HAPPY MONDAY! I’ve noticed something lately that prompts today’s word-of-the-week… TIME I notice two distinct groups of leaders with a large gap between them. In one group I find people who acknowledge others mostly when they need something from them. They talk about servant leadership, but careful observation reveals that they’re not spending much time […]
Continue readingWhat’s The Cost To Feel Safe?
The guy asked what we could do to make people feel safe. I thought it was the wrong question, but I listened to see where the conversation would lead. Eventually the discussion produced this astonishing statement: “The secret to doing important work is feeling safe.” Do you agree? As a teacher I concluded that productive […]
Continue readingEver Suffered From Reverse Pride?
“I’m a mess.” It could’ve been me talking, though this time it happened to be one of the guys in my workshop. He repeated a familiar fear. “How can God possibly forgive the horrible mess I’ve made of my life?” If I had a dollar for every time I’ve said that…well, you know. Ever been […]
Continue readingA Hero Worthy Of The Title
Do you have a childhood hero? Henry Aaron played baseball and lived his life with humility and grace. In the summer after fifth grade I could walk to Milwaukee County Stadium, pay fifty cents, and watch this great man play right field for the Milwaukee Braves in the prime of his career. Even better, my […]
Continue readingIs Facebook A Mission Field?
How do we bring people to Jesus? I saw an article that identified Facebook as perhaps the largest untapped mission field. The writer suggested that churches ought to develop systematic ways to reach people through social media. I’d suggest that most nonbelievers don’t get their impressions of Jesus from church programs and systems. Those folks […]
Continue readingIt’s A Question Of Purpose
If you’ve been here awhile, you know Monte’s part of the team. I’m probably biased, but he’s pretty special. Beyond being a great dog, Monte lives with a specific purpose. His entire life is dedicated to service. Monte was selected as a small puppy based on particular personality traits. For months, skilled trainers developed and […]
Continue readingBut
HAPPY MONDAY! A friend’s conversation brings us today’s word-of-the-week… BUT “We’re supposed to love everyone, aren’t we?” “Yes, but…” “I don’t think we can add a ‘but…’.” As I understand it, the conversation pretty much died at that point. # # # When it comes to stuff like love, grace, and forgiveness, there’s no such […]
Continue readingMy Little Troll Cycling Enemy
I have a cycling enemy. Lots of people would think the enemy might be miles, but I can do miles. Some would choose speed, but I don’t fuss about speed so that’s not an issue for me. I picture my enemy as a troll who sits at the bottom of every single hill, even the small […]
Continue readingWhich Group Would Jesus Join?
Ever wonder which group Jesus would join? We take for granted that He’d be part of our group, right? He’d obviously share my theology, my politics, my national pride, and so on. It’s obvious because, well, I’m right. I’m being sarcastic, sort of. Driving home from a meeting yesterday I probably passed twenty churches and […]
Continue readingUnless You’re Complacent, There’s Always Fear
My friend Paul and I talked a while back about the benefits of a bike adventure combined with a social justice mission. We shared stories of riders who exceeded everyone’s expectations because they were riding for something bigger than themselves. I said I wish everyone could have that sort of experience and sometimes I struggle […]
Continue readingWhat If Scripture Is A Participation Sport?
Have you ever questioned an expert’s version of “what the bible says”? Yesterday I compared church to a football game: a lot of people who desperately need exercise sit around and watch a small group of people who desperately need rest. We’re especially in that mode when it comes to interpreting scripture. We often accept […]
Continue readingDreams Aren’t Spectator Sports
Most of our society’s like a football game: a lot of people who desperately need exercise sit around and watch a small group of people who desperately need rest. In an entertainment-driven culture, that’s how it works. We don’t take the risk and try things; we watch the experts do it for us. We get […]
Continue reading