In Barbara Brown Taylor’s epic memoir Leaving Church, she tells of an experience that altered her perspective (and now has altered mine). A local pastor asked her speak at his church. Her first question was “What do you want to speak about?” His response stands as one of the most …
6 Important Reasons Christians Struggle With Grace
I was leaving our worship center after preaching a sermon on grace. I had been in full-time ministry for a year or so. The man who regularly preaches stopped me on my way out. I expected a few pointers or immediate feedback on the sermon. He was great with constructive …
10 Commandments Of A Real Man
What is a real man? Think about our culture’s definition. Look at the movies. Read the magazines. Listen to the music. What do you see? Muscles, money, and women. A real man is tough. He doesn’t show emotions. He handles his own business. A real man has money. Who cares if he blows it on …
Alive or Awake: How To See The World Rather Than Sleepwalk Through It
I’ve never seen a sleepwalker. My wife, Tiffani, says the experience is quite terrifying. Her sister is a sleepwalker. When Tiffani describes her sister’s sleepwalking journeys, I liken her sister to a puppet who’s fastened to the strings of the subconscious, unaware she’s able to make decisions independent of them. …
What The Rise Of Donald Trump Reveals About American Christians
After months of rumors and OMGs, I turned on the TV Tuesday night to witness Donald Trump for myself. Before I get too deep, I’m laying my cards on the table. I’m not a political guy. I don’t buy the agenda-driven promises from any politician. I get insanely annoyed by …
Make Disciples, Not Converts: What Christians Get Wrong About Discipleship
I rarely heard the term “discipleship” growing up. Maybe it fell in the same category as the Holy Spirit and the lady whose attire was a bit promiscuous. No one knew how to address these situations, so all the elephants were placed in a room together, the room of silence. For …
9 Things Your Children Need (But Won’t Tell You)
Not long after my first son was born, someone came up to me and said something that changed my perspective on parenting. “Enjoy every moment. The days are long but the years are short.” At the time, I was low on sleep and high on stress, and this wasn’t the …
8 Signs You Love Legalism More Than Jesus
Growing up, Sunday mornings were dreadful. Most everyone wore suits. The preacher yelled especially when it seemed like he had nothing to say. And the same old guy prayed marathon prayers using a host of words with more syllables than his age. Since I was too young to understand churchy …
6 Important Truths For Anyone Living In The Meantime
Waiting rooms suck. I found myself in one two months ago after my youngest son, Micah, slashed his ear on a bookshelf. Cartilage, blood, and other stuff I was supposed to learn in Human A&P dangled from the top of his ear. If you’re grossed out, I’m sorry. I walked …
10 Principles For Christian Dating That Will Transform Lives
It is time for Christians to start talking about dating. The trajectory of lives and eternities are in the balance. “Careful, there, cowboy. You startin’ kinda strong!” Yes, I am. This issue shapes our young people, friends, and family more than we could ever imagine. We have been passive too long. …