When you talk to others about Jesus, take a look at how you tell that story and what it means for their identity. Is it a story of acceptance or rejection?
Hold to His Hand
How can we find balance when our thoughts are in turmoil from the hard realities of life? Especially during times when we are seeking wisdom, preparing for important decisions, or in need of spiritual strength?
Seeking is as Good as Seeing
I’ve begun to wonder whether my lack of consistency in prayer has less to do with ignorance or interest, and more to do with impatience. I’ve come to the realization that, often, I neglect prayer simply because I’m not convinced that anything is happening when I do.
The Church as the Suffering Servant
The church of our time, as the spiritual Israel of God, is called to embrace the figure of the suffering servant and renounce claims to political or economic power in a society that collectively can be seen as Babylon. As an alternative culture, we are to proclaim God’s justice to the world instead of conforming to it.
Cultivating Culture in Your Leadership Team
So how do you cultivate a healthy culture? In a few conversations I had this past week, the answer to the dilemma that each leadership team presented either found some significant connection to the healthy aspects of the culture or demonstrated a significant area of “cultural” work for the leadership team.
All the Great Commission
It is appropriate to focus on “go” as the main point of the Great Commission. But it is helpful to remember this emphasis may be more about going out into the world in which you live and making disciples.
We Need Each Other More Than We Think (Part 3)
It can be ok that that other church or denomination is more successful in our town; we don’t have to find fault with them or let jealousy steal our hearts. It can be ok that, in the past, our groups have had significant conflict; not all inter-group conflict is resolvable, and sometimes we just have to lay down our weapons and move on, seeking first God’s kingdom and righteousness.
We Need Each Other More Than We Think (Part 2)
I think what we’ve missed is that some matters of church life and spirituality aren’t a matter of right and wrong. To be certain, some matters are quite clear, but it’s not as common as we think. In some cases, we’re dealing with a continuum that might include a wide range of possible answers. In other cases, there’s ambiguity as to which position might be right.
We Need Each Other More Than We Think (Part 1)
Ever been disfellowshipped? If so, you know some of the pain that can be there. Despite its positive foundation, it is a way that Christian behavior mirrors some of the most damaging and painful tendencies of our modern world.
Spiritual Care and Ministering at End of Life to a Person With Dementia
I have heard the prayers of a person with dementia after someone prayed with them and, although to our ear it may be difficult to understand, the Lord knows their heart inside and out. It is such a beautiful thing to witness. The Lord's Prayer is often familiar to those with a spiritual background and can bring a sense of peace.
A Space for Grace – Son Light in the Darkness of Dementia
Before we were, He was and is already in the womb… that sacred place where nothing is hidden, unseen, unknown, unspoken, or unloved from Him. God’s presence in our created being is described as being with us in our innermost parts; woven together; the way we think and feel; knit together in an unformed body; put together.
Remaining Relationally Present – Spiritual Care for Patients with Dementia
I am a professional spiritual care giver, and it is an honor to provide that relational presence to folks whose condition often leaves them vulnerable and isolated. I have learned to honor family members' choices about how best to interact with their loved one. And occasionally, I have provided emotional support to those trying to cope with the grief that comes with having a family member suffering from dementia.
Leadership that is Authentic
Authenticity is not only seen in big, dramatic moments. More often, authenticity is found in the small, daily decisions that have earned your credibility. It is not about being liked; it is about being trusted because of your consistency and clear values.
When the Kingdom Comes to Your Table
I’ve been thinking about the faces of those who have sat at my table. After reading this Matthew 9:10-13, a few questions settled in my heart: What do they look like? What’s their story? What questions of faith are they asking? Do they know Jesus?
X’s and O’s
Hi everyone, Amanda Box here, back to share my adventures as a communication evangelist. I’ve recently worked with two different clients who asked me to help with some extremely challenging conversations. Both situations required significant planning and preparation. This article contains a breakdown of what this looked like.
The Forgiving Love of the Father, Luke 15:11-32
It must be said from the outset that the “protagonistés” (main character) of this parable is the father who embodies God’s forgiving love for sinners.
Rest: The Sacred Pause After the Rebuild
You don’t need to prove that you’re healed. You don’t need to rush into another assignment. You need only to sit at the feet of the One who carried you through it all and hear Him whisper, “Well done.”
Spirit of the Living God
Ministry can sometimes feel like sailing into the wind—navigating competing needs, weary congregations, complex situations, and quiet pressures. And in a world enamored with metrics, driven by measurable outcomes and focused on the correct formula for success, it is easy to forget that the kingdom of God does not advance in this way. It advances by the breath of the Holy Spirit.
What I Learned from Four Books on Aging
An overlapping quartet of books made it through my reading list over the past year. The lessons in these books are applicable for individuals but also for churches, as both people and organizations go through life cycles that require adaptation to changing circumstances.
Find the Glimmers
You can even begin just by acknowledging the seemingly tiny things that spark a smile, or lift your spirit even the smallest bit. Recognize these as glimmers in your day. Each positive moment collected contributes to a more fulfilling life.