Category: Uncategorized

I just wanted to revisit a post from 2007 which I titled 'The Compulsive Minister' based on a chapter from a Henri Nouwen book.  I find this post, still, very relevant as it challenges me to look deeply at the motivations behind my 'service for God.' Today, I might name this article, "The Secularization of Ministry."…

I believe in gatherings that are small, because we need the support, encouragement, and deeper growth that comes from this type of community. I believe in gatherings where everyone is known so that no one gets lost. I believe in gatherings where we can learn from each other’s personal lives and stories (not just head…

We like to say it this way. Rather than: 1. A service or event I attend2. A denomination or organization I become a member of3. A program I participate in Simple church, real church, is: 1. A way of life (extravagant lovers of God engaging the world 24/7 with love, power, and word)2. A simple…

It’s not enough to root religion out of our systems of church, we must get religion out of ourselves. This is no easy task as religion offers a subtle and powerful substitute for deep relationship with God.  It can be so easy to wrap our life with the externals of duty, performance, or ‘right living,’…

The light of Jesus shines through us from the simple lifestyle of living with Him and loving others. That said, I love hearing how others are living their faith into the world they live in.  Here is a short list which I hope you will add to. One friend started a golf league in his…

Let me be blunt. There is a lot of discussion these days about disciplemaking.  And I’m glad for that. I believe the church comes closest to its intended shape when Jesus-followers are loving God, loving others, and learning how to disciple people who will disciple others. Meaningful, organic, simple gatherings are meant to come OUT…

In our old way of doing church life, there were some markers, structure, and programs that gave definition to our life as Believers.  We could at least check off the following areas and know that we were ‘on the right track:’ Go to church on Sundays.  Check. Read the Bible and pray daily.  Check. Attend…

  I was watching a movie last night about the impact a great coach made in the success of some athletes. The movie is ‘Backwards’ in case you were wondering. It reminded me that we are not on this journey alone and that we need others, if not formally, than informally to support us in…

When the church stops asking this question, we are in trouble. When we settle for today’s status quo then we are no longer open to new leadings of the Holy Spirit, we accept yesterday’s movement as good enough, and we are no longer open to what the possibilities are for the future.  In short, comfort…

This week a friend of mine officiated at his father-in-law’s funeral.  It was his first time in this role. He did not speak, perhaps, quite like a ‘professional’ might have.  He was not polished nor ultra-smooth in his speaking delivery.  He was, however, personable, real, authentic and deeply moving.  People responded to his display of…