May the words of God give you peace and comfort and use us to speak into the lives of those in our community of faith who wrestle the demons of depression.
Spaghetti, Marshmallows, and Ministry
While there are lots of lessons to be learned from this research, for us as church leaders, the big take-away here is that what matters most is group interaction.
Ministers Are Not Prosthetic Limbs
Since ministers are not prosthetics but rather flesh and blood, and thus a separation is more like an amputation, then it is unsurprising when bleeding and shock occurs.
Living in Light of Christ Incarnate
As we wean ourselves off the holiday season, there is a part of me that wonders what it would be like to embody year-round the excitement of the season that celebrates the birth of Jesus.
Out of the Dry Season
If we can all agree that dry seasons with the Lord are a part of the human experience, what practical steps can we take to get out of them?
Looking Like God
As I learned the examen practice, I discovered that I wasn’t examining myself nearly as much as I was examining the presence and movement of God in my life.
Stop, Look, and Listen
Although we say we are practicing obedience to God’s voice, we may be practicing something else altogether.
To the Discouraged Minister
The church minister occupies a unique space. It is a difficult space inhabited by critique and pressure both from within the community and from without.
Colton's Laugh
May we too continually be surprised with the moments of joy in our care that reflect God’s presence in the world!
A Chaplain's Work
There is no doubt that chaplaincy has its own share of challenges. But I have found that often our assumptions about the work of chaplaincy and the actual work of a chaplain are often quite different.
Welcome to Tapestry
With a great steering team of board-certified chaplains and a lot of interest from chaplains across the country, I’m delighted to see the initial vision to serve chaplains associated with the Stone-Campbell tradition and ACU come to reality.
An Empty House: Luke 11:24-26
Self-righteousness is simply an empty house, a risky spiritual condition that attracts all kind of demons. Our house must be filled with God’s Spirit.
Punishing to Pruning
God is wanting to yield in us a fruit of righteousness and holiness. To do that, God must prune us. Jesus talks about this pruning that God does through Him.
Just Breathe
When the weapons of anxiety, anger, stress, and loneliness are being used to disconnect me from God, it helps to remember: Just breathe.
The Complicated Task of Forgiveness
When we offer forgiveness it is not of benefit to that person, but instead we can see the true benefit to ourselves of forgiveness
There Is Something We’re Not Seeing Here…
Throughout the holiday season I’ve been in the learner’s seat for a very practical lesson, but one that has large implications. It’s time I had some classmates.
Why I am So Conflicted about Church Buildings
The church is not a building. Never has been. The church is people. But it seems like almost every community of faith I know is either trying to build or remodel a building.
Ten Top Articles of 2023
Before we look towards 2024, we’d like to take a moment to remember and reflect on some of the articles posted throughout the year.
Waiting on the Lord
Waiting is a major theme of Scripture. God is always faithful to his people… yet he often seems to keep them waiting.
Church Renewal Is Impossible Without Knowing Your Strength
Do you know what your church is actually good at? What your congregation’s core strength is? What key value underlies the heartbeat of your faith community?