The Christian as Leader
Leadership, leadership, leadership. We hear this mantra all the time, especially in the church. In fact, these 3 words were tweeted by Bishop Scott Jones on the opening night of General Conference 2012 as he reflected on the most important factors in United Methodist renewal. Though acknowledged as crucial, we might profitably ask, “What kind … Read more
Collect for the First Sunday in Lent
Your Son, O God, fasted in the wilderness forty days, and was tempted as we are, yet without sin: grow us in obedience to your Spirit, so by observing discipline we may be truly disciples, and that in our weakness we may know your power to save; through our Brother, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Discipleship, Leadership, and Community
For those of you who have read my blog somewhat regularly over the past year, you know that one of the questions I have is about how communities of faith grow both excellent leadership and provide a context for high-capacity Christian discipleship to flourish. One of the metaphors I’ve been using is that of a … Read more
An Identity Crisis
Eight years ago today (liturgically speaking) I preached for the first time in “big church”…not a devotional or talk but an actual sermon in the awe-inspiring sanctuary of St Paul’s United Methodist (Houston) on a Sunday morning: Transfiguration Sunday. It holds up, I think, and today seems oddly resonant. In honor of how the Holy … Read more
Discipleship and Attending Worship
One of the things that Mike Gaffney said this morning has really stuck with me. When asked, “How many college students attend worship” at his collegiate church-based ministries, he would respond, “I don’t know and I don’t care. The much better question is, ‘How many students are connected in relational way to a member of … Read more
Priorities
Flipping through the wonderful new handbook from United Methodist Communications, I was impressed again by how much ministry our church does with so many people in so many places. The handbook does a great job of putting into words and images the scope of ministry (and structure!) in which our denomination engages. (I’m even in … Read more
Difficulties in Greenhouse Construction
Authentic communication of the Gospel today is challenged both by the lack of public space and by the inability to shape intimate spaces into graced responses.
Greenhouses for Discipleship
Where are the “discipleship greenhouses” today, in which hardy and quick-growing varieties of disciples could be nurtured and then re-introduced into the native environment to strengthen those around them?
The Long-Expected Call
On the Road to Emmaus My call story is different from most people’s. I like to say that while many Christians and pastors have “Damascus road” experiences–while on the road to the wrong place with wrong intentions, suddenly experiencing the power of the risen Christ in blinding light and booming voice–my journey of faith & … Read more
Where Does God Happen?
At the top of the list of things Josh wrestles with in his own life is my uneasiness within myself as I relate to other people. Whether it’s because I was raised in a loving-yet-high-expectation environment, mocked throughout my school years for my nerdiness (evidence of which has always been in abundance!), or my own … Read more
