[Part 1 of 6 in a continuing series] There are many different types of people in the world, and many different types of leaders. Unfortunately, most do irreparable harm to those they surround themselves with. But, what are the different kinds of leaders? What, if anything, can we take from them? And is there a […]
Many of you know that I’ve been working on writing a book for the better part of two years now. And, to be honest, the content has been brewing inside of me in various ways for closer to a decade now. This is truly a work of the heart and represents both my deepest frustration […]
Loving those we aren’t close to is sometimes easier than loving the ones we know intimately. Maybe that’s why Jesus specifically addresses it.
I cannot stand Conservatism. Mind you, I’m talking about the word itself. The movement, if it can be called that has its merits and its flaws, to be sure. But it’s the word that I’m hung up on. Talking heads and blogs on either side of the aisle have begun using this terminology and it […]
Your job as a church leader may seem daunting. But you have one of the most beautiful callings known to mankind. You get to constantly and consistently remind people about the freedom they have in the forgiveness and sacrifice of a loving Savior who has promised to return one day.
That’s not to say that some teams that lack trust don’t argue. It’s just that their arguments are often destructive because they are laced with politics, pride, and competition, rather than humble pursuit of truth.
Hassle. Headache. I want to just do it and be done. So. Much. Easier. But that’s not healthy for them. It doesn’t teach them anything other than how to be reliant on others to do their jobs. And it’s not healthy for me.
“And in a flash, it’s all over. In an hour, all the hard work and preparation has come to a head, and it’s either time to do it all over again (literally in your next gathering), or start planning for next week, where you can do it all over again. Does it ever feel like Sisyphus, forever doomed to push the rock up a hill, but never reaping the rewards of reaching the top and the promised land guaranteed on the other side?”
Scholars and historians, Christian or not, all agree that there was a man named Jesus, and that He was put to death on a cross. There’s nothing in there for me to hope for. And my hope can’t simply be in salvation, because that’s something I already have. My hope, then, must be in something I haven’t yet experienced. Or, more specifically, something that hasn’t yet occurred.
And yet, we insist on leaving Jesus on the cross. A place where that hope can’t even begin to take root.
When you gather for worship, each one of you be prepared with something that will be useful for all
