Becoming Sequoias and Doing College Ministry

In his book College Ministry in a Post-Christian Culture Stephen Lutz asks the reader two questions that frame the rest of his book. Even though they are questions directed at college/campus ministers I think they are great questions for anybody in ministry to constantly be asking themselves: Does the grounded, growing, fruitful tree describe you?Continue reading “Becoming Sequoias and Doing College Ministry”

Book Review – The Pastor’s Family by Brian and Cara Croft

In just three short days I will be married. It blows my mind even thinking about that. Thankfully God has blessed me with a beautiful, loving, kingdom minded, missions focused, hungry for social justice, gospel loving woman to marry. I am truly blessed. Yet one of my biggest fears is that I will let workContinue reading “Book Review – The Pastor’s Family by Brian and Cara Croft”

Why Cities (and Colleges) Matter

College Campuses are microcosms of the city. Let me explain…. A few weeks ago I read through Stephen Um and Justin Buzzard’s Why Cities Matter, since then I have read it one more time. I can’t recommend it highly enough. As I was reading it, similarities between a city and a college campus kept poppingContinue reading “Why Cities (and Colleges) Matter”

Top Seven Books of 2013

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! There’ll books for reviewing And blogs to be posting When the end of  ’13 is near It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Yes its that time of the year again. No it’s not Christmas. Its book review season! It’s the time of the year whenContinue reading “Top Seven Books of 2013”

Give them the Tools they Need!

Today would like to hit on one aspect of the small group coach-leader relationship: equipping. If you are a small group coach you probably know building a relationship with your leaders is super important but you don’t necessarily want to get stuck there. Pastor Bill Donahue from Willow Creek makes this point when he saysContinue reading “Give them the Tools they Need!”

Why Christmas Needs Fog and Lasers – Or Some Implications of the Incarnation

I normally don’t do this sort of thing, but I know I just had to say something. The truth is, I’m not big on twitter feuds, blog feuds, family feuds, or the medieval feudal system, but when something says something that I feel has the potential to undercut an important element of our faith, IContinue reading “Why Christmas Needs Fog and Lasers – Or Some Implications of the Incarnation”

5 Essentials of Discipleship

If you were going to start discipling a 21 year old college student, which five things would you aim for? Probably something about identity in Christ, service, understanding the bible, understanding the need to evangelize, how to pray, and other things along those lines right? Well let me suggest 5 different things… I would loveContinue reading “5 Essentials of Discipleship”

Book Review – Small Faith; Great God by N.T. Wright

I went back and looked at my old “blogspot” the other day. I found this review I wrote about N.T. Wright’s book “Small Faith; Great God.” So today I present to you a really old book review! N.T. Wright’s book is actually the second edition of a very old book of his. It is composedContinue reading “Book Review – Small Faith; Great God by N.T. Wright”

This Paycheck’s Book Purchases (October 26th)

A few weeks ago I started a new type of blog entry, “This Paycheck’s Book Purchases.” Each time I get paid I buy a couple of books and I share with you, the world, what I am reading and why I am excited to read those books. As I get married I am sure thisContinue reading “This Paycheck’s Book Purchases (October 26th)”

My Top 7 “Charismatic” Books

In light of the recent “Strange Fire” conference, here are a few Charismatic theology books that have helped to shape my own theology. They are in no particular order. Surprised by the Power of the Spirit by Jack Deere In this book, Jack Deere, a former professor at Dallas Theological Seminary & cessationist gives anContinue reading “My Top 7 “Charismatic” Books”