God’s Mission – Worksheet

The following is a short worksheet/Bible study on God’s mission and our role in it that I’m using with the Young Life student staff in LA. God’s Mission: Genesis to Revelation I’ve heard them described as the “navy seals” of Christians. They’re sometimes talked about as an “elite” bunch, while everyone else sort of justContinue reading “God’s Mission – Worksheet”

Who do Missiologists Answer to?

In an entry on “Missiology” in the Encyclopedia of Protestantism, Wilbert Shenk offers, what I take, to be a pretty broad definition of missiology. According to him it is the academic study of all dimensions of the Christian mission. He includes several aspects of what “all dimensions” actually refers to, including, “biblical and theological foundations,”Continue reading “Who do Missiologists Answer to?”

What is God up to in Younglife Uganda?

I sat there under a large umbrella sipping on my Stoney Tangawizi, aka the strongest ginger ale that will ever grace anyone’s taste buds. Sheltered from the hot Equatorial sun I waited 45 minutes for a man named Simon Peter, whom I had never met. But I was in no rush, I was chilling withContinue reading “What is God up to in Younglife Uganda?”

Training Pastors in Uganda

I mentioned in my last post that I will be going to Africa Renewal University, which is in Kampala, Uganda to teach an MA level Systematic Theology course. Our church has an awesome partnership with the school. We recently helped support 20 Sudanese students as they are working towards their BA in Theology. Its soContinue reading “Training Pastors in Uganda”

Crossing Cultures With Jesus

I think if found it! In just a few short days I will be leading a group of 20 college students on a short term mission trip to Uganda. For many of the students this is their first mission trip, and for a whole bunch of them it’s the first time they will ever stepContinue reading “Crossing Cultures With Jesus”

Structured for Mission

The technological revolution, transformed economies, capitalism, globalization, decentralization, individualism, commodification, fragmented communities, fragmented identities, alienation…. At the end of the 20th century these transformations converged creating a radical shift in social culture. (94) Many churches have tried to respond to these changes with a greater emphasis on programs, structures, and new initiatives. Yet time afterContinue reading “Structured for Mission”

Should I focus on Discipleship or Evangelism?

This seems to be the perennial question for most leaders, especially those who are trying to be missional – where should I spend the majority of my time and energy? Should I focus on discipleship or evangelism? Andreas Kostenberger addresses this question in an essay in a new book titled Shepherding God’s Flock. Here isContinue reading “Should I focus on Discipleship or Evangelism?”

One Year Anniversary

Exactly one year ago I got married to my best friend and constant companion. It has been a year full of sweet moments, exciting moments, and crazy moments. I get to spend every day with the woman who gives me encouragement, comfort, and strength. Given our involvement in ministry we both need that encouragement, comfort,Continue reading “One Year Anniversary”

The Gospel According to Levi’s (or Dockers)

Levis vs. Dockers. This is a tale of two pairs of pants. Or better yet two kinds of Christians who tend to wear two kinds of pants. In one corner you have the skinny jean wearing, tattoo flaunting, hipster eye-glassed, latte sipping Christians who think that “the Kingdom deeds good deeds done by good peopleContinue reading “The Gospel According to Levi’s (or Dockers)”

Love the Local Church!

In a few weeks Scot McKnight’s new book, The Kingdom Conspiracy, will come out. I got my hands on it a bit early and I really want to recommend it to you. I really think it will speak loudly to a generation who is more enamored with doing “kingdom” work  than “church” work. Here isContinue reading “Love the Local Church!”