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
I very clearly remember a time in my life when I had no cares in the world. When my biggest concern was whether or not I would have enough time to squeeze in my favorite show between homework and dinner. At what point did I leave the careless lifestyle of my childhood and trade it … Continue reading 2 Ways to Conquer the Stresses and Anxieties of Life
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'll be the first to admit that I have an unhealthy relationship with money. I’m always afraid all my money is going to run out and I’m going to be homeless. The best way to describe my relationship with money is fear-driven. In my defense, my family was far from financially stable growing up. My … Continue reading How To Trust That God Will Care For You Financially
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
Thanksgiving is here! For us, that means a bit of a fuller schedule and a whole lot of food. (We’re a fan of the food.) But this is the time of year when we become more intentional about coming together with friends and family to celebrate and be thankful for all God has provided. But … Continue reading 5 Ways To Cultivate A Lifestyle of Thankfulness
It’s no secret that we live in a culture of “recreational outrage.” People seem to genuinely enjoy becoming upset and annoyed in a very public way--whether on social media or otherwise. (But mostly on social media.) It’s also true that in order to avoid criticism, “say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.” So in any age, … Continue reading How To Respond To Your Haters In A Healthy Way
My adorable, sweet, loving, five year-old nephew has started kindergarten. He’s a big boy now. I’m not a fan. I had to FaceTime him after his first day of school to see how it went. And, I mean, there isn’t a whole lot to talk about with a five year-old. So I asked him about … Continue reading Your Soul Suffers When You Don’t Have Community
I know I’m a bit late to this dance, but recently there has been a lot of talk in evangelical circles about the topic of social justice. Not much of it has been very encouraging. In fact, one evangelical leader even drafted a statement to refute what he calls the “most subtle and dangerous” threat … Continue reading 5 Reasons Every Christian Should Care About Social Justice
