One “Do” and One “Don’t” For Giving Feedback Like a Pro
How do we provide good feedback? How do we communicate constructively in a way that our feedback is more likely to be received by the hearer? While there’s no fireproof method, some methods are better than others, and it's a good practice to aim for precision rather than personalization.
2 Counterfeit Forms of “Forgiveness” To Avoid
Much like the classic game “Two Truths and a Lie” there are also three versions of forgiveness. Two of them are cultural counterfeits and one is a true and beautiful version of forgiveness. This post unpacks these three versions and invites us to the path of greater freedom.
Does Your Church Service Feel Like a Funeral?
Some of us like more melancholy environments. We also may feel allergic to environments that feel “fake happy.” I understand the sentiment and still believe it’s worth asking if that’s how it should be. This post unpacks the atonement theory of Christus Victor to make a case for normative celebration in our church services.
Don’t Miss the Ultimate Benefit of Christianity’s “Salvation”
Forgiveness from the penalty of sins. Freedom from the power of sin. Freedom from the presence of sin in eternity. These are incredible benefits to what Christianity has called “salvation.” And yet these are not the greatest benefit of getting saved. There is still one privilege that surpasses them all.
“Wait, So Why Did Jesus Have To Die?”
This was the question an individual recently asked me. What if I told you that Jesus as our substitute is utterly foundational to what makes Christianity good news? Rip out the idea of Jesus as our substitute who makes atonement for our sins? It’s akin to ripping out the very foundation of a house which will no longer be able to stand.
How to Know You’re Operating Out of Gospel Security
Do you operate out of gospel security or gospel-less insecurity? Gospel security happens when we live from a deep-seated belief of our core identity as a child of God. To neglect this turns us into fearful performers who need to achieve and earn the love of God and the respect of others around us leading to perpetual exhaustion. This post looks at two evidences of gospel security from the life and journey of the Apostle Paul.
Are You Trustworthy?
It’s been said that “Trust is hard-earned, easily lost, and difficult to reestablish.” What does it mean to be trustworthy? How do I regain trust once I’ve lost it? This post answers these questions by looking at the life of the Old Testament prophet, Daniel.
Self-Awareness Is Not Enough
No one wants to be the person lacking self-awareness. It places a lid on one’s personal relationships and professional development. But what if I told you that unless coupled with two other “awarenesses”, self-awareness alone is insufficient, if not potentially dangerous?
Is “Gospel-Centeredness” Still Relevant in a Post-Everything, Spiritual Formation World?
Gospel centrality, the thought that the work of Christ—His death and resurrection—as being foundational and the lens through which we understand all things discipleship used to be popular. Is this still relevant in the current life of the church? Or is this now an outdated question in light of cultural shifts?
How to Burnout (By Ignoring Your Mental Wiring)
Each person is born with a built-in way of utilizing one’s mind to organize the world and make decisions. Function in a role you weren’t mentally wired for? It will lead to distress and dysfunction and inevitably - burnout. This post draws on the work and “Thinking Wavelength” Framework of Tom Paterson.
3 Deadly Mindsets That Kill Volunteer Recruiting
Volunteer recruitment is Biblical and crucial. But it oddly goes missing sometimes in the life of a church. I believe one of the causes is a debilitating mindset that cuts the legs off of mobilizing God’s people. In this post, I unpack three of these deadly mindsets.
3 Key Questions To Ask Yourself When Hiring For Church Staff
Hiring is important in any organization and it’s just as important, if not more so, in a local church context. If there’s one thing I’ve learned about the hiring process these last few years, it’s this: It’s all about asking the right questions.
What Is Your Leadership Shadow?
Why are some leaders more effective than others though they may be executing identical strategies? Why are some teams more dysfunctional though they have no unique disadvantage? Some would call this “The Leadership Shadow.” This post is all about facing the reality of ourselves so we can better steward ourselves to serve those around us.
“Sin Doesn’t Care About Your Ministry Convictions, Affiliations, or Theological Tribes”
That’s what I tearfully shared with eight lead pastors on an early Tuesday afternoon. Sin is vicious. It is apathetic to our church ministry backgrounds. And it is crouching at the door.
4 ways new-ish parents win by simply making it to church (Part 2)
It’s a common experience for new parents or parents of young kids to feel like their experience of God has taken a dramatic turn. In this post, I make a case for why the simple discipline of going to church will make all the difference for you and your family.
“Help! Something Has Shifted Spiritually Since Having a Kid”(Part 1)
In the last few weeks, I’ve had multiple conversations with Jesus-loving parents of young kids who have expressed a spiritual wrestle and frustration in the new season of parenting. What do we make of the new season of parenting? This piece serves to encourage those who find themselves there.
How Shepherding Like a Barbarian Benefits the Church Flock (Church Season Part 3)
This third installment in the mini-series is about how pastors who shepherd with a posture of a barbarian can facilitate beautiful change which fuel and protect the flock of God.
The Dangerous Pull Towards Aristocratic Leadership in a Church’s Life Cycle (Part 2)
In part 2, I double-click into the aristocrat life stage and its associated leadership style and explain why this type of leadership can be so dangerous for a church and what I believe is the solution to fight against it.
“What Season Is My Church In?” Another Angle Of Your Church’s Life Stage (Part 1)
There are many ways we can comprehend the season or life stage of our churches. We can see assess it by spiritual temperature, liturgical season, or organizationally. In this post, I want to offer another take on viewing a church’s season through an organizational lens.
Are You Falling For a New Counterfeit Gospel?
Jesus-believing individuals can turn away to a “different gospel.” This turning away can occur rapidly and quickly according to the Bible. In this post, I want to share four versions of “different gospels” that I believe followers of Jesus ought to be aware of in our current moment and the antidote.