Have I blogged this before? Why yes, yes I have! As we have entered the Advent season, anticipating and preparing for the celebration of Jesus at Christmas, I planned on sending out a few insights on preparation through the month. I revamped 'My Daily Skeleton' recently for the download page and it struck me how … Continue reading What is your daily routine?
Theology beer camp?
Yes, you read that right. If you were following me on social media at all this past week and weekend you saw I travelled to St. Paul, MN, to partake of my first Theology Beer Camp. If you are unfamiliar with this event, it is advertised as a safe place for people of varying journeys … Continue reading Theology beer camp?
A birthday and no rapture?
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?
Rethinking mission and purpose
So a few weeks ago I had the opportunity to fly out East to spend a few days with my son. 4 separate plane rides, a lot of time to think and read, plenty of people-watching to fill the gaps. The flights home were exceptional considering I had a head cold and the cabin pressure … Continue reading Rethinking mission and purpose
But…Why?
Why? Yeah, but why?? Why not??? I am a lifelong 'why?' asker. Just ask any of my siblings and people who had to oversee me in some way. I have gotten in trouble for the question more than once, but still asked. It is what made me an uncomfortable fit in some permanent roles, where … Continue reading But…Why?
The Very Good Gospel
You might remember a while back I asked you this simple question: What is your good news? You can reread that post now with its focus being on the plural 'you' of church. The Very Good Gospel here represents my recent reading of Lisa Sharon Harper's awesome book by that title. If you have the … Continue reading The Very Good Gospel
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!
Leadership (and life) can require a short-term memory
Here's some old thoughts from some teaching on the book of Romans. It may not be exactly where you are at today, but the focus was/is on a healthy starting point for resiliency in life and faith. Temptation, struggle, mistakes, hurts and trouble, they all get us down. It is what we do next, and … Continue reading Leadership (and life) can require a short-term memory
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?
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
Purpose in Pauingassi
Thanks for having me Pauingassi! If you're not sure where that is, click here and get a bird's eye view. I realized this week that this is my 7th year of travelling north to this small community, hopefully bringing something helpful to them, something that stays with them long after I leave. Every time I … Continue reading Purpose in Pauingassi
