Articles
Unlocking Joy through Brain Science
A few years ago, I (Chris) wrote a book with neuroscience specialist Dr. Jim Wilder, addiction recovery specialist Ed Khouri, and educator Sheila Sutton called Joy Starts Here. In our book we describe joy this way. Joy is the twinkle in someone’s eyes, the smile from...
We live in a political world.
That is the opening line to Bob Dylan’s 1989 song “Political World.” The poet laureate of rock ’n’ roll ends the song with these lines: We live in a political world / Everything is hers or his / Climb into the frame and shout God’s name / But you’re not even sure what...
A Remnant Among the Ruins
The hot Haitian sun beat down on our metal tap tap as we bounced along the dirt road of a small town just outside Port-Au-Prince, Haiti. My hands wrapped around the metal bars, I squinted into the high noon sun as we came to a slow stop, our driver pointing towards a...
Music is Spiritual
In 1 Chr. 25:1, the Chronicler recorded that, “David and the chiefs of the service also set apart for the service the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who prophesied with lyres, with harps, and with cymbals.” And again, in verse 3, the Chronicle mentioned...
What makes a community thrive?
As Christian leaders, we tend to assume we already know what thriving communities are; we then simply go looking for instances in Scripture that confirm our knowledge and agenda. Over time, we cease learning from Scripture how to think and instead use it as a tool to...
The Church’s Imperfections and the Captivating Call of Jesus
Lord knows how many times I have tossed churchly keys and thrown myself on a couch of religious despair. I have felt the expansive loneliness of not being able to turn apprehension about the church into prayer. I’ve been embroiled in the ups and downs of church my...
Don’t Preach a Sermon on Giving!
Preach a series of sermons on giving. In my twenty years as a senior pastor, I learned that a stand-alone sermon on stewardship, even if preached twice a year, had little impact on people's giving. But the first year I preached a four-week series on the biblical...
Three Key Things to Know About Deconstruction
If you are convinced that deconstructing faith is dangerous, and you are annoyed by the “trend,” this article is an attempt to help you see things a little differently. It’s an article that’s trying to deconstruct your view of deconstruction. Let me guess. You’re...
You Will Survive Your Divorce and Come Out Stronger
I think it’s fair to assume my new book is one you never expected to need. To put it bluntly, it’s the book I never wanted to write. Having my life upended by divorce and heartbreak was not on my bucket list. The first thing I want you to hear is I’m sorry. I’m sorry...
Business or Body: What is the Church?
Many are predicting that possibly in a decade or so, Christianity will no longer be the prominent religion in America! So, how do we get church folks to hang around and remain part of the local body of believers? Do we hire marketing specialists or church consultants...
Seven Reasons Why I Love to Preach About Money
Most pastors admit they are hesitant to preach about money. I understand their reluctance because I once shared it. However, I learned that my fears were not valid—nothing bad happened. In fact, the results were just the opposite. Here’s why I love to preach about...
Show Countercultural Compassion in the World
As I examine my own life, I think about the temptation we all face to brandish God’s Word like it’s a weapon in our cultural battles. What is our posture toward those who may not be Christians or may hold opinions very different from ours? Many people have had...
Centering Discipleship
In my work as a local pastor and translocal network leader, I’ve had a front-row seat to observe the happenings of many churches across the board. When the pandemic hit and the world seemed to unravel, we were only in the first two years of our communal life. What...
Who’s Following You?
Every disciple needs three types of relationships in his life. He needs a “Paul” who can mentor him and challenge him. He needs a “Barnabas” who can come alongside and encourage him. And he needs a “Timothy,” someone he can pour his life into. – Howard Hendricks Being...
How to Pray for Refugees During Times of War and Crisis
Did you know that the number of refugees around the world has doubled in the past 10 years? In fact, there are more refugees in the world today than at any other point in history, surpassing the 100 million mark in 2022. The reasons these families have been driven...
Five Ways to Start Listening to God in Your Life
What if you could hear God speaking? What difference would that make in your life? I don’t mean hearing an audible voice. I wouldn’t need to write about hearing that. You would just listen. Instead, I mean receiving a message from Him as a thought in the mind. The...
Davy Jones on Twitter
pic.twitter.com/8zyohzJXsm— Davy Jones (@itsNTBmedia) June 8, 2023
Overcoming Body Image Struggles in Marriage
My husband always tells me how beautiful I am and speaks kindly about my body. Why can’t I receive it? Sixteen years ago, my husband and I had a fight I will never forget. I rarely remember why we were fighting, but this memory is one that left a mark on my heart. I...
A Guide to Small Group Ministry
Compared to large church services, small group meetings are often more interactive, conversational, and close-knit, helping members make deep connections as they work towards spiritual growth. Follow these tips for starting a small group ministry, and you’ll give the...
Three Ways Pastors and Churches Can Care for Missionaries
This year, over 7,000 missionaries will be forced to leave their calling. That’s almost 20 missionaries a day, throwing in the towel. Over the years I’ve heard a lot of reasons why mission workers return home. Look at some of the reasons we lose valuable, qualified...
