Monday Discussion Here’s a quote from my weekend reading that underscores the need for gospel-formed people to both live out and preach the good news. “In discussions about the contemporary mission of the Church it is often said that the Church ought to address itself to the real questions people are asking. That is to … More “The World’s Questions are Not the Questions that Lead to Life.”
Wednesday is for Prayer This past week I was training church planters in Schenectady, NY and met some treasures of the Kingdom. On my 525 mile trip to WV to meet up with my incredible bride and youngest daughter, I was burdened in prayer for a number of the men and couples that I met … More New Heroes and New Friends
“Using what you have, where you are, whom you are among, to make a difference for Christ.” Here’s a series of exercises to help your small group or house church begin to develop an Intensely Local texture to their ministry. Principle: The home and the ‘hood rather than the church building and programs, are the primary … More Intensely Local: God gave you that house, how will you use it for His glory?
Thursday is for Discipleship (The following are excerpted from Bill Hull, The Disciple Making Pastor, p.12-15, bold emphasis added.) “The condition of the heart, … determines the body’s ability to function normally.” “The evangelical church has lost the will to ask the right questions and the courage to face the answers. The critical decision facing … More For The Pastor Who is Serious About Making Disciples
Title of Book: Leadership Next: Changing Leaders in a Changing Culture, Eddie Gibbs, (Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 2005) Overview: Eddie Gibbs offers a look at leadership that is neither overly academic nor too narrow to be of any value. Gibbs wants to suggest a path for Christian leaders that is in sync with changing … More Brief Book Review of Leadership Next: Leaders in a Changing Culture by Eddie Gibbs
Monday Discussion Holistic ministry to the whole person and with an emphasis on justice and cultural transformation is not only the biblical pattern but it is a culturally relevant way to speak to those outside the church in post-modern America. “Involvement in social justice issues may cut the negative perspective on the church in half … More Emphasis on Justice and City-Transformation is Not Enough
Title of Book: Organic Leadership: Leading Naturally Right Where You Are, (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Books, 2009) Overview: Cole suggests that the division between the clergy and the laity is not only unnecessary it is harmful to the church. Cole does not say that we should abandon the current system (p. 36, 66) but he … More Brief Book Review of Organic Leadership, by Neil Cole
Friday Musings Title of Book: The Starfish and the Spider: The Unstoppable Power of Leaderless Organizations, by Ori Brafman, (Portfolio, 2006) Overview: The book is about “what happens when no one is in charge” (p.5). It is about empowering people by eliminating hierarchies that stifle personal responsibility and initiative. It is about the counter-intuitive notion … More Brief Review of The Starfish and the Spider by Ori Brafman
Its’s always good to think through the unintended consequences of our actions. Ed Stetzer tries to get us to do that in this brief video clip with regard to the Multi-site phenomenon sweeping the church in America. Ed Stetzer and Alan Hirsch on the multi-site phenomenon, pros and cons. (Click on the link.)
Weekend Musings I was reading my friend Ann Voskamp’s blog about her trip to Guatemala and the forever-imprint it made on her heart. I want to urge you to go to her blog by clicking on the link I provided. Her words are so much more eloquent than mine. Read hers. Read hers outloud. Let … More The Forever Imprint of a Short Term Mission
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