We are currently working our way through the book of Luke at my church. This past Sunday we dove into Luke 4. The problem was that there was too much information that I wanted to share so I had to cut a bunch of stuff from my message! Here's a little bit that didn't make … Continue reading From the Cutting Room: Luke 4
Real Life Here: I'm so very tired. And I'm so very tired of sick kids. (Honestly, I'm just a little tired of my kids). And yet... And yet, at the same time I feel so incredibly grateful for the many, many blessings is my life. We suffered through 3 years of infertility and multiple miscarriages, not … Continue reading Feeling Overwhelmed?
I've been thinking a lot about Joseph this past year or so. Not Joseph, the adopted dad of Jesus. No, I'm talking about Joseph- the arrogant, young leader who had a vision from God. You probably know the story: Joseph shared his God-given vision with those closest to him and what happened? He ended up … Continue reading Joseph, Dreams, and Getting Out of a Pit
Before we can make any plans for the church, we must know the sheep well. Take every opportunity to become familiar with members of your church. Don't rush into your action plans too quickly. - from the book 7 Lessons for New Pastors, page 96 Matthew D. Kim wrote this helpful book after his first … Continue reading Book Review: 7 Lessons for New Pastors
An incarnational church functions as the "body of Christ" because it represents the presence of Christ in a community. - Comeback Churches, page 6 I believe that every church is planted with the desire to be an incarnational church. However, over time, many times churches get "stuck". They operate in a way that is meaningful only … Continue reading Book Review: Comeback Churches
I have been called a bull in a china shop...on more than one occasion! A friend, hoping to help, handed me this book to read...about four years ago. To be honest, at that time I wasn't ready to openly evaluate myself and how I used my physical presence to influence others. I was defensive and thought, … Continue reading Book Review: Making Room for Leadership
Every January, I look back to the last couple of years and I get excited about what the future might hold. Here's some highlights from the past couple of years: 2010: our son Joshua is born after 3 years of infertility! 2011: we move from Colorado to Wisconsin, help start a new church, and I start … Continue reading Excited for the Future
The pastor's question is, "Who are these particular people, and how can I be with them in such a way that they can become what God is making them?"- Eugene Peterson I'm currently in a "wait and see" season of life. I've described it to a friend as feeling like a shepherd with no flock. Our … Continue reading Book Review- The Contemplative Pastor
Deep longings pervade the human heart. We long for selfless, unending love from someone we can trust to be faithful and helpful. People want to be loved. People want relationships. People want communication. Most of the technological advancement in our day comes from people trying to connect and communicate with others: its how we got … Continue reading Thoughts on the Trinity
This world is not our home. I'm reminded of that whenever I or someone close to me experiences pain and trouble. Things aren't the way they are supposed to be. But someday...someday...God is going to right every wrong. Someday, all the poor and powerless will be invited to sit down at a great feast in … Continue reading Someday, Someday
