Life
What About The Dark Nights?
Deep grief is isolating. Even our best friends pull back. Why? We are not good at hearing laments from broken people. They are disorienting, unnerving, and messy. This is particularly true of people who we expect something “more” of in their lives and walk with Jesus. We slide into moralizing or theologizing against people when…
Read MoreHow to Pastor the Political Crazies
In just a few seconds on social media, pastors can discover a great deal about their church members. We can learn all about their kids’ accomplishments, what they had for dinner last night, and even, if you care to know (I do not), how intuitive their cats happen to be. We can also discover just…
Read MoreOur Two Conversations
For some time, I’ve been having two very different conversations with two very different groups within my christian family. One is with African-American Christians and the other with white Christians, both mostly evangelicals, although many of the African-Americans don’t use that label. I compare these conversations to the marital counseling I provide in the sense…
Read MoreLet Him Be Teacher
Most people started the year by capitalizing on the novelty and nuances that came along with its introduction. Witty sayings emerged, even within the Church, like: Gospel Focus, Remain Focused, Keep Your Eyes On Jesus, 2020 Bible Vision, Focus 2020 – and here’s a good one, 2020 Vision. Nevertheless, it seemed that the Church had…
Read MoreCUANDO PERFECCIÓN NO ES UNA OPCIÓN
La expectativa de que todos somos líderes altamente funcionales, en todo momento, tiene que morir. Ciertamente no quiero que mis voluntarios intenten estar a la altura de esa expectativa imposible, así que les decimos a nuestros líderes y voluntarios que nuestra expectativa para ellos es que no son perfectos, solo están creciendo. Sin embargo, cuando…
Read MoreEmbracing the New in New Year
For the past six years I have practiced the rhythm of asking the Lord to give me a word for the upcoming year. Usually in late November or early December I begin praying and seeking His direction about a word that He has for me that will help me grow spiritually and serve more effectively. In…
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