Many churches feel as if they have been through war. Advent offers the possibility of helping to heal the wounds of war in our midst.
A Meditation on Psalm 23
So today I will say yes instead of no to what is gained in darkness. I will take my hands off my ears and stop closing my eyes to the invitation to intimacy that is found uniquely in darkness.
Reframing Depression
We must debunk these myths in order to understand depression more fully. Only then can we intervene in ways that will truly be helpful.
Healthy Responses for Church Leaders: What is “Health” Anyway?
I think a lot of how we think of pastoral care is actually care that’s happening at the intervention level of spiritual health.
You Want Me to Do What?!
Spiritual growth is considered work, then it becomes work, instead of wonder-filled. So, I would like to suggest one spiritual discipline that is likely missing from your life: PLAY.
Thanksgiving as Color Vision
When we neglect to give God thanks, our hearts become darkened, and we perceive everything in shades of grey. Our minds spin in futility, unable to grasp the reality of colors beyond our grasp.
Unpacking Depression
Reclaiming your true self is something you can only do by drawing close to God. Counseling, support, and medicine alone won’t do it. It is only by drawing near to God that you will find yourself again.
Dimensions of Leadership
Mission, context and purpose are significant for congregational leaders, yet each of these things can quickly and easily be lost in the rapidly changing world we inhabit.
Where's the Water?
I have come to realize that the moments when I felt the most overwhelmed were the times I was neglecting my time with God.
Electing to Follow Jesus: Prophets of Justice and Mercy
We’ll take a look at the gap between perception and reality, the difference between the state’s job and the church’s, and how justice and mercy shape Christians’ prophetic stance.
Confessions of an Exhausted Volunteer
Ultimately, I am praising God for inviting all of us to partner together to fulfill God’s purposes; we were never called to shoulder the work on our own.
Approaching Depression
I know single people whose lives are full of vibrant community. I know married people who feel empty. There are lonely people in every situation in life: single, married, rich, poor, old, young, etc.
The Key to Unlocking Fear
Jesus' departure from the sanctuary and peace of oneness with the Father must have been like our trial of leaving the zone of safety.
Ministers and Money
He walked away from a life of guaranteed comfort, and walked into the mountains in solitude, before walking back into the church, and behind its pulpit.
Electing to Follow Jesus: Strangers in a Strange Land
One of the fundamental stances we take during an election year (and any year) is that of being strangers in the world. We are strangers in this nation, this culture.
Renewed
This experience had me reflecting on the nature of self-care and what is truly renewing to one’s spirit. I allowed myself to be porous. I removed the protective gear and let God, through creation, restore me.
Rethinking Depression
Depression is one of the most pervasive mental illnesses of our time. Whether you are struggling with depression yourself or know someone who is, depression has likely impacted your life in some form.
What “Field of Dreams” Taught Me about Church
Wouldn’t it be great if we were so locked in to the guidance of the Spirit that nothing could persuade us to cease in our effort to follow where it leads?
What If God Does Not Want Your Candidate to Win?
My King rules today, he will rule after the election, and his will is going to be done no matter who wins. I do want people to know Jesus. And I trust God to do whatever necessary to make that possible.
Electing to Follow Jesus: How to Be a Loser
One of the prevailing sins of American churches is that we claim God can give security in this life, though we have no right to offer such security.