As the year comes to a close, there is one practice that should be built into our schedules: reflection.
Beauty in the Abnormal
Beauty might be in the eye of the beholder, but that eye seems inconsistent in its demands for meeting expectations of beauty.
“Snow” by Orhan Pamuk
It has much to say about the ongoing conflict of the secular world with the world of religious conviction. And it certainly might cause you to rethink how you have viewed that conflict and what its future might be. (Fiction)
What Does It Mean to Be in Charge?
Jesus reveals that true leadership is about taking responsibility for others, not amassing authority for ourselves. As the church, what image of kingship do we promote?
Cancer, Jesus, Sin, and Surgery
My recent surgery made me think about melanoma and sin, about radical physical and spiritual surgery, and about recovery.
“The Lifespan of a Fact” by John D’Agata and Jim Fingal
If you ever wonder whether one can change the facts in order to more clearly present the truth, do I have a book for you! (Nonfiction)
We Needed a Trusted Advisor
Knowledge provides opportunity to choose areas in which we desire greater health, where growth is possible and ministries can become more robust.
“The Messiah of Morris Avenue” by Tony Hendra
The basic idea of the novel is simple and straightforward. Jesus has come back to modern America as the Hispanic street preacher, Jay. (Fiction)
For Elders Who Are Facilitating Gender Inclusion, Get Ready for This Conversation
Authority was a pervasive concern as I talked with those who were upset about gender inclusion. “The man has to be the leader,” I kept hearing.
“Man Seeks God” by Eric Weiner
Weiner begins the book as an agnostic with a Jewish background. A health scare sets him on a journey to answer a question from a nurse: “Have you found God yet?” (Nonfiction)
Pausing for Gratitude
While many of us in the U.S. celebrate Thanksgiving this week with loved ones and abundant food, may we also pause to express thanks for the bounty.
“The Master” by Colm Toibin
One of the most underrated skills of truly great preaching is attentiveness. (Fiction)
The Ties That Bind
Each church might be able to share some of the natural and even unlikely places where ties are created, but here are some that I have seen strengthen a church.
The Power of Persistence
When the Son of Man comes, will he find the kind of faith that nags at an unjust system even when it feels like the cards are stacked against what is right?
“Open” by Andre Agassi
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)