When Your Cup Is Empty
About a month ago I woke up feeling so overwhelmed that I told my wife, “I don’t want to talk to anyone I know today except you.” I notified my staff that I would not be in the office … Continued
My Shield Prayer
I’ve been blessed with many good bosses over the years, but “Jerry” didn’t make the list. In fact, he wins the prize for worst boss. Jerry was a homebuilder and I worked for him as a carpenter’s helper. … Continued
Proud to Be a Misfit
Last year “Billy” joined our church’s youth group. He always showed up in a thrift store sport jacket and highwater slacks. A huge Doctor Who fan, he carried a plastic space screwdriver he had made himself, and quickly earned … Continued
The Art of Asking Forgiveness
by Michael Hare, Guest Writer The ushers moved with near military precision as they distributed the communion elements in the large church I was visiting. Then I saw one usher break formation and walk over to whisper in the ear … Continued
Listening to People’s Stories
At bedtime most nights, I read to my wife. A few nights ago I read her these words. “Look at these woods,” said the bear, and Bubber tried to, but they wouldn’t stay still… He could hear a thousand … Continued
When Being Right Is Wrong
Fresh out of college, I had just moved to a new city and started attending a new church. In my new Sunday school class, where I barely knew the people, every week my stomach churned Why? Because people were … 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
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