Holy Week is an incredibly important week on the Christian calendar. It’s the week when we celebrate the most central events and truths of our faith. This week, we celebrate the last week of Jesus’ earthly ministry: his entrance into Jerusalem, the last supper, his betrayal, death, and resurrection. This Friday, your church may have … Continue reading 4 Reasons Why Good Friday Service Should Not Be A Funeral For Jesus
Have you ever taken a spiritual gifts inventory and been relieved that generosity is not your primary spiritual gift? I know how you feel. But I greatly admire people who are generous. I want to be one when I grow up. I always imagine that the best version of my future self will be generous. … Continue reading How To Become A Generous Person
If you’ve ever been a part of a small group, you’re probably familiar with the part of the meeting that’s always set aside for prayer requests. The group goes around the circle, and everyone shares how everyone else in the group can be praying for them. If you have an administratively minded member of your … Continue reading 7 Prayers That Actually Matter
It was Christmastime, and that typically means at least one trip to the mall. Tamara and I were on our way to a family party, and we were picking up rice and beans from Miguel’s Junior--basically the most important component of any festive meal. But since it was the Christmas season, finding a parking spot … Continue reading Should We Stop Using This Popular Christian Saying?
Many of us have ambitions to be used by God in incredible ways. But just as many of us feel like we're not exactly incredible people. Well, the good news is that Jesus came for the nobodies of this world.
If there is one criticism that’s levied against Christians more than any other, it’s that we’re judgmental. That we’re morally superior and hypocritical. To be sure, part of this criticism is unfair. Oftentimes, the whole Church gets lumped in with the horrific stances of some fringe groups that could only loosely be identified as Christian. … Continue reading Are There Times When Christians Should Judge?
If you pay attention to the news (or even just your newsfeed), then you probably know that a recent measure in the New York State Senate has sent shockwaves throughout the nation. The bill expands access to abortion. This conversation is always accompanied by very strong emotions–and rightfully so. What we’re talking about is the … Continue reading How To Approach The Abortion Conversation
In today’s culture, authenticity is something of a cardinal virtue. Gone are the days when being known for “having it all together” is an appealing quality. And I think that’s a good thing. Looking like you have it all together when you really don’t is disingenuous. In a world full of reality television, we crave … Continue reading What is the “Virtue of Authenticity” All About?
At age 19, I sensed God calling me into pastoral ministry. I’ve never doubted that calling from the time I first became convinced of it. But it’s taken so much learning and growing to get to a place where I just now feel that I’m coming into my own. I’m beginning to grow into the … Continue reading 8 Roadblocks That Keep You From Your Calling
I’m going to let you in on a little known secret among pastors and church leaders. Youth pastors get to have all the fun. Pastors in student ministry get to go to summer camp, amusement parks, and on beach trips. Youth pastors eat pizza at midnight with students. They play all the latest video games. … Continue reading 3 Reasons Why Youth Pastors Are Real Pastors
