The literary voices coming from all over Africa are incredibly diverse, and as more and more men and women share their stories, they turn out to be very compelling indeed. (Fiction)
A Lesson in Hermeneutics
Readers of Scripture are inherently also interpreters of Scripture, and if we are not careful with our interpretation, or if we are ignorant of how we interpret, then we can dangerously warp and misuse Scripture.
Three Things You Cannot Do When Your Church Splits
At some point your church will split. It may not be official, but it will happen. Leaders decide not to change certain things and people leave. Or you decide to change things and people leave.
Reflection Roundup: Where’s the Learning Here?
Do our biggest challenges lie in relation to one another? This week let us fasten our truth-belts and remember our “enemy is not flesh and blood” (Eph. 6:12).
“These Truths” by Jill Lepore
In the media age where politics tend to be formed in the last 15 minutes, this book goes a long way toward giving us the context we need. (Nonfiction)
Own It
Speaking to an audience can be a conspicuous and vulnerable place, just like being a female minister.
Reflection Roundup: A New Offering From the Siburt Institute
This week’s offering represents a concerted effort to facilitate agility in taking on others’ perspectives as the current crises continue.
“The Noise of Time” by Julian Barnes
The book makes you wonder how you would do in those moments when life itself might be at stake. How far would you be willing to compromise on your convictions to protect yourself and your family? (Fiction)
Four Fears and a Christian Response
These four fears stifle creativity and appear so commonly in congregations that I want to share them with you and offer a theological response.
The Emptiness of Outrage and the Possibilities of Humility
Too many Christians today are trying to be like traditional fishermen, more obsessed with killing than with catching people alive.
Breathing Lessons
Although the app I was using intended this breath practice to inspire self confidence, it triggered my memory of the practice of breath prayers.
“How Pleasure Works” by Paul Bloom
Why is it that I find freshly baked chocolate chip cookies almost irresistible and the much better for me Brussels sprouts almost intolerable? (Nonfiction)
Leadership Requires Listening
As we talk about taking initiative – getting things done quickly, efficiently, and innovatively – the reminder at the end is stark: learn to listen!
What Will it Take for the Next Revival?
I have often said that I think we are on the verge of the next big evangelistic revival. Here are the five things that will help it to happen.
You’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught
These stories must be shared, and as adults we hold the power and the influence with which to make space for children and adults alike to tell their stories. We must look around our congregations for where we might be missing these powerful stories of diversity.
“The March” by E. L. Doctorow
Unless you’re just dead set against historical fiction, I’m quite confident you’ll find this book utterly engrossing. (Fiction)
Led by the Word
We must desire to feast on God’s living word daily so that we can truly find nourishment and growth. Without it, we will surely die of malnutrition.
Seeking Jesus
While the wise men sought to find Jesus, I watched a man yelling at police officers at the U.S. Capitol building while holding a flag with a Christian fish and the name of Jesus.
Conflict Top 5: Your Church Wants You to Read This
Sometimes Jesus engaged others and sometimes he didn’t. However, what he didn’t do was quit, avoid, or escalate the situation. Read on for a quick conflict refresher.
“The Year of Magical Thinking” by Joan Didion
I have often recommended this book to those who are grieving, and all of them have affirmed how true it is. When it comes to honestly dealing with grief, Didion’s book goes to the top of the stack.