediocre Food in Mississippi
It’s no wonder that it’s not only easy for me to want to share this part of Jesus with others, I simply can’t wait to do exactly that.
From Judginess to Fruitfulness: When to Speak Out and When to Remain Silent
Jesus wants to turn this around on us, because the source of judginess is an ungodly belief that I’m better than you, and that leads to demonizing, hating, and fearing the other.
The Day I Escaped My Bubble
I had experiences that made me question my view of reality. But at the end of the day, I always came back to people who rooted me in to the standard thinking of our group.
Clinging to the Cross
I will cling to the cross because it is the only place to find reconciliation between this world’s suffering and shame and a God who claims to be good.
Liking to Be Liked
We like to feel like we make a difference, that people appreciate us and know that we are there. I like to be liked … and sometimes that’s a problem.
Searching for Human Goodness
There is human goodness to be found. This is the hope of God in the world: the eternal love and light of God emanating through willing vessels to restore our fragmented world.
Gaining Perspective
With perspective we gain the insight that what is old was once new; what is new will one day be old. However, Christ is still Christ; he always has been and always will be.
Sorry, Dr. Stienke
I desperately want to lead courageously, step out on faith, and lean into God’s dream for my church. I so want to be a strong link in that chain.
The Spiritual Gift of Grub
It is amazing to me how often Jesus is found eating. The book of Luke records time after time that Jesus came to dinner or told parables about parties.
Elders and Ministers: Working and Praying Together
Numerous factors suggest how critical it is for ministers and elders to work together collaboratively and to spend a great deal of time in prayer.
What Does It Mean to Have a King?
Our lack of familiarity with true royal experience keeps us from fully appreciating the royal language of Scripture and worship.
Fourteen Rules for Discerning Spirits (Part 1)
The discernment of spirits is one of those things that we know is in the Bible, but are not always eager to discuss. We aren’t avoiding the topic, I think it sounds too mystical for many Christians.
Master, the Tempest is Raging!
In my fear and despair, my anger and bitterness, I cry out at the top of my lungs and from the depths of my heart—begging, pleading for God to wake up and hear me.
Fishermen as Disciples
A disciple of Christ needs to find the proper balance of active fishing on the water and active preparation on the dock.
O That You Would Tear Open the Heavens and Come Down
When God "comes down" to make the world right, God doesn't just correct the problems we want corrected. God's appearance might not be so interesting when you realize what God might do.
All Alone: A Reflection on Jacob
He was left all alone. For centuries these haunting words have filled the space between human extremity and divine encounters.
The Things that Make for Peace: Making Friends with Your Emotions
My anger is less likely to seek to destroy someone else than it is to seek to destroy me. That’s one of the things I’m learning about my anger as I get to know it better.
Passing on Faith
Teaching our children to follow God is one of the most profound tasks we are given; indeed, it is our primary mission field.
Spiritual Direction, Patience, and A Man Called Ove
Like fiction where the author tells us what each nod or smile means, it is a lovely image! Except, I haven’t experienced it to be true.