How things have changed in the local church (without really changing)
Do you feel like everything has changed in the local church? It has, but not as broadly as might think. Let’s talk about how different generations find positive culture in local churches, and how we can create welcoming places for people of all ages.
3 Theological Themes I was Obsessed with in 2023
What parts of scripture and thinking about God occupied my mind in 2023? Here are the top 3.
Why I read the Bible every 90 days
For over a decade I try to practice the pattern of reading the Bible in 90 days. At least once a year. It is one of the most valuable practices I know of. Here is why it matters to me.
Goalposts for Congregational Growth
When a church reaches unsustainability, anxious conversations about growth begin. But how do you think and talk about congregational growth with contextual honesty AND healthy goal-setting? Getting a true representative picture of the current reality and mission field isn’t as hard as you think.
Declaring Church Size (and why it matters)
Nearly every church has changed its size in the last 3 years. But for those in decline, learning to define their current church size matters more than ever. It gives the congregation goalposts to understand as they attempt to grow into future sustainability.
What I Learned Skipping Church
I grew up in church. I was there easily 5 days a week. I’m a preacher’s kid! I remember thinking about folks who skipped church when I was younger. I don’t know if it was subliminal or if someone actually told me, but I viewed skipping church as a fast track to a stretch in the penitentiary. The folks who skipped church were the true dregs of society, sleeping off what was most certainly a debaucherous night worthy of Hugh Hefner and company.
Do you need answers? Ask appreciative questions.
Is finding a way forward through important questions and decisions a skill that only certain people have? Do I have to be lucky to be happy?
I want to share with you a mental model that can lead you towards a healthier and more honest understanding of the tougher things in life.
When Preachers Only Have One Sermon (and why I’m banking on mine)
People say that preachers often only have one sermon. I used to laugh about the idea, but I have started to realize I have one sermon. And it’s the power of thankfulness. Here are 3 ways we can engage the practice in our life to make it more at peace.
What I keep in my reading kit
Do you keep a reading kit? I mark up paper books pretty extensively. Here is my grab-and-go kit to make sure I can always dig into a book in the way I like to.
The Most Important Question We Need To Ask About Preaching (and often don’t think about).
Are we creating worlds of wonder and the beauty of God’s Kingdom or are we just talking at people?
There is a little question that is more important than we realizing for our preaching.
Why I Read Two Books Together (that might not agree)
Why do I read two books that probably disagree at the same time? To understand relationships that would never occur and grow if ideas never saw each other.
How To Read Complicated Things | Reading Charles Taylor’s A Secular Age
So how do you read anything complicated? I knew if I want to get through A Secular Age, I’m going to need to have a plan.
YouTube, Algorithms, and Spiritual Formation
The idea of self-selection is far more powerful than assumed automation.
20 Journaling Prompts for Spiritual Development in the New Year
As we head into the new year I want to share some of my journaling questions I’ve been working through. If you want to be more intentional about your spiritual life, journaling is a great start.
Worship as Christian Distinction | Expanding Worship pt. 2
When worship seems to be everywhere…it ends up being nowhere.
The Quest For My 2022 Bible
I had to go on a heck of a hunt for my perfect Bible for 2022. And I found out about a secret Cambridge Wide Margin.
The 5 Best Books I Read in 2021
I read. A bunch. Here are the 5 best books I read in 2021 and a couple of honorable mentions.
Why I’m Not Using the ESV Anymore
How do Christians follow conviction and make decisions? I share my process as well as a specific decision in this video
Paul (and why to read his works chronologically)
Paul can be difficult. One way I learned to appreciate his works was by reading the letters and Acts chronologically. Here is what I discovered (and my reading plan).
The Biggest Thing Coronavirus has changed about Preaching.
Preaching is a timeless activity. But things that live inside of timelessness are always defined by the realities around them. How does preaching work differently in a post-C19 church world?