When chaos erupts—personally, in a community, or across a nation—the best response may be counter-intuitive to what seems needed. Right now, we are facing social unrest, political turmoil, natural disasters (fires, hurricanes, etc.), and a global pandemic. It might seem the best response is...
A prominent Christian researcher announced last week he predicts one in five churches will close in the next 18 months as a result of declines caused by the pandemic. He may be right, if he means one in five churches among all denominations and groups. Some mainline churches have reported...
My video-chapel convocation address for the Fall 2020 semester released last week, ended with six steps you can take to accomplish real change—particularly related to racism and other social justice issues. If you have not heard or read the message, take time to view it in its entirety. If you...
Schools and churches in our area are trying to reopen and the challenges are formidable. One of the most troublesome aspects is the uncertainty caused by ever-changing circumstances related to the pandemic. Just when a school or church announces their plans, the underlying assumptions that...
Gateway Seminary resumed in-person classroom instruction today!
Churches are struggling with decisions about how and when to reopen, what form reopening should take, and their role in protecting people during the pandemic. Some churches are resisting governmental directives on these matters, claiming it’s a matter of conscience. Others are operating within...
Last week, my blog celebrated our fortieth wedding anniversary with some encouragement for other married couples in ministry. Among the responses from many of you, a friend sent me this true story (names changed) which illustrates the impact of a ministry marriage that lasts.
We recently celebrated our fortieth wedding anniversary which means two things. Our marriage has lasted awhile and we are getting old! When we teach on marriage, we half-jokingly say, “We have been married 40 years; about 38 good ones.” We have had some rough patches that probably total up to...
Leading is tiring. The disciples had a full day with Jesus, culminating with what would turn out to be their final meal together. They had learned important lessons that day about serving humbly and avoiding bravado. They had learned Jesus’ death was imminent and were puzzled about what was...
Several years ago, a series of prominent media ministers succumbed to immorality over a few weeks time. They were disgraced, their ministries came unraveled, and all the good they had accomplished was called into question.