The gift of the promised Holy Spirit may mean many things for the Christian life, but for those newly initiated into Christian discipleship it means one thing. It means you’ve been marked with God’s tattoo.
The Power of Blood
There is something unique about female humanity that puts them in solidarity with Christ. The blood of women has life-giving power, so too the blood that poured from Jesus’s side bore new creation.
Are You Joking?
When you finally come to know the message you intend to preach, then you can freely build on that message and give the gospel handles so people can carry it home with them.
Healthy Responses for Church Leaders: Being Well vs. Not Being Sick
"Focus on STRENGTH not weakness” is a response not only for the physical systems of the human body, but also complex emotional systems—like churches and families.
Tug of War
Jesus followers have found themselves on both sides of this social argument. Unsurprisingly, our bickering hasn’t brought peace to any part of the situation.
Negativity Bias, Charitable Interactions, and Learning to See the Best in Others
Our brains weigh us down with negative assumptions that ensure we fall short of the merciful, charitable attitudes we would like to manifest toward others.
Looking for Millennials ... In All the Wrong Places
Here are some values that are present in churches that tend to distance themselves from younger adults.
Shepherding with Paddle Strokes and Pigskin
Authentic spiritual bonding like this is as real as family blood ties. Maybe more so. And in some ways, as irreplaceable as blood ties.
Hiring a Minister: Five Suggestions for Ministers
In this article, I will share five suggestions to ministers who are interviewing for a ministry position. I have accumulated advice from mentors and my own experience on both sides of this vital process.
For the Kids
We must demonstrate for our children what it looks like for people of all colors and backgrounds to love one another. We will have to demonstrate lives of humility, service, and empathy.
Violence Culture
the American Sniper’s gospel has a stronghold in many churches today. This, not because it is actively preached (overt militarism, war mongering, etc), but more often because we fail to preach against it.
To Remember Is to Listen
So if we are to live into the identity God has called us to— a people who will not forget we were slaves—we must listen to those in our midst who are still living under oppression.
Smallness and Significance
There is something about the beach that reminds me of who I am and who God is; this keeps me focused on the God who empowers me to minister to others. The beach reminds me of my smallness.
Four Errors Do Not Make a Home Run
We have a great privilege and responsibility to speak God's words into the lives of those who trust us to give them true guidance.
The Hardest Command
No one ever asked Jesus which was the hardest command, but had they done so, I feel confident it would be to love your enemies as you love yourself.
Fluffy Hair Prayer
“I’m ready for God to use me in a very different way, and I have no idea what that will be.” That seems like an appropriate prayer for all of us as we fluff up our hair.
But, Isn’t That … Selfish? The Paradoxical Nature of Love
Christ-like love is tenacious in its ability to love others no matter how they respond. Only Christ-like love could compel someone to endure the shame and suffering of cross for the sake of others.
A Breath of Fresh Air for Leaders
Frequently, leaders find themselves soaring in their respectful arenas, while suffocating at the same time. While there are many practices that are helpful, this article is designed to be a breath of fresh air.
Gratitude as a Leadership Practice
Perhaps, as leaders, we could be more intentional about the practice of gratitude and allow our gratitude toward God to shape the ways in which we lead.