I have a love/hate relationship with the Christmas song, "Mary, did you know". It humanizes the story of Mary as the mother of Christ, but it is also pretty schmaltzy. (Dictionary.com defines 'schmaltzy' as "exaggeratedly sentimental". I'll go with that one.) But, I love the story of Mary and Elizabeth, and I got to preach … Continue reading Mary, did you know? (A little more about gift-giving…)
The Transitional Journey Begins!
Technically, we started 2 months ago, but now the meeting schedule begins... It feels like an eternity since I last posted about a church on a transitional journey, so you will have to pardon the rust. I have encountered a number of churches starting at very different places, each with their own story, each with … Continue reading The Transitional Journey Begins!
The problem with faith and power
Yes, I watched the opening ceremonies (mostly) for the Paris Olympics. No, I was not outraged. Actually, I was mostly impressed. Then I clicked on my social media to get into the shared experience of the Olympic games...because I love the Olympics. The back story... Even when they seem a little corrupt or the spirit … Continue reading The problem with faith and power
Context is King
Wait, I thought it was culture? Depends on who you talk to... This past week in pop culture might have hit a few Gen X folks hard. A few notable characters of our youth and young adult eras passed away, so there has been a fair share of nostalgia and generational comparisons showing up on … Continue reading Context is King
What is your gospel?
Before reading further you may want to take a glance at an old post I wrote about doing church in the world. It is based in reading Tim Soeren's book, Everywhere You Look. Here's the link to the post: What is the church for? So, let's talk a little more about church as a 3rd … Continue reading What is your gospel?
Pause
My trip of learning and listening is coming closer to its end. The conferences on church in a post-Christian society, a secular age in North America, are completed. Much to digest, many stories to remember, insights to ponder, new signs to observe, and the same Spirit of God fueling it all. As you may have … Continue reading Pause
Is the church a great good place in the community?
So, is the church a third place in North American society? "The church is the community that believes it is not the star of its own story." (Bertrand & Root, When Church Stops Working) This could be a deeper theological conversation and an often is and it should be. Unfortunately, outside of blogs like this, … Continue reading Is the church a great good place in the community?
Do you have a great good place?
I've lived there twenty years and I still don't feel like I'm from there. "Assumptions (1)", On Community, by Casey Plett You may already be familiar with the term, 3rd place, maybe you have only seen it here on my blog. It has been popularized over the past couple of years, especially because of outfits … Continue reading Do you have a great good place?
A ‘satisfied’ existence
I often discuss expectations with people in every setting I find myself. It is one of the unifying factors of humanity: We have expectations and we they are often not met. I see this especially in church settings, where the vast majority of expectations are not expressed, and almost as often, are not met. The … Continue reading A ‘satisfied’ existence
Are you about control? Or are you curious?
I run into this match up quite regularly in my work with people. Especially with people in belief systems. There is something to be said about order in an organization, having a set of standards you operate by and therefore expectations you have for everyone in the organization. We can use more organic terms for … Continue reading Are you about control? Or are you curious?
Good, Bad, and Hopeful Thoughts on Church Leadership
Have you had a chance to check out my book or course yet?! I hope so... Here's the back cover 'blurb' for my leadership book, Leading Freely: Good, Bad, and Hopeful Thoughts on Church Leadership, that is available now: What does it mean to lead from a place of freedom? We have been inundated with … Continue reading Good, Bad, and Hopeful Thoughts on Church Leadership
Do you have Grit or Quit?
At the end of the day there seems to be only 2 paths for whatever role you are in. Everything that comes with the choice builds in that chosen direction. (If you would like to listen to the Freakonomics episode that connects with these thoughts, here you go: How to Succeed at Failing, pt. 3: … Continue reading Do you have Grit or Quit?
