He Restores My Soul
In the aftermath of the most devastating trauma of my life, my days were buried under an oppressive, raw pain, with no end in sight. I could not even imagine a future worth living. Each morning when I woke … Continued
Why I Don’t Delegate Very Much
The parking lot was filling up with cars and abuzz with people as we gathered to caravan to our annual all-church retreat. The advance team had gone ahead with the food and equipment. Leaning against the playground fence, … Continued
To Change Hearts, Change the Question
posted in: Cross-cultural ministry, Making disciples, Ministry with the poor, Small groups, Spirituality |
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After such a promising start, it was shocking how fast the Bible study group fell apart. There had been a great mix of people—several from our low-income neighborhood, along with some suburban couples who were serving as volunteer urban … Continued
How Many Disciples Are You Making?
Why was the church staff referring to our team as their “insultants”? When our consulting team arrived at a Michigan church, the youth pastor eagerly escorted us to the basement that had been transformed into the coolest … Continued
Healing a Divided Church
“What do you think are the chances that Pastor Greg* will be able to continue as pastor of this church?” I asked Alex, the elder chair. Alex was the most respected spiritual leader in the church and fully committed to … Continued
Jesus and the Culture Warriors
Culture wars are nothing new. The feud between the farming culture and the ranching culture drives the storyline of the musical Oklahoma. That clash echoes a much earlier one between farmer Cain and rancher Abel (Genesis 4). Cultures … Continued
The Gift of Florence’s Weakness
Maybe we needed her more than she needed us “Which should I do—become a bag lady or check myself into a mental hospital?” Florence was sitting on my front steps, her gray hair pulled into a topknot. I … Continued
Coaching Home Run Hitters
I’ve thrown away my trophies, lost track of my plaques. But I proudly display one award. The two dozen or so trophies I won as a teen have all been trashed. I’ve lost the plaques I was awarded … Continued
The Ministry of Stupid Jokes
A few months ago my wife Laura was diagnosed with cancer. Her surgery went well and her prognosis is good, and for that we’re thankful. But right now, she’s exhausted. Her skin is fiery red from the radiation, itching … Continued
Three Things to Do to Your Enemies
Nothing reveals my character more clearly than how I respond to insults, threats, or attacks. Most people return insults for insults, threats for threats, attacks for attacks. Jesus commands a radically counterintuitive response: “Love your enemies.” It sounds impossible: … Continued