I had a strange encounter with an older gentleman in a local restaurant last week. Let me give a little context for the scene. The restaurant owner and the cashier were behind the counter. At a table close by (within ear shot) was a family of five. One other person had just come through the … More Christians More Political than Christian
Over the years, consulting with many churches, pastoring three, planting one, overseeing the planting of seven others, I have come to the conclusion that many in our churches have a misunderstanding of and a conflation of terms when they talk about outreach and evangelism. They are different. They may be handmaids to one another but … More The Difference between Outreach and Evangelism
If you live in snow country you might find it difficult to interact with neighbors for the next 5 months or more. When I lived in the Chicago area, it wasn’t uncommon to be putting a parka on children from Mid-October to the end of March. Sure there were exceptions, but it can be difficult … More Winter Strategies to Engage with Neighbors
Part One of a two part series: Practice the Ministry of Presence. There is no influence without contact. My general rule is that if a neighbor invites me to anything, whatever was on my schedule is going to be replaced. My neighbors know I am a Christian. So when they are willing to take the … More 7 Ideas for Summer Outreach in Your Neighborhood
I doubt it. But I suspect that most people have verbalized those five words or that sentiment in their spirit after some particularly convicting portion of Scripture was exposited on a Sunday morning. Most pastors (in my experience) don’t try to deliberatley make people feel guilty. I know I don’t try to do that. But … More “My Pastor is Guilting Me.”
Recently, and delightfully, I have been asked by a number of individuals for help in witnessing to Muslims and Hindus. I have had some experience with Muslims and much less with Hindus, but here are a few of the resources that I have on my shelf that have helped me to be sensitive and informed. … More Loving Muslims Well, Making the Gospel Clear
She was black, blind, uneducated and 70 years old. But she was filled with gratitude. And she knew who she was. She knew that she had been rescued. She knew from where she had come. She knew that her future was now secure. She knew that the largess of her benefactor extended to many others. She wanted … More The Creativity of a Lover
According to Frontiers Mission, by this time tomorrow, 37,000 Muslims will die. Without Christ. How can the people of God not care about that? How can we not care about our neighbors who will not see a tomorrow but one day will stand before the risen Christ and hear him say, “I never knew you. Depart … More Heart Breaking Statistic
Some thoughts to motivate your care and love of your neighbors. “It is precisely the scandal of an unbroken heart that impedes evangelism today.” —David Shipley “Following Jesus by forming friendships with fearless love results in fruitful service.” —Dr. John Fuder “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” Dr. Fuders’s analysis of … More Pathways to Impact
Tuesday is for Thinking You have loved ones near the door of death. You want to comfort them. You want to tell them the truth. The truth might hurt. You have members of your family who are living in open sin or pursuing sinful plans. You want the best for them. You delight in every … More Living in the Moment or Living for Eternity
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