Here’s news that to some may be shocking: There are bullies in the church. OK, maybe that’s not news. Anybody who has been Continue reading The Bottom Line of Bullying in the Church
Monthly Archives: January 2014
A Wounded, Limping, and Blessed Church
As evening falls on the crest of the river’s ford, Jacob sits alone at a small fire. He is poking tiredly at the embers while thinking about the journey underway. “Go home,” God says. “Return to the land of your ancestors and to your kindred, and I will be with you” (Genesis 30:3, 13). God’s was Continue reading A Wounded, Limping, and Blessed Church
Ethics and Leadership in the Church
There has been a lot of talk about politicians in trouble, recently. Talking heads on the TV are jabbering about it incessantly. And we realize that it’s true: nobody likes a slimeball leader. Continue reading Ethics and Leadership in the Church
Pointing Questions for the Church
John the Baptizer pointed to Jesus the day after Christ’s baptism. He said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29-42) A finger directed their eyes toward the one whose arms would be outstretched on the cross. John announced his mission. He is the One, who gives himself for Continue reading Pointing Questions for the Church
Speak Out Loud: No More Whispering
Whenever we speak of God, there is a necessary tentativeness that must attend our words. A holding back of absolute certainty must Continue reading Speak Out Loud: No More Whispering
The Letter I Wrote
Tomorrow, I will mail a Letter. News is already out. I am resigning my call to accept another across the state. I look at the page and see the contrast of ink on paper and know that nothing is nearly so Continue reading The Letter I Wrote
Burgers and Beer: Signs of God’s Intent
You know the value of good friends when you can sit down with them and share what’s going on in your life. My wife and I did Continue reading Burgers and Beer: Signs of God’s Intent
Projection Software for Liturgical Worship?
I’ll admit it. I’m a techno-geek. Just ask my boys and they’ll confirm it. Right now I’m frequently found carrying two cell phones, a Nexus 7, and a computer. I’m always checking out what’s possible and thinking about how I might use various tools for ministry.
When it came time for us to review software for projection in worship, I considered Continue reading Projection Software for Liturgical Worship?
Finding Purpose when Floundering
It’s no secret that many churches are floundering. They are scrambling to keep up aging buildings, wringing hands over declining income, and sometimes showing concern about the decline of faith practices in their community. The busy-ness of maintaining the church, anxiety over changes happening among them, concerns about the future easily distract leaders and Continue reading Finding Purpose when Floundering
Epiphany Reflections: Isaiah 60
Darkness still covers the earth. Though the days are getting longer, the sun continues to set quite early. 4:37 pm, today, to be exact. It rose at 7:29 this morning, giving us nine hours and seven minutes and 57 seconds of sunlight… Darkness still covers the earth.
Just ask my mother-in-law. She’ll tell you that Continue reading Epiphany Reflections: Isaiah 60
Jabbok's Edge 