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.
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.
When the Children are Forgotten
As disciples of Christ learn to love, bless, and honor the children among us--both our own and those in our neighborhoods--we learn the spirit of Christ and cultivate the heart of Christ.
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.
Small Churches and the God of the Poor
Small churches can be a part of this meaningful ministry, and faithfully reflect Jesus’s own ministry is what we are called to--nothing less, nothing more.
Unarmed Empire: A Book Review
It must be written by someone who loves the church with the clear-eyed vision of a prophet, the quiet confidence of a mystic, and the careful delivery of a preacher.
Heartbroken
I am heartbroken most of all that so much of the hatred is coming from those professing to be believers, Christ-followers.
Shadow Stalking
I believe we haven’t done much teaching about shadow in church settings. Only with mature honesty can a true, peace that passes all understanding guard our hearts.
Partnering with Churches and Ministers to Discern God's Call
Whether you are a minister wrestling with the question of whether it is time to go, or a church leader faced with questions of ministerial transition, reach out to the Siburt Institute.
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.
What Are We Doing Here … at Church?
It’s not the feet of Jesus crushing Satan this time. It’s “your” feet. Our feet. The feet of all those in that church directory. The feet of those sitting beside you on Sunday morning.
A Productive Silence
On Monday I will participate in the lecture series hosted by CSART (Center for the Study of Ancient Religious Texts.
The Loneliest Number
Ministry, whether it be as a profession or as the call that comes to each follower of Jesus, can be a lonely business. We don’t like being alone—or more specifically, we don’t like being singled out.
Dancing with Suffering
“We live stitch by stitch, when we’re lucky. If you fixate on the big picture, the whole shebang, the overview, you miss the stitching” (13-14).
God, Glory, Giving, and a Natural Disaster
Pray fervently. Prayer is not something to do when you can do nothing else. It is the thing to do before and during everything else.