Change is hard. As humans, we tend to thrive in the consistency and security of routine. Though some may consider themselves adventurous in certain aspects of life, humanity tends to stick to things they are comfortable and familiar with rather than experimenting with change. However, everyday we wake up is a day we are one… Continue reading A Review of Thom Rainer’s “Who Moved my Pulpit”
Tag: ecclesiology
Traveling in Fast, Heavy Traffic
Harvard theologian Harvey Cox predicted a secular world on the move. In his book The Secular City (MacMillan Company, New York: 1965) he suggested the new secular world would be defined by anonymity and mobility. Track the daily path of most Americans and you’ll be caught in the traffic of this high velocity world. Leonard… Continue reading Traveling in Fast, Heavy Traffic
Reaching Youth in the Local Church
This article has been designed with two audiences in mind: (1) a teacher of youth students; and (2) parents of youth desiring to learn more about how youth learn. Reader, you have been given a mighty and high calling in helping to pass the Gospel message to the next generation. There is a youth in… Continue reading Reaching Youth in the Local Church
What Makes a Church Attractive to Kids?
Recently, a megachurch pastor drew fire for saying, “Don’t attend a church that teaches your children to hate church.” The larger context of his statements indicated that smaller churches are the kind of churches that cause children to hate church. This pastor, who I will leave nameless, has since apologized for his disparaging comments. The… Continue reading What Makes a Church Attractive to Kids?
The Adult Learner in the Local Church
In a previous article, I made the statement, “if you are not learning, then I am not teaching.” How then as a teacher can you begin to learn about your students so that you can make sure they are learning?
The Incarnation of All In
It’s a gambling term that gives me pause every time I hear or speak it. But, “all in” is the buzz phrase for passion today. It’s confidence in the strength of your cards to the point of risking everything. Using poker table language as a metaphor of faith commitment troubles me greatly. But, it is… Continue reading The Incarnation of All In
The Confusion of Church Dialect
A few years ago church leaders were challenged to learn the new language of pop culture and permit many old and worn church terms to fade into obscurity. You know, the church of what’s happening now wasn’t your grandmother’s church. So, we marked terms like “invitation”, “come down front”, “ask Jesus into your heart”, “amen”,… Continue reading The Confusion of Church Dialect
To Shepherd or To Sheep in the Day of Crisis: Metaphors of Church Life
Our most painful experience was also among the most instructive. One of the lessons learned in the crucible of our son’s murder in 2011 involved my role as the spiritual leader of a local congregation. One day in that grueling week a dear friend sat me down for some serious porch time. He was loving,… Continue reading To Shepherd or To Sheep in the Day of Crisis: Metaphors of Church Life
CSU, the Local Church and Disciple Making
This morning, Dr. Bryant and I discussed the gospel and disciple making in his life as Dean of the CSU School of Christian Studies and how it affects his work at the School, his students, local churches and local pastors. You can listen to this brief talk here.
Treadmills
A friend was celebrating his fortieth birthday. His family discussed an appropriate gift to mark the occasion. When the day arrived, they presented him with an elaborate, expensive treadmill. Today, it’s a nice clothes hanger in his bedroom. Over coffee one day, he told me the treadmill was a metaphor of his life. Maybe it… Continue reading Treadmills