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
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
I sat on the floor with my three year old son, surrounded my thousands and thousands of little LEGO pieces. “Wow!”, I thought to myself, “this is a pretty daunting task!” We were attempting to rebuild my X-Wing LEGO starfighter from 1999. The problem was that the X-Wing pieces had been mixed in with thousands … Continue reading Building Legos, Building Children
"God made me fast. And when I run, I feel his pleasure."- Eric Liddell Well, God didn't make me fast, but I still feel his pleasure when I run. It all started about 5 months ago. I was tired of being the FAT DAD, so I decided to make a change. I started exercising 6 … Continue reading How Exercise Can be a form of Liturgy
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
These past two weeks I've shared some thoughts on Psalm 23. Today, I want to look at the final section of this great song of David. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me … Continue reading Reflections on the Psalms: Psalm 23 Part 3
I love the Psalms. They are such rich, authentic prayers by real, broken people. Last week, I shared some reflections on the first part of Psalm 23. Today, I want to look at the middle section of Psalm 23. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no … Continue reading Reflections on the Psalms: Psalm 23 Part 2
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Psalm 23:1-3 (KJV) This is probably the most well known chapter in the Bible. … Continue reading Reflections on the Psalms: 23rd Psalm
ERIK LINDEEN 