Congregational leaders can study congregational life, the decline of Christianity, and the aging of their church, yet they miss the most important thing of all.
Heaven in the Here and Now: A Holiday Reflection
No matter what feelings the holidays bring up for you, I pray you have a moment where time stands still, and the love of heaven descends upon you.
Where Do You Locate the Baptistry?
The “where” to put the baptistry really isn't that big of a deal. We will always find water. A pool. A hot tub. A stock tank. A cattle trough. We will find water.
Pocket Phrases
The intent of these little pocket phrases is simply to equip you with a diplomatic way to open the lines of communication and to acknowledge that everyone has a point of view worth hearing.
You Matter to God
Our true identity is not found in a man, or in their roles, titles, jobs, beauty, intelligence, accomplishments, or children. True identity is found in Jesus Christ. Period.
Shine Bright
Because Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12), we become a beacon when we live according to his statutes and commands and act as his hands and feet.
Servants Called and Set Apart
What kept Paul’s fire for Christ burning even in his old age? I believe it was the conviction of his calling. He knew exactly who he was and what he existed for.
Begin with the End in Mind
The time is short. In the military, you often get 18-30 months to make a difference where you are assigned. Depending on your faith tradition, the timeline is often the same.
An Environment that Nurtures Faith
As churches seek to support the development of a lifelong embedded faith, it will undoubtedly be a journey that requires perseverance and a willingness to challenge practices.
Offering a Posture of Praise
Our ability to enter into His presence with thanksgiving and praise comes only from His power within us. Often, we find that the cards we have been dealt could never warrant thanksgiving or praise.
No Need to “Cook the Books”
During The Siburt Institute’s recent Summit on the ACU campus, Illinois author and Wheaton College professor Esau McCaulley challenged the audience with a courageous word of hope.
Jesus Does Not Mess Around with Sin
Quit playing around with your sin. Stop it. Cut it off at the source. Be radical in stopping your addictions. Stop rationalizing and making excuses
Lessons From a Child
I learned something that day. My daughter’s actions reminded me that it is not important what others think about you. What is important is who you really are.
Doing Churchy Things
When we enter into the lives of our churches and church members, may we bring the same love and joy that God designed each of us to have and to become.
The Complementarity of Male and Female in the Genesis Creation Account
Inequality of sexes was not God’s original idea but a consequence of the fall; therefore, it is temporary in nature and destined to disappear under the reign of Christ.
Hope is the Thing
Hope is the thing. Not wishful thinking about a job raise or whether your football team will win, but Hope as the Christian vision for the living of our days.
Book Review: Jim Davis and Michael Graham, The Great Dechurching
While each congregation and minister has a particular context, there is a reinforced theme that, no matter what, an emphasis moving forward must encompass belonging.
Renewing our Worldview
We must begin to view the world through a different lens, one that adopts the priorities of the Kingdom over those of our culture.
Pastoral Portraits
We do not lead with advice, guidance, or correction. Instead, we pay careful attention to the emotional and spiritual location of the person to whom we minister.
When the Cold Sets In
This image of warmth and coldness is a great primer on how to develop spiritual disciplines and is helpful as we try to improve our quiet time as the year winds down.