“Can you hear me now?” It wasn’t that long ago a guy in a yellow shirt would interrupt our television entertainment to ask that annoying question. Even as I consider the ridiculousness yet genius of that marketing campaign, I realize how important his question is today. Some time ago, this same guy started showing up … Continued
Early in March, the prevailing thought was that we’d all be back in buildings for church services by May. Very few expected the COVID pandemic to go this long. It’s now May, and only a handful of churches have reopened at very limited percentages of their normal seating capacity. Some churches are working on plans … Continued
Whether partially or completely, churches and religious groups are starting to meet again across the country. More staff members are coming back to the office, and outside our safety precautions, things may be getting back to normal soon. However, before we leave the worse part of the pandemic behind, it’s worth reflecting a little on … Continued
As much as you wish things were getting easier in church leadership, they dont appear to be heading in that direction. If anything, things are more complicated than they were a month ago. And infinitely more complicated than they were a year ago. My guess is youve had a thousand different church leader thoughts rush through your mind (and heart) in 2020, not all of them, well, great.
New Bibles releasing late summer and into fall offer study and preaching resources that dig deep into God’s Word. Here are a few of the new Bibles that are coming soon: • Unfolding Grace: 40 Guided Readings through the Bible (Crossway) presents the overarching storyline of God’s Word as revealed through 40 Scripture readings drawn … Continued
Leading through tension is essential for navigating the complexities of any given circumstance, especially during chaotic times.
I think most believers agree that biblical unity is something to pray for and work toward. You probably know that reconciliation between a diverse group of people is a beautiful dream. But is the church marked by a compelling ethnic unity today? Do you know how to make progress toward racial reconciliation? Unfortunately, the kind … Continued
The good news is it feels like were entering a new season of leadership and ministry. Although the coronavirus is still with us, churches and businesses are reopening and things that werent possible a month or two ago are now possible again. Thats the good news. The bad news is that the new season is perhaps even more complicated than the season of crisis we just left, and leaders must be careful to avoid wasting ministry season […]
The apostle Paul wrote, Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Rom. 12:2). In Pauls Greek, the word that is commonly translated as mind is nous, which typically refers to our rational, thinking faculties. But it also can be used to convey composure, a sense of the security that comes with thorough comprehension. The word illustrates how intellectual pursuits for the Christian can become vibrant acts of service to others and of resistance to a world intent on conforming us to its system of behavior. Karen Swallow Prior faith is a leading advocate for this deep and rational composure.
Both Echo Park and Foursquare have experienced not just a revitalization, but reconciliation and restoration, highlighting the impact of thoughtful urban renewal.
