In our Lilly-funded Project Thrive, we have outlined seven key traits of thriving churches. It comes as no surprise that one of those is “Missional … [Read more...] about Missional Focus: Tourist, Traveler or Pilgrim?
Missional Fervor: Telling Our Story
Does the name Kirk Christiansen mean anything to you? Born in Denmark in 1891, Christiansen was a carpenter by trade. By mid-life, however, he … [Read more...] about Missional Fervor: Telling Our Story
A Lesson from a Duel Between the Sun and the Wind
When I was a little boy, my mom told me the fable of a contest between the sun and the wind. They were arguing about which of the two was stronger, … [Read more...] about A Lesson from a Duel Between the Sun and the Wind
Five Healthy Habits
Researchers at Harvard University recently completed a study of the factors that lead to a healthier, longer life. Using life-style questionnaires and … [Read more...] about Five Healthy Habits
Go Deep
“Religion in our time has been captured by a tourist mindset." (Eugene Peterson, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction). I love to travel. There are … [Read more...] about Go Deep
Seven Spiritual Practices for Thriving In and With Your Congregation
There is something very empowering about a new year – a clean slate, a fresh start. But 2021 is not just any new year. It comes on the … [Read more...] about Seven Spiritual Practices for Thriving In and With Your Congregation
Five Crucial Tools for Healthy Ministry
Regularly, ministers ask for my help with ministerial and congregational life in pragmatic ways. What is the best way to organize, plan, preach, … [Read more...] about Five Crucial Tools for Healthy Ministry
“How Do You Fire Your Family?” and Other Staff Struggles. . .
Bruce was in his first call to a small town church that professed community and love for each other as primary core values. While they were not … [Read more...] about “How Do You Fire Your Family?” and Other Staff Struggles. . .
The Words We Use
I am reading a wonderful book by James and Deborah Fallows called Our Towns: A 100,000-Mile Journey into the Heart of America. Over a … [Read more...] about The Words We Use
