One of the clearest articulations I’ve ever heard about the meaning of Christmas comes from an unlikely conversation between an angel and some shepherds. I say “unlikely” because most people don’t have conversations with angels, and shepherds usually aren’t the first...
What is forming you? Are you being informed by Scripture or something else? Whether we realize it or not, we are all being shaped by forces around us every moment of the day—the books that we read, the TV that we watch, the podcasts that we listen to, the news that we...
Bad theology makes ministry feel like we are working for God in order to earn his love, favor, and approval. The work-for-God mentality is one reason many ministry leaders feel like pack animals. On the edge of the burnout cliff, we schedule a weekly sabbath to rest...
As the COVID pandemic begins to recede in many communities, I have had a lot of conversations about what it looks like to regather in local churches. Pastors are talking about what sermons their people need to hear and what measures they need to take to ensure safety....
“You’re not as ready as you think you are, and Jesus doesn’t care.” A few weeks ago, I wrote that line down as I studied the story of Jesus and the seventy-two disciples in Luke 9 and 10. That message—that no one is as ready as they need to be to walk into ministry—is...
Q: What makes something preaching? How is a sermon different than a lecture or a motivational speech?A: The context (worship service) and the content (Word of God).When someone gives a motivational speech or lecture, he or she might use a Bible verse to support their...
