A local church defined biblically is “a group of believers banded together for worship, edification, service, fellowship, and outreach; accepting spiritual leadership; willing to minister to all segments of society through the various gifts in the body;” and regularly practicing the sacraments.[1] That’s why any celebration of a “church-free” Christianity is problematic. Although I’ve had many seasons where I didn’t … Read More
Shame-based versus Grace-based Churches
In my role as Executive Director of Church Outreach and Engagement at Care Net, I’m constantly talking about the need to refer pregnancy center clients to “grace-based churches.” Often I’m asked what I mean by this term and, although there are several things I have in mind, below is the story of where I first heard the term, as well … Read More
The Double Helix of Faith and Family, Part 4 of 4: The Discipleship Imperative
I mentioned in part two of this series that my mom’s parents brought a spiritual strength and stability to our family just by their proximity. And, when they left the area, a healthy spiritual influence was lost. I also explained that this was one of the factors that contributed to my mom’s lack of spiritual support and vulnerability to “bad religion.”[1] I … Read More
My Favorite Making Life Disciples Story of 2018
Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; our God is merciful. (Psa. 116:5, NRSV) I have the privilege of leading a national ministry that’s intimately connected to the heart of God. In short, my job is to promote the use of a ministry tool called Making Life Disciples (MLD) that’s designed to equip a select group of individuals in a local … Read More
How to Avoid Toxic Leaders and Churches
I was in Barnes & Noble the other day and picked up a copy of Time magazine’s commemorative issue on cult killers. Charles Manson was the cover poster child as you might expect. As I leafed through the periodical, however, the images that caught my attention the most were those of the Jonestown Massacre. “Of the nearly 1,000 church members … Read More
Focus for Fall: Big Lessons from Small Creatures, Part 4 of 5
“Four things on earth are small, but they are exceedingly wise: the ants are a people not strong, yet they provide their food in the summer; the rock badgers are a people not mighty, yet they make their homes in the cliffs; the locusts have no king, yet all of them march in rank; the lizard you can take in your hands, yet it is in kings’ … Read More
Ten Things I Like About Being Presbyterian
Heaven have mercy on us all—Presbyterians and pagans alike—for we are all somehow dreadfully cracked about the head, and sadly need mending. –Herman Melville, Moby Dick We have cool movies associated with us like A River Runs Through It. Directed by Robert Redford, this movie is based on the 1976 semi-autobiographical novel by Norman Maclean. Our idiosyncrasies, stereotypes and foibles bring a … Read More
God’s Kingdom is a Lot Bigger Than Your Church
Some church leaders—even full-time pastors supported by families—can feel angry or frustrated with moms or dads who are not involved and committed enough to the local church (as much as they think they should be, anyway) due to family commitments. A few years ago, one pastor shared with me over breakfast how certain young dads in his church—who I knew … Read More
The Legacy of Jim Crow, Part 2: Leading in Ways that Heal
As I continued my tour of the National Civil Rights Museum, I came across The Negro Motorist Green Book, something created “in 1936 by African-American postal carrier Victor Hugo Green. The travel guide was created to help African-Americans find friendly hotels, restaurants, and other businesses across the country, especially in the segregated South.”[1] Not only haven’t I ever heard of … Read More
The Legacy of Jim Crow, Part 1: Learning the History
Last week I was in Memphis, TN for my denomination’s annual General Assembly. One of the options offered was a training on “Planting Multi-Ethnic Churches” that included a lunch and talk at the historic Clayborn Temple and a private tour of the National Civil Rights Museum. Although a white guy, I’ve long been fascinated by the African-American struggle and that … Read More