It is easy to become so comfortable in the present that one stops envisioning and striving toward a future that differs dramatically. As one ages, especially if things are going well, motivation to fully pursue one's life dream often fades. Not only does the life dream itself no longer seem as compelling, it may even be written off as unrealistic or unnecessary. So What? Whether you are 19, 91, or some age between, it's your time. Now is the best time to re-evaluate what your Read More …
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Does Church Architecture Matter? (#0778)
Holly Ordway, a professor at Houston Baptist University, recently blogged about the significance of church architecture. Since most Americans live and work in spaces Ordway labels "aesthetically displeasing," she believes it is more important than ever that churches are places of beauty. She writes: Beautiful churches and cathedrals are egalitarian. They make beauty available to all — even the poorest and most culturally deprived. So What? Ordway argues for building more beautiful Read More …
Mid-Year Evaluation (#0777)
While there is a lingering culture fascination with New Year's resolutions, the emphasis is clearly making rather than keeping them. As one who has resolved more often than not to refrain from making such resolutions I surprised myself by making one in 2012. I have managed to keep it, but have found it to be more challenging than anticipated on a few occasions. So What? We have reached the mid-point of 2012: six months experienced and six months remain. This mid-point is the Read More …
Reorganizing Denominations (#0769)
In the "Under Discussion" column in the June edition of Christianity Today, six evangelical leaders responded to the question "Should denominations be organized geographically?" Their responses follow: Yes: Carl Trueman and Greg Peters Between Yes and No: Bob Thompson and R. Albert Mohler Jr. No: Will Willimon and Paul Detterman (p.12). So What? I often write about the future of denominations on this blog. The only thing about which I am certain is that the future will look Read More …
Life is Now (#0762)
So much happens in a year’s time. As I reflect back over the last year of life I think mostly about several shifts alongside considerable continuity. While my complete list of changes during the past 365 days is rather lengthy, a few examples adequately address the impact these have on how I spend my time. Professionally, I moved from having a single employer to multiple employers. Personally, my wife and I became landlords after purchasing a rental property. So What? Life is Read More …
Don’t Over Communicate (#0754)
Maurilio Amorim is CEO of The A Group, a media, technology and branding firm in Brentwood, TN that consults with some of the country’s largest ministries, leading churches, and Christian publishers. Recently he blogged about the importance of not over communicating. While it is easier than ever for ministries today to communicate with constituents, it is also more essential than ever to communicate effectively. To avoid over communication Amorim suggests Segment your Read More …
Fashion Friday (#0740)
Since I lived in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area for many years, I am no stranger to the strangeness of megachurch pastor Ed Young. Earlier this year, I even mentioned his one-of-a-kind "bed-in" here on sowhatfaith.com. Given what I know of him, I am convinced Young is the ideal poster boy for the "bigger is better" and/or "flashier is more fun" model of church. Given such, perhaps one of his latest ventures will equip a new generation of pastors to be more fashion Read More …
Living in the Happiest Place (#0738)
I have the distinct privilege of living in a happy place. According to a list just released by Coastal Living magazine, I live in one of America's five happiest seaside towns: Kiawah Island, SC Naples, FL Sausalito, CA Lake Bluff, IL Tiburon Bay, CA So What? The list was crafted using a list of the magazine's Dream Towns over the last 15 years and Facebook recommendations. The editors narrowed then ranked this larger list by considering their ranks on the Read More …
12 Religions in a Year (#0729)
Amanda Greene's recent article explores the yearlong religious experiment of 29 year old Andrew Bowen, a man who sought to attain faith in humanity rather than divinity through his quest. During 2011 he practiced a new religion each month, in effect becoming Hindu in January, Baha'i in February, Zoroastrian in March, Jewish in April, Buddhist in May, Agnostic in June, Mormon in July, Muslim in August, Sikh in September, Wiccan in October, Jain in November, and Read More …
College Presidents’ Pledge Against Global Poverty (#0719)
The Presidents' Pledge Against Global Poverty (PPAGP) invites current and former college presidents to pledge to donate 5 percent or more of personal income to fight global poverty by giving to organizations of their choice. Since PPAGP was founded in 2010 by Ann Svennungsen, past president of Texas Lutheran University and The Fund for Theological Education, 28 presidents have joined. So What? According to the nonprofit's FAQ sheet Presidents’ Pledge participants believe that personal Read More …