“We need to talk.” Those words often signal there is a hard truth to share, a difficult decision to make, a problem to solve, or a conflict to … [Read more...] about We Need to Talk
What to Call Your Elephant
You’d think it would be easy to spot an elephant, but not if you’re looking in the wrong direction. Years ago, I led a mission team to … [Read more...] about What to Call Your Elephant
Seven Things to Unlearn and to Learn
I don’t recall where I first heard the phrase. Perhaps it was Richard Rohr in Breathing Under Water. He wrote: “All mature spirituality, in one sense … [Read more...] about Seven Things to Unlearn and to Learn
How Can This Be? – Engaging the Nones in the Spirit of Advent
I am a data guy. While I smile knowingly at the words of Mark Twain who supposedly said that “statistics may not lie but liars always use … [Read more...] about How Can This Be? – Engaging the Nones in the Spirit of Advent
Spiritual Rhythm in the Midst of Bustle and Activity
As I began to prepare for this blog post, I had just come out of a staff meeting where everyone was sharing how they were gearing up for fall. There … [Read more...] about Spiritual Rhythm in the Midst of Bustle and Activity
Five Reasons to Still Love the Church
Last month marked fifty years since I enrolled in a theological school to prepare for a life in ministry. I can honestly say, after all these … [Read more...] about Five Reasons to Still Love the Church
Seven Risks Worth Taking
On September 13, 2022, Pew Research released a report modeling the potential future of Christianity in the United States. In it, they … [Read more...] about Seven Risks Worth Taking
On Not Losing Heart
It had been one of “those” Sundays: the sermon misfired, the choir was off-key, the chair of deacons mentioned a member who complained she didn’t get … [Read more...] about On Not Losing Heart
Easter Bunny Helps Church Growth
Many ailing churches are desperate to stem the loss of members. Jesus settled the limits of what he would do to attract a crowd (Matthew 4:1-11), but … [Read more...] about Easter Bunny Helps Church Growth