Opening disclosure. This post is going to seem negative, and I am far from a negative person. The glass is always over half full for me. I actually intend it to be positive if it encourages churches. Our transition 18 months ago to the Dallas area was difficult when it came to finding a church to…
Articles
Friend of Sinners, No Friend to Sin
It’s an everyday observation now: Jesus was a friend to sinners. I read or hear it nearly everywhere I turn—so much, in fact, I wonder if we’ve thought it through completely. Let’s give it a try today: One of the most amazing (and challenging) things about Jesus is he's a friend of sinners, but no…
Church Planters: Get Near to Jesus
When you feel like you're dying inside, get near to Jesus. Sorry if that sounds like some toothless religious platitude. It’s not. It’s got jaws like a gator that won’t let go. The reason is that the antidote to Death is Life. The remedy for Decay is Resurrection. The solution isn’t to stir up more gusto for…
13 Things You’ll Never Hear Unchurched People Say
In talking about the pros and cons of “celebrity pastor” culture, my friend Carey Nieuwhof quipped that one thing you’ll never hear is unchurched people sitting around evaluating preachers. “Comparing preachers is something churched people do, not unchurched people.” He’s right, of course. And he also noted why it’s a silly thing to be concerned…
4 Ways Your Church Can Simplify Christmas
We experimented with several events to simplify Christmas. Over the years, we’ve landed on a few that work for us.
Technology: Just Because You Can Doesn’t Mean You Should
I’m fascinated as I watch folks using technology across the social spectrum. I see folks at the airport fumbling with getting their boarding pass on their phone, I see folks at the checkout line trying to use Apple Pay, I see folks at the gas station trying to get the pump to accept their payment…