What do missions look like in a post-colonial world? So much of our understanding of missions has been shaped by the way that Euro-Americans have done it for the last several centuries. “As we broaden our thinking about how we might go into the world, we also need to be wise about the minefields that … Continue reading
It’s been over two years since the insurrection on January 6, 2021. A day sociologists and psychologists can point to as the natural outcome of pushing and shoving incendiary political rhetoric down the throat of people already on edge due to political demagoguery. Was this the dying gasp of a failing movement or the next … Continue reading
I can remember our honeymoon like it was yesterday. We enjoyed a seven-day cruise on the Western Caribbean: Sun, all-you-can-eat food, entertainment, and fantastic excursions with my best friend. All was well until we reached Roatán. An island of Honduras, Roatán is a popular tourist destination for snorkeling, glass boat rides, and more. Except, we … Continue reading
I remember when I used to know it all. And it wasn’t enough to know it all. No, I had to tell others what they didn’t know. How else were they going to know? Do you ever catch yourself with these symptoms? Maybe “symptom” is not the best word when our culture almost demands our … Continue reading
Is there anything more satisfying than telling someone off online and never physically encountering that person? Well, that’s what many people love about online platforms, where unaccountable remote posting doesn’t force us to come to terms with how we talk and interact with others. Some fascinating studies have found that people are likelier to write … Continue reading
You’ve probably heard the phrase “Family-Friendly” in passing from countless Christian radio stations, publications, websites, podcasts, and now streaming platforms. There is a cottage industry dedicated to telling you what is a “family-friendly Christian worldview.” Take a look at the Focus on the Family website, which has an entire team dedicated to rating and reviewing … Continue reading
One of my favorite accounts to follow on Instagram is “PreachersNSneakers.” The unique social media influencer captures the image of megachurch pastors’ attire and then researches how much was spent on shoes, jackets, or jewelry. Recently, the “PreachersNSneakers” found that Steven Furtick of Elevation Church was preaching in a $600 sweatshirt. Just doing the Lord’s … Continue reading
What’s your theology on human life? Most of us clearly understand the value of our own lives. Still, have we ever thought about the lives of others, especially those that do not fit into our socio-economic-political worldview? Most American Christians have spoon-fed one conversation on life, pro-life or pro-choice. Abortion has long been one of … Continue reading
Would you know the subtle signs of abuse if it was right in front of you? Unfortunately, most of us cannot recognize the subtle signs but maybe the more overt ones. There is a good chance that someone is experiencing this kind of trauma in our congregations. But how might we be prepared to see … Continue reading
Exhaustion affects us all differently. For me, it is a building effect, usually displaying itself in an inability to fall asleep at night because my mind is racing with all the worst possible scenarios of how the incidents leading to my stress will play out. What about you? What about when everyone is experiencing a … Continue reading