Our one clear allegiance is to God and to God’s agenda in the world, not to media agendas, political rhetoric, or social movements that paint themselves with some Christian hues in an effort to access the power of human kingdoms.
Made for Ministry
God created us with these various skills in order to bring glory to Him in unique ways. So everything we do, we must do with a ministry mindset. Everything we do gives evidence for God. Everything we do gives glory to God.
Ask!
It’s time to stop being mad about what people aren’t doing and ask for what you need. I mean it. I’m like a broken record out here as I’m coaching people through conflict. “Just ask,” I say, over and over.
What Does a Mentor Do?
Speak truth. Share your experience. Take them with you. That is how mentors raise the next generation of leaders.
Ontological Musings
Koinonia means we share, in equal parts, the instability of our humanity and the security of our identity in Christ; trusting God looks like trusting people.
Moral Injury and the Church: No One Stands Alone
No one should ever have to stand alone in their suffering or their shame. Instead, we need to become a safe harbor for those who are floundering; this is our sacred calling.
Event Spotlight: Ministry Amidst Grief and Hope
We recently sat down for virtual conversations with our keynote speaker (Don McLaughlin) and our breakout session leaders (Cheryl Bacon, Eddie Sharp, Dennis Conner, Omar Palafox, and Carson Reed).
When It Gets Tough
Over the years, I have realized that there are certain things that I need to remember and reflect on during this journey of vision, leadership, and missional engagement.
The Story of Summit
This fall, we will seek to discover what it means to abide with God not only amidst the challenges of life but also through the joys and hopefulness that emanate out of that relationship.
Collateral Faith: Influencing Main Characters
Sometimes as we are facing difficult things, our manner in doing so impacts more people than we know. We must live faithfully.
Simple and Holy
Even in the shallowest of conversational waters, people are hesitant to talk to each other. The big and small conversational fears are seriously paralyzing us.
Sometimes It's Hard to Forgive
There are people… well, that I have a hard time forgiving. In fact, sometimes forgiving others is the hardest part of my Christian life.
How Great is Our Anticipation
How exactly is eternity seated in my heart and that of my faith community? Am I sowing into it daily? Recently a gathered group considered this question.
Flying Like an Eagle
Have you sometimes been humbled by a pastoral situation, entering or exiting in a clumsy or awkward way, or struggling to get a sermon or initiative off the ground?
Our Posture Toward God
Our posture is much deeper than a physical posture (sitting, standing, kneeling, etc.). It is a deep inner posture toward God or away from Him. Is our heart and spirit turned toward Him?
Remembering Kent Rideout
Grief is real, but so is hope. And hope in Jesus carries us through the grief all the way home.
Book Review: Don Hebbard's Healing Hurting Churches
Dr. Hebbard explores the common wounds that arise from church leaders and the need for others to understand their causes, signs, and what churches can do to move toward healing.
My "Why" As a Father
My “why” as a father is to live for my last name more than for my first. I sacrifice my life for my children, my children’s children, and my children’s children’s children—all for a better world.
It's Not Your Ministry!
Ministers often falsely believe that it depends on our skills, our energy, and our sacrifice to bring about God’s agenda in the world. It is time to name this narrative for what it is: a lie!
Moral Injury and the Power of Lament
Moral injury can cause us to turn inwards due to guilt, grief, or shame. Lament exposes dark deeds to the light and brings God’s mercy and grace to bear.