There is a moment that’s quiet and sacred—when you realize that God is giving you back what you lost. Only this time, it’s deeper. Stronger. Wiser. This is restoration.
All in Discipleship
You Don’t Need Permission—You Need Skill
Yes, the anxiety of speaking up is absolutely real, but you can feel anxiety and speak up at the same time. I promise, you can learn to speak up with skill. There is no magic to being a strong communicator. Communication is a learned physical skill.
Searching for Sabbath
Sabbath is some of the healthiest food that I can eat. Sabbath is woven into the inner fabric of my innermost longings. Sabbath demands me, even though it should be the other way around.
Narrative Structure and Purpose in the Book of Acts
Throughout the narrative, the author pauses the plot to report on the progress and growth of the church, which becomes a proclamation of victory for the gospel of Christ. Despite the persecutions, false accusations and abuses suffered, the Christian movement was unstoppable.
Always Being Ready
You cannot lead people somewhere you are not. If Jesus does not have your heart, it will be difficult to share a hope that may not be a reality in your life.
Living and Leading Together in Covenant
What if we could think this differently about our partners in life and leadership? What if, rather than holding them to an impossible ideal of relationship or partnership, in the hopes that we would never be wronged, we treat them with love and respect and care even though we know they will hurt us, wrong us, annoy us?
Settling For Bronze?
Congregations need ministers who humbly consider themselves as they present the good news. They need ministers who recognize that they are sinners saved by the grace of God, empowered by God to speak a message of hope and reconciliation to a hurting and distressed world.
I Was Not Good News
When you talk to others about Jesus, take a look at how you tell that story and what it means for their identity. Is it a story of acceptance or rejection?
Hold to His Hand
How can we find balance when our thoughts are in turmoil from the hard realities of life? Especially during times when we are seeking wisdom, preparing for important decisions, or in need of spiritual strength?
Seeking is as Good as Seeing
I’ve begun to wonder whether my lack of consistency in prayer has less to do with ignorance or interest, and more to do with impatience. I’ve come to the realization that, often, I neglect prayer simply because I’m not convinced that anything is happening when I do.
The Church as the Suffering Servant
The church of our time, as the spiritual Israel of God, is called to embrace the figure of the suffering servant and renounce claims to political or economic power in a society that collectively can be seen as Babylon. As an alternative culture, we are to proclaim God’s justice to the world instead of conforming to it.
All the Great Commission
It is appropriate to focus on “go” as the main point of the Great Commission. But it is helpful to remember this emphasis may be more about going out into the world in which you live and making disciples.
Leadership that is Authentic
Authenticity is not only seen in big, dramatic moments. More often, authenticity is found in the small, daily decisions that have earned your credibility. It is not about being liked; it is about being trusted because of your consistency and clear values.
When the Kingdom Comes to Your Table
I’ve been thinking about the faces of those who have sat at my table. After reading this Matthew 9:10-13, a few questions settled in my heart: What do they look like? What’s their story? What questions of faith are they asking? Do they know Jesus?
X’s and O’s
Hi everyone, Amanda Box here, back to share my adventures as a communication evangelist. I’ve recently worked with two different clients who asked me to help with some extremely challenging conversations. Both situations required significant planning and preparation. This article contains a breakdown of what this looked like.
The Forgiving Love of the Father, Luke 15:11-32
It must be said from the outset that the “protagonistés” (main character) of this parable is the father who embodies God’s forgiving love for sinners.
Rest: The Sacred Pause After the Rebuild
You don’t need to prove that you’re healed. You don’t need to rush into another assignment. You need only to sit at the feet of the One who carried you through it all and hear Him whisper, “Well done.”
Spirit of the Living God
Ministry can sometimes feel like sailing into the wind—navigating competing needs, weary congregations, complex situations, and quiet pressures. And in a world enamored with metrics, driven by measurable outcomes and focused on the correct formula for success, it is easy to forget that the kingdom of God does not advance in this way. It advances by the breath of the Holy Spirit.
Find the Glimmers
You can even begin just by acknowledging the seemingly tiny things that spark a smile, or lift your spirit even the smallest bit. Recognize these as glimmers in your day. Each positive moment collected contributes to a more fulfilling life.
Of Course the Journey Is Hard
When we believe, we share in his death through baptism. We live in community, partaking of his body and blood when we assemble together. But life is still hard. Jesus himself reminded his followers that they would have trouble in this world—but to take heart because he has overcome the world.