Any Narrative theology fans out there? Nothing has shaped my understanding of the Bible, worldview, epistemology, theology and spiritual transformation more than ‘narrative theology.’ During a research paper my first semester of seminary I came across a book filled with essays on narrative theology that really exposed me to this particular field of study. The … More The Promise of Narrative Theology
A Cliffhanger And It’s Sequel Take a survey sometime of Bible reading Christians and ask them if they’ve spent more time reading the Gospels or the Book of Acts. The answer is will always be the Gospels. And it’s not even a close contest. But why is this? I think the answer is quite obviously … More Divine Summons 4
We’re living in exciting times. A shift in our understanding of church models is reframing everything and opening our eyes to ways of better embodying the gospel and reaching those outside our sanctuary walls with the love and salvation in Christ. I’m excited to read Reggie McNeal’s “Missional Renaissance.” I have had it recommended twice … More “Missional Renaissance” by Reggie McNeal
1 In My Former Book In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave … More Divine Summons 3
Here’s two clips of a sermon by Greg Boyd called ‘Taking Out the Trash‘(5/11/2008) where he addresses the central question: What does it mean to “get saved?” Many people (especially people in the United States) see salvation as a one time event and the result of “believing” certain things about God. While belief is important, salvation encompasses much more … More VIDEO: What does it mean to be saved? (Boyd)
Just having some fun!
“It may make your blood boil. Your mind may not often be changed. But the practice of listening to opposing views is essential for effective citizenship.” – President Barrack Obama
The night has come and gone. Our last night of Fusion youth group. For nearly 3 years this has been home. This has been the field God has given us to cultivate. These have been the hearts and minds God has given us to nurture and grow, challenge and lead. What a wonderful season of … More Fusion Finale Snapshots
I heard a story on the radio recently discussing the fading reality of the “American Dream.” The story said only about 57% of Americans still believe the American Dream is achievable or worth pursuing. I say, “Die, American myth, die!!” I happen to believe that many (not all!) of the promises of the American Dream … More The Future of the American Dream
Tim Morey pulled these excerpts from a Dallas Willard interview at Out Of Ur. I, too, have been listening to a series of lectures by Dallas myself this past week. He’s been an enormous influence in my life and a magnificent gift to the 21st century church. As a 30-year old visionary leader who often … More Dallas Willard: A Gentle Prophet
A Story of Stories My story begins somewhere in the middle of this human struggle to trust my life to God while maintaining control of my own destiny. I was steadily plodding along in my second year of college at Bethel University (then Bethel College). I was doing my best to write my own story, … More Divine Summons 2
Trevin Wax offers his reflections on Jennifer Knapp’s appearance on Larry King Live in an article for the Baptist Press called Jennifer Knapp and Homosexuality: Changing the Questions. Here’s an excerpt: I only know Jennifer Knapp — a former Dove Award winning artist who recently announced she is a lesbian — through her music. (Kansas is … More Trevin Wax on Jennifer Knapp & Larry King
This Wednesday is a sad day. We celebrate our last official night of Fusion youth group together before Keri and I prepare to move on. For nearly 3 years these teenagers have been our gift from God and the focus of our Kingdom ministry. In honor of Fusion, here’s a couple snapshots of the kind … More Last Night of Fusion
I’m sorry. I can’t help it. I like to tweak, improve, create and change things around. In college I was constantly rearranging our 15 x 25 foot dorm room every other week. My roommate was confused and humored to say the least. Unfortunately, Keri and I bought a house that isn’t much larger than that … More New Website Theme – Thoughts?
I was blessed to have met a new friend in Nashville recently at a church planting assessment center. Tim Morey is a humble, thoughtful pastor and leader with keen insights into what it looks like for the church to reach the 21st century culture. He is a church planting pastor and the author of “Embodying … More Tim Morey and the Dechurched
“I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago” (Psalm 77:11).
We gain the confidence to face an uncertain future by remembering the faithfulness of God in the past. We are entering a season of uncertainty. Keri and I are preparing to close another chapter in our life of ministry together, and begin a new chapter soon.
Yet, our current chapter at Faith Covenant Church came unexpectedly and all too suddenly for me. When we arrived at Faith in the fall of 2007 I wasn’t ready to close the book on the previous chapter of ministry in Mound. We were seeing a genuine movement of God explode in my hometown, as The Revolution ministry I planted was steadily gaining steam. … More Divine Summons: Introduction
On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.”And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the … More Adventures in Mark 6 (4:35-41)
On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.”And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. (Mark 4:35-36) Every phrase counts in Mark. There are powerful lessons in the most minute … More Adventures in Mark 5 (4:36)
I have long made it a habit to listen to both Greg Boyd and John Piper’s sermons each week. I like to be pushed from both sides, and keep myself balanced theologically. (Well, my theological convictions lean heavily toward one side, but want to keep wrestling with the opposing views.) Every once and a while … More Piper Sermon + Boyd Sermon = Schizophrenia (updated)
Coffeehouse Live at Ground Zero The next outreach event would be similarly geared towards drawing the local musicians in the school. Many decided they wanted to take the stage after seeing the first Battle of the Bands. But I wondered if we could cast the invitation even wider than just musicians. We decided to inaugurate … More Divine Summons 30
So, I rarely have dreams — or ones that I remember anyway. But this morning I woke up in a cold sweat from a nightmare where I was being chased by a vicious wolf who eventually caught me and began eating my arms off. Is there some deeper significance here? Why would I dream of … More Wolf Attack
Noah’s ancient ark is once again making the news. Is this the real deal? Probably not, but why not let ourselves indulge in some Indiana Jones like dreaming for a while. Here’s the story from the Daily Telegraph. Here’s Ben Witherington’s comments on this recurring alleged discovery. From the Telegraph: A group of Chinese and … More Noah’s Ark Found (Again) on Mount Ararat?
While dark clouds are a foreboding sight, they’re not always bad. Our own dark cloud is settling on our life as May approaches and Keri and I prepare to leave our current church and ministry in a few weeks. The dark cloud represents the following: The sadness of leaving our beloved church family and dear students. … More Our Dark Cloud: A Personal Update
On that day, when evening had come, Jesus said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.”And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. (Mark 4:35-36) When you follow Jesus, he always drags you to the other side. The … More Adventures in Mark 4 (4:35-36)
Prepare For Battle My conversation with Bryan Royle in the park had convinced me that the best way to draw a crowd and get the attention the students in town was to host a Battle of the Bands. I immediately began planning the big night. This is when the Kingdom mustard seed began to grow. … More Divine Summons 27
Kingdom Harbor 