The Land Under Our Feet
My father’s favorite Bible story was found in Joshua 14. This was after the Israelites had crossed the Jordan and the tribes were receiving their inheritance. During this time, Caleb, the other spy who had delivered a positive message about the Promised Land, asked Joshua to give him the land Moses had promised him after […]
Loving God with Our Minds
Most of us know the Great Commandments. When asked to name the greatest commandment, Jesus answers: “One of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And He said to him, “ ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH […]
When Discipleship Gets an “Incomplete”
When I was in school, if something happened during the semester that legitimately prevented you from completing the required work, the professor could give you an “incomplete.” Most of the time, that would give you a little extra time to complete the work and ultimately get credit for the course. Still, seeing an “I” on […]
The Power of Meaning
Like most people, I’ve read all of the studies and surveys that predict the eventual demise of religion – especially Christianity. The numbers are easy for anyone to trace. Fewer and fewer people are attending religious services. More and more people describe themselves as being “unaffiliated” – what we now call “the nones.” Gen X, […]
Fixing Problems: The Work of Healing Is the Work of the Church
The social issues facing our communities are complex and difficult. Countless government and non-profit efforts have failed to provide any kind of lasting remedy. Millions and millions of dollars have been spent to deal with issues such as drug addiction, homelessness, domestic violence, and mental health. None of these efforts have made much of a […]
The Living City: Where the City Hurts, the Church Must Speak
Blues singers get it. You can hear it in their music. They talk about their cities – Chicago, New York, Memphis – as if the city was alive. They’ll talk about how the city has treated them – loved them, betrayed them, captured them, seduced them – they talk about loving the city and how […]
The Devil’s in the Details – Legal Challenges Facing Today’s Churches
More and more these days, churches are being involved in legal actions. Denominations are suing local congregations over ownership of the church property. Former staff members are suing churches, challenging what they feel was an unlawful termination. Every week it seems we’re reading about a sexual abuse case that has caused a family to bring […]
We Can’t Start Living Until We Plan Our Funeral
A friend of mine gave me a book the other day. “It’s one of the best books I’ve ever read,” he said. “I’m giving copies to all my friends.” When my friend who used to be the president of a well-known Christian college, pastor, author and nationally known speaker recommends a book, I take him […]
Clarity of Community
Places have personalities. Places have identities. Places have character and mindsets and rhythms and values. Places have energy. More than just spots on a map, places are the culmination of all who live there and all that has happened there. Like everything else in God’s good creation, every place is unique. Good pastors know their […]
Discover the Power of Gratitude: Why Embracing Thankfulness Transforms Your Life
Part of my mental health routine is walking through a bookstore near me. Whenever I need to clear my head or settle down my anxiety, I’ll head over to the bookstore and begin my intentional meandering through the store. I’ll go through the new releases and best sellers. I’ll slow down through biographies and history. […]
