We all get our feelings hurt. You need thick skin to be a spiritual leader. It is hard. Most people never know how many hours you spend trying to help people.
Looking Toward Summit
I am excited by the opportunities that we will have to come together as a larger community and reflect on our theme of Holy Discomfort.
Pursuing Silence
While sound can be a blessing, I do wonder if our need for and reliance on sound has hindered us. Sound keeps us moving regardless of whether or not we need to stop.
The Authority of Jesus
If my salvation were dependent on me, I would never make it. But, thanks be to God, it is dependent on my Lord and Savior who has the authority to forgive sins.
Asking More, Not Less
Before we ask people to do more in our churches, we need to make sure that what we are asking them to do creates identity, community, meaning, and purpose.
The Old Man and the Sea, Hopelessness and Christian Faith
Faith in God gives meaning to our life and provides us with the emotional and spiritual strength necessary to endure the harshest realities.
Companions for the Journey: John Chrysostom
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.