Scattered Thoughts on Theology and Ministry…
Vulnerable. Not the first word that comes to mind when you think about strong leaders. Yet, this word, “Vulnerable,” is what Mandy Smith, lead pastor of University Christian Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, suggests should characterize strong Christian leaders. In The Vulnerable Pastor: How Human Limitations Empower Our Ministry Smith attempts to debunk current leadership wisdomContinue reading “The Vulnerable Pastor”
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?”
I really didn’t expect things to be like this – but its simply the way things turned out. Not that it was necessarily a bad thing – it was just unexpected. You see – this weekend is my friend’s birthday, and every year he plans a snowboarding/ski trip to either Big Bear or Mammoth. IContinue reading “15 Life Giving Habits for Ministry”
When Richard Hays says something you listen. The author of such ground shaking books like The Moral Vision of the New Testament, The Faith Of Jesus Christ, and Echoes of Scripture in the Letters of Paul, he is known not only for bridging the gap between biblical criticism and literary studies – he is alsoContinue reading “Richard Hays on Being Pastoral-Theologians like Paul”
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!”
In the beginning there was “Missional,” then “Gospel-Centered,” and finally “APEST.” Don’t get me wrong I believe recovering the Ephesians 4 gifts (APEST) is super important, but at times it seems like it’s a niche that has been overpopulated, so when a new APEST book comes out you don’t need to take much notice –Continue reading “Book Review – Primal Fire by Neil Cole”
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”
A while ago Religion News Service’s Jonathan Merritt ( @JonathanMerritt ) interviewed Eugene Peterson (author of The Message) about pastoral ministry. What Peterson had to say was a refreshing view into the iconic pastor’s life. Here is what Peterson had to say about doing ministry (HT – Christianity Today) : “… Pastoring is not aContinue reading “The Art of Pastoring”
Every time I get paid I buy a couple of books. Right now I am buying as many books as I can read in a two week span because I know that once I get married my book budget is really going to shrink. Anyway, this pay period I bought three books. I think myContinue reading “This Paycheck’s Book Purchases (October 12th)”
“Do not go beyond what is written…” Paul says this in regard to assessing servants of Christ. He tells us that he cares very little if he is judged by the Corinthian church, or even himself. His conscience is clear but even that doesn’t matter because ultimately it is the Lord who judges the motivesContinue reading “Paul and Introverted Pastors”
CWoznicki Think Out Loud 