Geoffrey Holsclaw, affiliate professor of theology at Northern Seminary, recently blogged about what he deems the biggest lie often told to children: sticks and stones may break your bones, but words will never hurt you. Regarding this reality of the saying, Holsclaw writes: A broken bone will heal in a couple weeks, but a broken spirit can last a lifetime. Don’t we all know people wounded and scarred by words (ugly, failure, worthless, unwanted), living out of those lies as if they were Read More …
Discipleship
Things Jesus Didn’t Say (#1117)
Last weekend I found my way to Jim Palmer's list of "15 Things Jesus Didn't Say." Three items on his list really resonated with me: I have come to bring you a new religion; By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have correct theology; and If anyone would come after me, let him disparage all other religions and their followers. So What? For the last several years I have been seeking to follow the way of Jesus. Often I find well meaning Christians who lose Read More …
Do You Like Church? (#1116)
Scott Cochrane, Vice President- International of the Willow Creek Association, recently blogged about what he understands to be the most awkward question any church leader can be asked: do you like church? So What? I think every prospective member of a board, committee, or work group within a congregation should be asked this awkward yet important question. If the answer is "not really, but" would that disqualify someone from serving in a leadership role in your congregation? Read More …
Speaking Christian (#1114)
Tripp Crosby and Tyler Stanton created a two minute video, Shoot Christians Say, that offers a humorous look at just how out of hand and awkward Christian-speak can be. If you have been a part of any faith community that utilized contemporary Christian religious language you will catch on quickly. So What? When people of faith rely on insider language and contemporary religious buzzwords, it confuses newcomers and often adds unnecessary complexity. Take a few minutes and Read More …
Future Church: Another Perspective (#1111)
Carey Nieuwhof, lead pastor of Connexus Community Church, recently shared his thoughts on how the church will evolve over the next decade. Nieuwhof identified 11 traits that he believes will be common among those congregations that have a significant impact over the next ten years: The ability to say no Outsider focus Quick decision making Flexibility A willingness to embrace smaller to become bigger A quicker, lighter footprint Valuing online relationships as real Read More …
Build Great Things (#1110)
Eric Dye, editor-in-chief for ChurchMag and Finding Justice, recently applied the words of Google's CEO to the church. In his keynote address at I/O earlier this month, Larry Page said: "We should be building great things that don’t exist.” Dye, in turn suggests that the church must embrace these prophetic words as it seeks to innovate for a new era. So What? Imagine a church that seeks to build great things that don't yet exist. Imagine your church embracing Read More …
Don’t Assume (#1107)
A week ago CNN's Wolf Blitzer interviewed Rebecca Vitsmun, a survivor of the tornado in Moore, OK. While doing so he asked a question that assumed religious belief: "You've gotta thank the Lord, right? Do you thank the Lord for that split-second decision?" In a polite and unassuming way, Vistum told Blitzer that she is an atheist. So What? Blitzer's seemingly innocent question and Vitsmun's honest response generated significant attention. The American Humanist Read More …
A Too Safe Jesus (#1105)
Mark Osler, professor of Law at the University of St. Thomas Law School, recently wrote about the common American perception that Jesus was not all that dangerous and therefore his actions did not rise to the level of warranting the criminal punishment of death. He has hosted numerous re-creations of "Jesus's trial, under the current law of the state which hosts the event." To help attendees reconsider the radical nature of Jesus' message, Osler mentions several claims: I urge them to Read More …
Churches Should (#1103)
Church leaders should expect newcomers at all worship services, and plan accordingly. Thom Rainer, president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources, recently shared a list of helpful hints reflecting on his visits to a number of churches over the last seven months. He recommends congregations: have plentiful signage on the outside and inside, offer user-friendly websites, and help newcomers easily locate parking and restrooms. So What? Rainer's recommendations Read More …
The New Front Door (#1098)
A recent short video produced by the New Media Project features three pastors sharing their experiences with new media. While each short presentation offers helpful insight, one provided a compelling visual image for the role of new media. Eugene Cho, founding pastor of Quest Church, considers new media to be the church's new front door: . . . the front door of our churches have now changed. The front door is no longer the front door. In fact, I would tell you probably Read More …