If ever there was a book about the meaning of life, this is it. (Nonfiction)
Renewal Begins: Another Congregation’s Journey
Church revitalization is quite possible when a congregation acknowledges that, without the work of the Spirit, there is no future for us.
“The Devil Aspect” by Craig Russell
There are plenty of twists and turns, and the book is a detective yarn as well as a Gothic horror novel. (Fiction)
From the Trenches to the Balcony
We need to spend time in both the trenches and the balcony, but how do we hold these competing realities in check?
Pursuing Jesus Like Zacchaeus
The challenge with stories like Zacchaeus is that they can become too familiar.
“March” by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell
In these three graphic volumes you have the very personal recounting of the civil rights movement. (Nonfiction)
Faith among Emerging Adults
What are emerging adults like, and what are their biggest concerns, questions, and the issues they care about most?
“The Road” by Cormac McCarthy
What I admire about these books is the pared-down simplicity and straightforward language of the storytelling. (Fiction)
Elders in the Fish Tank
I’ve been working on an elder selection process at our church, and I’m struck by a startling truth: appointing elders is just like setting up a fish tank.
He Stills Storms Still: A Meditation (Part 1)
Fear is not the most reliable of counselors. Yet in the face of darkness we all have to come to the terrible truth that monsters are real.
“The Invisible Gorilla” by Christopher Chabris and Daniel Simons
We greatly overestimate our knowledge and we have far more confidence in ourselves than our abilities actually merit. (Nonfiction)
How to REALLY Grow Your Church
True growth comes not from questions of defense, but questions about how to reach a dark world with the light of Jesus.
Pursuing Holiness Over Happiness
We must understand that happiness is something we experience as we choose to pursue holiness.
“Last Days” by Brian Evenson
Last Days has the form of a detective story, but really it’s a horror story. And a religious horror story at that. (Fiction)
For Elders Who Are Worried about the Conflict That Gender Inclusion Will Cause, Read This
From my experience, resistance to gender inclusion was far more about fear, conflict, and change than anything else.
“Consider the Lobster” by David Foster Wallace
The title essay is about, well, eating lobster and the practice of boiling them alive. Wherever you come out on the practice, the essay is thought-provoking. (Nonfiction)
Thankful for Tornadoes
There is no doubt in my mind that everything done that day was a reflection of God pushing us out of fear and into productivity and resilience.
Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly
To operate under the assumption that we all encounter injustice in the same way diminishes the strength that comes when we purposefully stand up for each other.
“A Box of Matches” by Nicholson Baker
Our intrepid narrator is Emmett, and there is nothing special about him at all. What makes Emmett such wonderful company is that he is delighted with the world. (Fiction)
Donald Trump and the Dark Side of Leadership
I suspect that Donald Trump has figured out that as a leader, whether he is nice or crude, he will be criticized.