If we are not any different today than we were when we committed ourselves to Christ, then chances are we have not been growing.
“American Kingpin” by Nick Bilton
The story of the chase and capture is far more interesting than any piece of fiction is likely to be. (Nonfiction)
A Journey of Inclusion (Part 1)
Inclusion means that the congregation embraces the inherent value in all voices and seeks to make them an active part of the whole.
“The Abstinence Teacher” by Tom Perrotta
Perrotta is one of the more astute observers of modern American mores and the tensions that arise when neighbors’ ideas of right and wrong come into conflict. (Fiction)
The Black Mamba: Lessons from and Tribute to Kobe Bryant
Bryant models to us that leaders celebrate the wins of other winners, even if the win is greater than theirs.
Exploring Generational Differences in Our Churches
The important move is to encourage church leaders to more directly involve younger adults in the discernment processes of leadership.
Small Town, Small Church
Smaller churches carry great strengths that can support flourishing spiritual communities.
The Theological School of Dirty Mop Water
My engagement with my work led to more questions, which brought me back to more reflection. The ever-pressing question was, “Where is God in work?”
How to Preach a Funeral
Now that this is a more intuitive process for me, I share these three practical guidelines for preaching a funeral.
Preaching Ephesians in 2020
There may be no better text for preaching in divisive cultural moments than the book of Ephesians. Here, the church sees a picture of all-encompassing unity.
“Tyrant” by Stephen Greenblatt
Don’t just read this book because you think you should like Shakespeare. Read it because we need it right now. Really. (Nonfiction)
Trust
We live in an age of distrust, which has profound implications for the church as an institution, for us as people, and for leadership.
The Revelation Of
Factions from both sides of the aisle find reasons to believe their opponent is the devil’s minion or the devil incarnate.
“Oblivion” by David Foster Wallace
All of the stories are slightly weird, and all of them will make you shift uncomfortably in your chair and probably look a little differently at the people all around you. (Fiction)
Starting with a Clean Slate
We must take a fresh look at our priorities, and the spiritual discipline of detachment is invaluable in this process.
Resource Highlight: What the Church Health Assessment Is Teaching Us About Generational Differences
What contributes to the growing divide between older and younger generations' views of the church?
Five Simple Steps to Change a Life
Have your neighbors, coworkers, or classmates over for a meal. Just pick a family out of your world and host them in your home.
“Say Nothing” by Patrick Radden Keefe
Anyone who knows the story of Northern Ireland already knows a great deal of what is going to happen, yet it reads like a well plotted murder mystery or historical fiction. (Nonfiction)
Gluttony and Temperance: Ever-Present Vice and Neglected Virtue
With how much restraint do you enjoy life’s greatest pleasures?
“Pattern Recognition” by William Gibson
You know who coined the term cyberspace? It was not a physicist, but a novelist. (Fiction)