I am convinced that John’s life and ministry can be an example for all of us to proclaim biblical values in our context while remaining connected to our people and culture.
Sustainability versus Fruitfulness: Which Matters More?
When it comes to churches, does sustainability or fruitfulness matter more? Is it more important for a church to have a long life? Or is it more desirable that a church be productive?
The Unfolding Story of God
God’s eternal story is unfolding in you right now, and if you can get comfortable telling it, your God story can teach me something I need to learn and glorify God.
We Disagree and I Think You Are…
Just because we disagree does not make one of us stupid. In the same way, one of us may be wrong about things, but that does not mean we are not in love with Jesus.
Worship Anyway
In moments of disorienting devastation, it is not uncommon to direct our hurt and displeasure toward God. God can handle us weeping through our prayers or railing in rage.
The Way of Ink and Conversation
For many, tattoos are a way of marking one’s identity to the world. Asking about their ink is a window into their heart, to see what is most important to them.
A Path for Renewal
The sneaky thing about renewal is that it is not up to us—it is up to God. God cannot do the work God desires to do when communities of faith assume that they are the center of things.
In the Name of Jesus: A Reflection on Christian Leadership
Using two passages from the New Testament—Matthew 4:1-11 and John 21:15-19—Henri Nouwen offers us a profound reflection about the type of leadership Christ wants for his church.
Sinners in Need of a Savior
We are all sinners in need of a Savior. In our fears, failures, and frustrations, let us surrender our situations to our Savior whose power is made perfect in our weakness.
Jeremiah: God’s Unchanging, Originative Future
Jeremiah’s interpretative leadership has something to say to all of us adapting to the disruptions of the times; God and the ways of God remain unchanged even when recontextualized.
Thirst (Part 2)
We were created to be filled to overflowing with God’s love and presence. May we all be filled so much that others will see it and say, “Surely the Spirit in this place!”
Thirst (Part 1)
If spiritual transformation is the work of the Holy Spirit in us to form, conform, and transform us into the image of Christ, then how do we view the Spirit in our lives?
Confident Insecurity: Embracing Vocational Marginality
Frustration and insecurity are difficult vocational experiences. However, invaluable growth can result from embracing insecurity, uncovering paths to deeper ministry and mission.
Thinking about God, Money, and Budgets
I have been thinking about God and money lately—and how that applies to my family and to my church family. Here are a few things I believe.
Why One Minister Has Stayed
These are my top five reasons that I have stayed in ministry. This isn’t the final word, but I do think that these are things that every person in full-time ministry needs to some degree.
Jesus's Feeding the 5,000
Jesus was inviting them out of their fear and scarcity mindset to one of abundance. Rather than seeing the scarcity of the moment, Jesus invited them to see the not-yet-visible abundance of the kingdom of God.
The Particular Challenge of Older Congregations
Folk who study congregations speak of congregations having a “life cycle.” If you’re thinking that your church might be one of them, let’s take a deeper look.
New Testament Haustafeln
God’s ideal of family relationships is mutual subjection without any kind of discrimination as expressed in Ephesians 5:21, exercising it from the perspective of the new creation that Christ has inaugurated.
Why Does My Ministry Exist?
Why does my ministry exist? This might seem like an overly simple question, but I think it isn’t just valid but essential. What role does my ministry play in the Kingdom of God?
Developing a Thankful Heart
When we intentionally choose to name the blessings in our lives, we engage in a transformational experience. It gives us a lens through which we will begin to see life and God differently.