O Jesus, man of sorrows and suffering, hear me.
From the desire of being known,
deliver me, Jesus.
Boxing Day Sermon
So, the question before us on Dec. 26 (or on any other day) is, “What does Immanuel (God with us) mean today?”
When God Shows up for Christmas
The story of Jesus entering into the world is a story of God disrupting the lives and plans of those God chose.
Living Stones: Recognizing the DNA of Your Church
A living and missionally-focused congregation must attend to all of its being – relational and programmatic. Ignoring one dimension or the other will diminish the whole!
A Light in the Darkness
All of them need a little light in the midst of the darkness. I want nothing more than to bring a little light into the darkness.
A Tale of Two Trees
Christmas is when we recall that the King was born, and reigns forever more, and that the arrival of Christ signaled the expiration date on all other kingdoms.
How Are You and Your Dreams Getting Along this Advent?
Jesus needs people who are willing to imagine a different future, and step out on faith. Jesus needs dreamers in his life. Always has.
The Way of Salvation: An Advent Reflection
Salvation is a way; along that path the very character of God is sprouting up—love, faithfulness, righteousness, and peace.
Envisioning the Dream of Ministry
We must have a vision of possibilities for the future. Local congregations ought to consider how they are helping others develop a vision for ministry.
Advent: A Season of Vulnerability
The season of Advent culminates in the arrival of God in the form of a very vulnerable Jesus.
3 Steps to Keep Your Children's Ministry Clique Free
My focus for this post is not why cliques are created, but how to dismantle a clique and how to create a culture in your ministry where bullying and cliques are unacceptable.
The Crossroads of Life and Death
The nearness of death fills the room, yet somewhere there is the joy and promise of a new beginning.
Do Not Let Baby Jesus Become Jesus Lite
If baby Jesus is all we present, we are showing a “lite” version of Jesus, and babies do not demand that you deny yourself, take up a cross, and follow them.
Arguing with Brené
Brené Brown and her writing on vulnerability and shame have made waves throughout the West as millions are finding help and healing in her work.
Baptizing an Iranian
During a time when controversy swirled on immigration, travel bans, and border control, I was able to stand before the church and declare, “Joseph, we are glad that you are here.”
My Final Breakup with Diets
I didn't grow up in the church so when I sauntered in at 19, it was the first time I had ever heard that my body was created in the image of God.
Saving Pastor In from Deportation
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Each person should suffer the consequences for the mistakes they make.
Shifting Focus
Many times I pray for God to let me see people through his eyes, and every once in a while I allow that to happen.
The Spirituality of Tomato Soup
It is simple moments that foster reverence in the human heart as we begin to know God through the “ordinary” tasks of daily life.
Going to Church on Christmas
Christmas on Sunday puts church leaders in a Solomon-type predicament where we fear our only option is to make people decide between Christmas at home or keeping their commitment to church worship.