Holy Week is a time when many Christians spend more time engaged in overtly religious activities than any other week of the year. Given such, it seems an appropriate time to ask the question, "Just how Christian are Christians today?" Or, put differently, how do others experience and perceive the Christians around them and how do Christians perceive themselves? Looking Back Fifteen years ago, I was introduced to a book to what was then a recently published book considering how Read More …
Discipleship
In-Person Worship Attendance: Continued Challenges (#1981)
In a pre-pandemic world, when people mentioned attending worship, I assumed they were speaking of an in-person experience. This assumption in no way minimizes the many ways in my lifetime people have heard and/or seen services of worship without being physically present - from the days of audio cassette tapes to the more recent options of livestreaming. I was taught that these supplemental approaches worked well for niche audiences, such as those who were homebound, ill, or traveling. Since Read More …
How’s Your Foundation? (#1979)
For the last few months, I've watched as dozens of workers have used a variety of equipment to prepare a piece of land just outside my front door for the construction of a building. In recent days all of that work has culminated in pouring a strong foundation. Jesus talked about everyday topics often, including building. In the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders (found in the Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 7:24-27 and Sermon on the Plain: Luke 6:46-49) he compared those who hear his Read More …
It’s Lent Again (#1978)
Lent has always been a big deal to me. I grew up Presbyterian. I spent 20+ years in parish ministry. And, I tend to appreciate anything that inspires more focused action in life or in the life of faith. Lenten Reflections: The Last 10 Years Not surprisingly, I've written quite a bit about Lent here at So What Faith over the years. A sampling from odd numbered years follows: 2011 - Social Media: Fast or Engage? - consideration of a then current article and interview with Bruce Read More …
Lifelong Retention: A Religious Challenge (#1976)
Do you still affiliate with the general religious tradition of your childhood? If so, you are among the majority. In his new book, 20 Myths About Religion and Politics in America (Fortress Press, 2022), Ryan P. Burge includes the myth that the growth of the nones (those with no religious affiliation) is largely from people leaving the church (Myth #15, p.165-174). Using widely available data, Burge shows that the growth of nones is actually due to generational replacement and high retention Read More …
Be Ready – Hope (#1971)
Be ready. This is a message I've heard since I was a child. Always be ready. Be ready for everything on your calendar. Be ready for opportunities that are just around the corner. Be ready for the unexpected. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respectI Peter 3:15b, NIV Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and Read More …
Be Yourself (#1970)
Passage for reflection: Hebrews 12:1-8 In the 1980s and 1990s the United States Army recruiting campaign was “Be All You Can Be.” Through television commercials, print advertisements, and a wide-ranging messaging tools the Army delivered ads designed to connect with a broad audience and to encourage them to consider the Army as the place where they could maximize their potential. Over the course of my lifetime, I’ve come to know another entity with an even more compelling message: “Be Read More …
Who is Jesus? (#1968)
A few days ago, I found myself traveling West through Arlington, Texas behind a truck bearing an unexpected theological assertion, "Jesus Christ is true God." So What? As we begin a new year, I encourage you to formulate your own statement(s) about Jesus. If you are someone who identifies as Christian or as a follower of the Way of Jesus or as a disciple of Jesus, then I'd welcome hearing a bit about who you know Jesus to be and why that matters in your life. Read More …
Giving Thanks – 10 Experiences in 2021 (#1961)
Thanksgiving week has arrived. Last year, I dedicated a post to reflecting on Giving Thanks for 10 Ministry Experiences. This year, I'm giving thanks for 10 meaningful experiences from 2021: Receiving the COVID-19 vaccine (see Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine)Starting a new ministry role as Executive Director of White Rock Center of Hope (see My Ministry Journey - Another Big Step)Enjoying my second annual weeklong fall vacation in Naples, FL with my partner - our first two getaways of Read More …
Looking South – Looking Again (#1960)
In January 2018, my wife and I purchased a four story townhome on the Northwest corner of downtown Fort Worth, Texas. Our new home came with unobstructed views of downtown that we assumed would be temporary. The block immediately to our south and the majority of the next block were listed for sale as a parcel ideal for redevelopment. Plan A: Luxury Residential Tower It didn't take long for a developer to propose building a luxury residential high rise on the block immediately adjacent Read More …