6 Church Trends for 2021

6 Church Trends for 2021

Now that we are over a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, we have a better idea of what church looks like in the “new normal.” While we still long for a return to the way things used to be, we also need to adapt to changing times. Here are a few church trends we’ll...
Training Wheels for the Great Commission

Training Wheels for the Great Commission

If there is a highway to the Great Commission most people need training wheels to get there. If you are like me, as a leader you have a Holy burden to see the bride of Christ get after her calling of making disciples of Jesus. You long for them to have the same...
The Power of Grief and Its Purpose

The Power of Grief and Its Purpose

I have perceived two pervasive responses in our culture that seem to influence and dominate how we react to grief. The first treats grief as an unwelcome, uninvited trespasser to be shunned or dismissed.  The gospel of John tells a story with which many are familiar....
The New Prosperity Theology

The New Prosperity Theology

I’m afraid a look into popular Christianity in America reveals teachings of a religion far from what the early church would have recognized. This Christianity worships a god who wants us to achieve worldly happiness, make our dreams prosper, and reach our fullest...
Pastor: Thou Shalt Not Kill Thyself

Pastor: Thou Shalt Not Kill Thyself

 Ministry is hard work, beset by temptation, difficulty, and weariness. Clergy are not immune to depression or suicidal thoughts. What follows is advice for pastors, designed to help prevent the depression that can lead to suicide. Fellowship It is all too common for...
12 Powerful Ways Jesus Chooses to Not “Play Nice” Part 2

12 Powerful Ways Jesus Chooses to Not “Play Nice” Part 2

What happens before the Bible’s most famous verse, John 3:16? To Jesus, the  master conversationalist, it’s all fair game toward one overriding mission. Nicodemus is confused. Jesus comes right back at him. “Pay attention. That which is holy and true to God is like...