Archive for the church
If YOU could change one thing about [church]…
During this journey to begin a “new movement” or “community of faith” or “[church],” I’ve had lots of ideas regarding what it means or doesn’t mean to be a [church], from practices, doctrines, core values, vision, etc etc etc. But, enough from me, I want to hear what you think. (FYI…I started this blog with [...]
why the city?
A week or so ago, I wrote a post on “the worst reason to plant an urban church” but for the couple of “reasons” not to plant there are a thousand reasons why we should. Of course, any decision to plant or to be a part of a city plant must come from God. Sounds [...]
the beginnings of a church plant
On the outside, it looks like this church planting process began sometime in October because that is when Gina and I transitioned out of LifeChurch.tv after over four years of serving there. The transition was a difficult season emotionally, but even in the midst of it, we sensed God moving us on to something different. [...]
what i’ve learned about [church]: part x
Part 10 is a good place to stop, so let me summarize this way…
God has chosen those who are His to be His Church. It was His idea, not a human creation. The Church (made up of those who follow Christ) in all her human frailty is the God’s chosen instrument to bring the message [...]
what i’ve learned about [church]: part ix
This may sound a tad contrary to some of my other posts, but as much as [church] isn’t about an hour or an hour-and-a-half on Sunday morning, the weekly gathering is crucial for the Church to be the Church. From the earliest of the Church’s days, believers gathered together in homes and in a public [...]
what i’ve learned about [church]: part viii
As I continue to study, understand and live the Gospel (Good News), I’ve been continually challenged by the fact that the Gospel isn’t a series of moralistic teachings. Somehow, I think we, the [church], have slipped into that too often and when we do, we send a very dangerous message. The message goes something like [...]
what i’ve learned about [church]: part vii
I promised this today and I must live up to that promise so here goes:
“We aren’t that smart and we aren’t that cool either.” By writing these posts I don’t intend to point any fingers at anyone in fear that my finger might get broken and point right back at me. But, the [church] [...]
what i’ve learned about [church]: part vi
I’ve actually shared this one in several conversations over the past couple of years but if there’s one thing I continue to learn about the church it is this: “we are not that smart.” Yeah, I know, big shock to those of you who don’t fancy yourselves “paid church staff.” You know us pastor-types well [...]
what i’ve learned about [church]: part v
It is a teacher/preacher’s job, as a fallible person, to teach an infallible Word, to other fallible people. – John Piper
It goes without saying but leaders in the church are humans first…fallen humans saved by the grace of God through Christ. When we come into a [church] and forget that, things get pretty messed up. [...]
what i’ve learned about the [church]: part iv
I have been to eight different [churches] in the past three months and I can unequivocally state that the thing that sets some apart is the [volunteer] team that is in place. (side note: don’t like the word “volunteer” in the church context). The teaching, worship and other pastors are important but what really takes [...]
