OK, I said I was only going to highlight a couple of dates on the calendar, but...it is my birthday after all! And apparently social media says there was supposed to be a rapture today. I guess I missed out. (If you believe in rapture theology, that's fine. It wasn't today.) I always try to … Continue reading A birthday and no rapture?
Distractions to the message
OK, I planned on writing a short post this month about the state of evangelicalism in North America, then a few key individuals died... John MacArthur, Hulk Hogan, Ozzy Osbourne, to name a few. Spiderman was a big deal in my early years, and then again later on, but I digress. The others were all … Continue reading Distractions to the message
My history of Leadership slogans
What slogans have you adopted over the years? As much as I say I hate slogans I have to chuckle at how often a slogan has stuck with me over the years. A number of slogans were not real 'slogans' per , as in no one designed them and said this is what we need … Continue reading My history of Leadership slogans
Is the church a prophetic voice?
If you are not familiar with this idea, one of the discussions that comes up often in church circles is the role of the church (institutional term) in the times around us. (AP News) Part of the reason I do not speak to that conversation often is because I do believe the local church, in … Continue reading Is the church a prophetic voice?
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?
A Ragamuffin Gospel and pastoral expectations
If we consider the church as a consumer body, one that participates by showing up and giving input on how much they enjoy being served, then the place of the visible leader is one of customer service at best.
The Jesus I wanted to know
"I believed in Jesus, I just couldn't stand the church." I am sure you have heard a statement like that in the past. Maybe you have even said something like that. I know I have, and I have worked in church ministry since the 90s! We are seeing all kinds of changes happening in the … Continue reading The Jesus I wanted to know
How was your pandemic response?
There are plenty of great ideas and thoughts out there for how you should, or should have, responded to the Covid-19 crisis. No matter how great we are, we probably could have done better. But that's the thing with crisis. You don't get the privilege of planning ahead for it. So what is your metric … Continue reading How was your pandemic response?
Faith in Isolation
"That's what you do in a herd." That, of course, is the famous line from Diego the sabre-toothed tiger in the classic movie Ice Age. Diego, after travelling with Manny the mammoth and Sid the sloth throughout the story, becomes protective of his former prey. He becomes part of their herd and risks his life … Continue reading Faith in Isolation
Heroes Will Fall
I used to say I do not have heroes. And over time I realized I do, I just do not call them heroes. I do not like the word. Why? Simply put, heroes will fall. Heroism is what we all desire within ourselves and hope to emulate to others. The pedestal we build for a … Continue reading Heroes Will Fall
Help people be their best
"Everyone has a plan 'til they get punched in the mouth." (Mike Tyson) That was one of my favourite lines from a conference I took in a few years ago. The speaker shared about how many people did not enjoy the politics of the organization, but came on staff, trained, but then threw up their … Continue reading Help people be their best
Easter and life after Sunday
"You believe in a book that has talking animals, wizards, witches, demons, sticks turning into snakes, burning bushes, food falling from the sky, people walking on water, and all sorts of magical, absurd and primitive stories, and you say that we are the ones that need help?" –Mark Twain He forgot the part about a … Continue reading Easter and life after Sunday
