Ron Sider’s Open Letter to Young Christians

May 6, 2011

From Relevant Magazine, March 14-16, 2011 1. Are you in danger of neglecting evangelism in your passion for social justice? 2. Are you in danger of abandoning an affirmation of moral and intellectual truth? 3. Will you honor your marriage vows? 4. As you seek to respect the dignity of gay/lesbian people, have you wrestled … More Ron Sider’s Open Letter to Young Christians

Five-Fold Apostolic Ministry

May 4, 2011

I’ve taken many biblical leadership inventories and spiritual gift assessments. Each seem to define the biblical gifts/ ministry offices differently.  I enjoyed these definitions from Alan Hirsch’s Forgotten Ways website at http://www.theforgottenways.org. A good book, too. If you are involved in ministry, which of these best describes you? APOSTLES extend the gospel. As the “sent ones,” … More Five-Fold Apostolic Ministry

A Christian Response to the Death of Bin Laden (J. Merritt)

May 3, 2011

I found myself torn in my own reaction to the death of Bin Laden — wrestling with two Bible verses most of the past few days: Romans 13 and Matt 5:44. Romans 13 speaks of the government’s God-given role in bringing justice by use of ‘the sword.’ Thus, as an American citizen I was celebrating … More A Christian Response to the Death of Bin Laden (J. Merritt)

Times of Refreshing…Follow Repentance

May 3, 2011

Repentance has a bad reputation these days. The word evokes images of judgment and angry preachers.  Yet, biblically, this “turning” away from our sin and back toward God, results in something the Bible calls “times of refreshing.”  Now, that sounds like something we all should welcome into our lives. “Repent, then, and turn to God, … More Times of Refreshing…Follow Repentance

A Personal Epistle

April 28, 2011

I came across this college assignment from when I was probably 19 years old.  I had only recently recommitted my life to Christ and was only beginning the lifelong journey of true discipleship. My path took me through an early stage of zeal and coarse judgmentalism — a season I’m not proud of. I was … More A Personal Epistle

Who decides who is evangelical?

April 26, 2011

Scot McKnight is starting a new, and significant, discussion at Jesus Creed today called “The End of Evangelicalism.”  I think this is an important discussion to have, and he begins by asking two key questions.  Enjoy. Many today are predicting the (even imminent) collapse of evangelicalism. Others, like Brad Wright, show that evangelicalism is flourshing, … More Who decides who is evangelical?

Discerning God’s Call

April 25, 2011

I’m reposting this always timely topic. This post was also featured at Jesus Creed last year HERE. We love to throw around the notion of career “calling” and “vocation,” both in the context of Christian ministry and secular career.  I believe we’ve becomesloppy in our concept and understanding of “calling.”  What we do agree on is … More Discerning God’s Call

Race To Nowhere: Are We Stealing Our Kids’ Childhoods?

April 21, 2011

I have spent most of my adult life in youth ministry.  This video gets to the heart of the biggest challenge facing today’s youth — and it’s only escalating and getting worse.  My dear parents, teachers, youthworkers, coaches — we need to put our heads together and make some changes before it is too late. … More Race To Nowhere: Are We Stealing Our Kids’ Childhoods?

God so loved the world that He….dropped plastic eggs from a helicopter?

April 20, 2011

Ok, here’s a good discussion starter.  I had coffee with a dear pastor friend of mine who was NOT happy about the way some churches are choosing to celebrate Easter. Many churches have decided a great way to celebrate Easter is by spending thousands of dollars on renting a helicopter and dropping thousands of plastic … More God so loved the world that He….dropped plastic eggs from a helicopter?