When Tragedy Happens, Run to the Hurting (Not to a Narrative)
After a recent tragedy, I saw 3 different waves of narratives hit, one after another, within 48 hours. Why do we do this as a culture? Why do we rush so quickly to a narrative? I share why I believe we do this, the effect it can have on us and others, and the better path forward.
5 Lessons from Jackie Hill Perry & the Enneagram
Author, artist, and teacher Jackie Hill Perry shared on Instagram that she had changed her mind about the Enneagram personality test. Perry, who was once skeptical of those who said the Enneagram was demonic, said she came to the said conclusion after studying it for two days. I share 5 things we can learn from this scenario.
Let’s Thank the Bible for Wide-Spread Literacy
There’s a narrative out there that says the Bible is harmful to society. On its best days, this narrative says the Bible is “an ancient, irrelevant book.” On its worst? It says the Bible is “harmful, bigoted, and oppressive.” But if you’re reading this post what if I told you, you have the Bible to thank for that?
There’s a Better Solution to Uncertainty Than Control
Control is comforting because it puts “me” in the driver’s seat. But control is illusive and elusive. And this makes control draining. It is exhausting to bear the weight of an untrue reality, with all of its daily implications. In this post, I share a better way to navigate the uncertainties of life than control.
A Tale of Two Individualisms (And The Sexual Revolutions They Helped Create)
There’s a difference between “individualism” and “expressive individualism.” We see the impact of these two streams of thought when we view them through the filter of the sexual revolutions they helped give birth to. Contrasting the two raise important questions about how we attain significance and meaning, understand morality, and more.
Suspicion Is Not a Fruit of the Spirit
Whether we’re processing current events, assessing organizations, navigating relationships, or interpreting a text message, everyone’s suspicion meter has gone up. We’re more suspicious as a society than before. But Christians are also more suspicious than before as well. In this post, I share how we’ve confused suspicion for discernment and encourage us to be a people of hope.
Where did all the “gospel-centered” folks go?
A few years ago, it seemed like every pastor I knew was harping on “gospel centeredness.” Nowadays, I don’t see or hear as much passion about the gospel. In this post, I describe why this is understandable, but a little concerning from a discipleship standpoint.
Two Views on Church Gatherings on Christmas Day
Is your church having service on Christmas Day? In a few weeks, you may find yourself in a growing heated discussion between followers of Jesus throwing judgmental glances at one another. So who’s right? The person who attends church on Christmas Day? Or the person who doesn’t attend on Christmas Day?
What the American Church Can Learn from the Immigrant Church
Last week, our church staff held an inspiring live zoom interview with Tim Keller. Keller said, “Immigrant churches might be holding the key to the future in America.” This struck a nerve because I grew up in an immigrant church. In this post, I share 3 things.
3 Differences Between A Theologically Driven Church vs. An Ideologically Driven Church
In an article entitled, “The Coming Church Split (It’s Not What You Think)” Carey Nieuwhof made observations about four divergent roads churches will face as we move into the future. I read this article over a year ago and have kept thinking about his fourth and final point: “Ideologically Driven Versus Gospel-Driven” churches. In this post, I share 3 observed differences between these two churches.
Speeding Up By Slowing Down: A Leadership Paradox
As a pastor, I like to run fast and run some more. But while I’m inclined this way, I can’t deny the drawbacks of constant speed without ever letting up. There is a paradoxical relationship between speeding up and slowing down. Awareness of this reality will make a leader wise for greater stewardship.
Could “dragging the kids to church” be a good thing?
Who wants to go to church with kids who don’t want to be there? What kid wants a church experience where they have to go? We should just let kids be, right? Let them do their own thing? Parents can enjoy church on their own and we don’t want or kids to grow up hating the church. But while this line of thinking may appear right, there’s data that paints a different picture. Consistent church-attendance for our kids may be better for their future.
Why You Don’t Have Mentors (And How to Get One)
Every now and then, I have a conversation with someone who laments they have no mentors. In this post, I share why some of us don’t have mentors and a few easy steps we can take to begin a mentor-mentee relationship.
Why THAT Church Is Still More Than Its Failures
In the last few years, we’ve seen leadership implosions and scandals from churches large and small. There’s a real temptation to reduce the whole of a church down to its failure. And while I understand the kneejerk impulse, here’s an unpopular opinion: That’s only partially true. THAT church is still more than its failures.
So I Teach a Class On Race At My Church…
Teaching on race in a church context is not something I ever vied for. But the other day, I gave a 40-minute lecture on race followed by a brief question & answer section. These are a few of my reflections as I drove home after.
Disney’s Recent Films Are Demonstrating the Inadequacies of Individualism
Personal identity is never so personal. “Encanto” and “Turning Red” are stories that highlight the need for bridging generational divides, and how family issues play such a powerful force in the lives of individuals. Our understanding of ourselves and our sense of overall well-being is always tied to our collective backgrounds and experiences in a broader community.
Why I’ve Started Meeting With a Spiritual Director
It is easy for a pastor to guide everyone else to God while walking around in circles, personally. It is easy for a pastor to smile on stage, but lose sensitivity to the ways of Jesus. These are just a few reasons why I began meeting with a spiritual director.
Pastor, Your People Will Be Frustrated At You (And That’s Okay)
I am a fan of wise, strategic planning with clear and compassionate communication. I believe in leading well! But a pastor cannot be liked by everyone all the time. A pastor cannot be perfectly understood by everyone all the time. A pastor needs to get comfortable with shepherding frustrated sheep. This is to lead like Jesus.
The Odd Reason Why Your Bible Reading Plan Fails (And What To Do About It)
Why is it so hard to stick with a reading plan? How come it seems like some people are able to find a Bible reading plan and stick it out while the rest of us struggle in reading plan mediocrity? There may be a surprising answer.
Reflections from The Mars Hill Podcast
“The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill” podcast series has come to an end. Some have loved the series. Others have wondered if we’re just soaking in the failure of others. But wherever you stand on the validity of the podcast series, we can all agree that there is much to reflect on and learn from the Mars Hill story itself. In this post, I share a few of my reflections.