I had a non-traditional baptism. I was baptized by a college kid, who dunked me into a suburban swimming pool just after midnight.
Growth
When People Leave your Church
Every pastor faces it. Most hate it. You can’t avoid it. People will leave your church. When that happens, what should we do?
Social Distancing and Spiritual Friendships
Social distancing really isn’t new. Throughout history there have been those who have chosen to engage in social distancing for lengths of time.
Don’t Have Enough? How to Fill the Lack.
You don’t have enough time. You don’t have enough money. Enough energy? Enough resources? Enough team members? Enough new ideas? Enough stamina? You don’t have enough [fill in the blank]. Odds are, one or more of these is immediately true for you right now. In my experience, at least two or more are usually lacking at…
3 Reasons You Should Preach Through Galatians This Year
If the apostle Paul was a city bylaw officer, then the book of Galatians is a “cease and desist” letter. This letter was Paul’s serious warning that the Galatians constructed “weak and worthless” (4:9) trappings around the gospel that were not merely oppressive (think ‘forced circumcision’ 6:12) but also dangerously unstable (1:6-7). The Galatians were…
Following Jesus: The Active and The Contemplative
Early in his faith, John Wimber, leader of the Vineyard Movement, once asked his pastor, “so, when do we do the stuff…like healing the sick and casting out demons?” He was inspired to action by the gospel accounts of Jesus’ life and ministry. Yet, these same accounts also show Jesus prioritizing just being. Emulating Jesus’ life means…
