Jonah is often thought of as a children's story complete with a big fish, but the real message of Jonah is an adult one with an opportunity to stretch our understanding of God and salvation.
Imagination As Resurrection
I have days where I am in love with the text, when it really connects with my heart. But there are days when reading my Bible feels more tedious than treasured.
Job Description for a Shepherd
Our work as shepherds requires us to attend to our own life and walk before God even as we continue to develop the skills necessary to provide care for our congregations.
Not My Sin, Not My Problem
I am now a part of a society that has been deeply shaped by the widespread suffering that results from the sins of our history.
The Bible in Analog
Preachers and teachers of Scripture would do well to rediscover an appreciation of Scripture for the sake of Scripture. Being busy prevents us from appreciating Scripture simply as Scripture.
The Wall
Central to our faith story is the destruction of a nationalistic, racial, and religious wall. To lean into the kingdom of heaven, with all of its “now and not yet” is to live.
A Reminder from Flat Worms
Scripture is meant to transform, influence, and tame you. Scripture is still God’s word for a people, not a people’s interpretation of God’s word for a people.
Communities for Questioners
The questions that we’re afraid to even have because they cause us to doubt our own faithfulness to God There has to be a place for these questions, and thus a place for the people who carry them around.
Christ our Common Ground
If we look at the world around us and think that there is no way that we could ever find unity in Christ with our political opponents, or people who frighten us because they come from half a world away.
Partnerships in the City
While non-profit organizations can never take the place of the church, the church can come alongside these organizations, pool resources, and work together.
Why Sing in Jail?
Praising God in the midst of the storm as it were. Realizing they were forgiven by God’s grace and choosing to express that by the way they lived.
A Discipleship Prayer
Lord Jesus, show me your heart Give me your heart I'm desperate for you Lord I want to know you, even in this life. Lord give me a glimpse and then empower me to live it.
Zip, Click
I grew up reading Scripture and praying diligently, I just never had a whole lot of direct exposure to the art of sitting still, being quiet in God’s presence.
Urban Public Schools and the Kingdom of God (Part 2)
Regardless of how deeply churches get engaged in urban schools, the need is still pressing and Christians have a responsibility to the vulnerable children among us.
The Real Reason and Remedy for a Divided Society
There's an answer to greed. We find it among the ancient Christian virtues. It will require some definition, but here is the remedy to our divided society. Charity.
Living within Limits
The good news is that there is something deeply spiritual about living and working within God-ordained limits--or to put it another way, living fully and acceptingly within our own set of realities.
Urban Public Schools and the Kingdom of God (Part 1)
The people of God are called to see this and to act. We are called to stop and help the vulnerable children among us because the love of God in us.
January’s Gentle Whisper
New Year’s has become a time to plan to build for ourselves the best year we have ever had. It is important to stop at some point in our ever-moving lives and ask if what we are doing is good.
Run Your Own Race
“Run your own race” sounds nice as a bumper sticker, but life tells us, “Grade yourself against others … and always try to come out on top.”
My Enemies Have Stories
I do not possess the power to forgive my enemies in the same way that God does, but I will carry a deeper respect for God’s reconciling of my enemy.