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.
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.
What My Seminary Professors Got Right (And What I Wish They Did Differently) - Part 1
I finished my theological training in seminary 10+ years ago. In this reflection, I share 5 things my seminary professors were spot on about. Their wisdom and discernment proved to be timeless. This is Part 1 of 2.
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.
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.
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.
Why Your Church Needs Introverted Leaders
At least one-third to half of the people are made up of introverts. And while the church desperately needs extroverted leaders (the church is a gathering of people after all), there are a few reasons why I think every church needs introverted leaders. I share a few of these reasons in this post.
Why Physical Church Attendance Is A “New" Spiritual Discipline
The Covid-era has changed how God’s people engage with the local church. In this post, I share why we should no longer assume that people view the physical gathering as being essential, but help people to understand why it is so. Churches have to associate physical church gathering as one of the spiritual disciplines alongside Bible reading, prayer, community life, generosity, etc.
5 Reminders For Those Listening to “The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill”
I told myself I would not write a blog regarding this podcast series. But here’s why I’ve changed my mind: More and more church members (not just church leaders) are listening in. So out of the burden of what God’s people are hearing, here are a few words of encouragement for those listening to the Rise and Fall of Mars Hill.
I became a lead pastor 10 years later than I wanted. Here’s why I’m glad for it.
I wanted to be a lead pastor at 25. But instead of giving me what I thought I wanted, God used the next 10 years to bring me to a place where I wasn’t sure it was something I even wanted. But to my surprise, a decade later, I find myself stepping into a lead pastor role. And I could not be more grateful it’s happening now, and not then.
Why Your Pastor Is Busy
Does it ever seem like your pastor or team of pastors is busy? I mean, what do they do all day anyway? Don’t they just read the Bible, pray, and send out an email or two? In this post, I point to the complexities of the pastoral role through the many hats they wear and what that means for pastors and their people.
My Stress, My Smartphone, and My Soul - Learnings From Being Phoneless For a Few Days
According to a 2017 research study, those who always check their smartphones reported higher levels of stress compared to those who spent less time interacting with their devices. In this post, I share about being phoneless for a few days and the things I was reminded of.
Here’s How To Know If the Church You Attend is Missional
How can I know if my church is missional? The answer lies not by looking at your church’s vision or mission statement (no matter how beautifully crafted). It’s also not by pointing to your church’s outreach events (though they can be helpful). I believe there is a more surprising and sure indicator for whether your church is missional.