The Verge Network has contributed a lot of the "Missional Church" dialogue. I recommend their site and their resources. I recently came across this helpful post on "How Not to Make Disciples." It includes a video clip from Francis Chan in which he demonstrates the obvious futility at some of the methods the church has … Continue reading How Not to Make Disciples
The Original “Go.”
We long for purpose. God offers one that matters, but people would prefer to chase significance on their own terms. We need power to fulfill our purpose. God stands as the unassailable power in the universe, but people are loathe to accept any power they can't control. They'd rather have a powerful pet in a … Continue reading The Original “Go.”
Not Small Group
Life Teams ought to be gospel communities. Here's a great passage from Everyday Church by Chester and Timmis which contrasts gospel communities with traditional small groups. Gospel communities are not like house groups, Bible study groups, pastoral groups, or ministry teams. House groups obviously vary hugely, and yours may function very much like a gospel … Continue reading Not Small Group
All or Nothing
Do you know someone whose Facebook feed alternates between affirmations of faith and vulgar sexual references? I look at those people and ask myself, "How do they understand faith in God?" After much consideration and dialogue with others about their faith, I've come to the conclusion that many people see God as a means to … Continue reading All or Nothing
You Got a Better Idea?
Jesus promised to build his church and he is. We are the material from which it is constructed. Like Peter says in 1 Peter 2:4-5: As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to … Continue reading You Got a Better Idea?
In a Foxhole
When we say that we're "sharing life," we're being intentionally ambiguous kind of like this picture. Like the faces pointing in, we're sharing our lives. According to St. James, the kingdom of God operates under one law, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (James 2:8). Of course we can't do that from a distance and so … Continue reading In a Foxhole
Pleasant Street is Gone 