Build relational bridges now, with intention and sincerity.
Leaning into Leviticus
Every decision we make, from the food we eat to how we structure our time, provides an opportunity to show a watching world who God is.
“Why Does the World Exist?” by Jim Holt
In a world where traditional Christian cosmology is often depicted as a form of silly superstition, it seems as if other theories sometimes get a free pass. (Nonfiction)
Urgent About the Right Things
If our urgency is misplaced, we will create unnecessary tension that ultimately pulls us – and possibly others – away from the will of God.
“Machines Like Me” by Ian McEwan
One of the main things that McEwan wishes to explore is what happens if we create robots that have a higher sense of morality than we have. (Fiction)
Demonstrated. Present. Essential.
We witness a demonstration of love that speaks to the humility and self-sacrificing nature of who Jesus is at his very core .
Discerning a Path for Renewal
Rather than rush from one thing to another, healthy churches live with meaning and intentionality, doing what they do with excellence.
“Do I Make Myself Clear?” by Harold Evans
Your congregation will rise up and call you blessed if you read this book. (Nonfiction)
Creating a Safe Space
Jesus touches people and heals them. He defends them against their accusers. He embraces the unembraceable.
“Tenth of December” by George Saunders
The ability to say a great deal in a very short time is a skill preachers can learn from great short story writers. (Fiction)
Jesus Is not God’s Stress Ball
It makes no sense that we would be called out of our life of wrath by an act of wrath.
“Mama’s Last Hug” by Frans de Waal
I seriously doubt that you will get to the end of this book without believing that our non-human co-creatures have rich and nuanced emotional lives. (Nonfiction)
“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” by Mark Haddon
Preachers are given to telling stories, and sometimes you want to tell a story (perhaps a biblical one) with someone’s voice other than your own. (Fiction)
Marriage and the Church
Our marriages demonstrate the uniting work God is doing in the world. Our faithfulness to those marriages proves that Jesus will be faithful to those God unites.
Equipping for Ministry: Coming Soon to a Texas City Near You
We invite you to set aside the busyness of life and enjoy good food, link arms with co-laborers in ministry, and let someone else pour into you.
“The Unlikely Disciple” by Kevin Roose
Roose decides to go to Liberty University for a year and let everyone believe that he is an evangelical just like they are. This is very much like going to a foreign country. (Nonfiction)
He Stills Storms Still: A Meditation (Part 3)
Could it be that the real question is not, “Who is this that even the wind and sea obey him?” but rather, “Who is this who sleeps through storms?”
“Never Let Me Go” by Kazuo Ishiguro
This book is not about the issue of cloning. It is about clones we get to know personally as human beings. (Fiction)
For Shepherds Who Are Facilitating Gender Inclusion, Remember to Talk About Jesus
No matter what complex question was thrown at him, Jesus remained laser-focused on love and redemption.
Little Things Matter
Little things can change the entire story. And if you aren’t diligent in the little things, can you be trusted to pay attention to the big things?