The American church has never been more analyzed and categorized, with predictions galore about where it’s headed, what it’s becoming, how it needs to change, and whether it is growing, plateaued, or declining. It’s easy to get lost in all this and decide the health of our local church more...
My friend Ted Cotton died a few days ago. At his memorial service, attended by about 400 people, the moderator asked everyone who had been led to faith in Jesus and baptized by Ted to raise their hand. Dozens of hands went up. He then asked everyone who had been mentored into ministry by Ted to...
A recent experience with a major donor reminded me of some of the myths younger leaders often believe about how money materializes to support Christian ministry.
Most people today believe right and wrong are determined by two sources – either what they feel is right/wrong or by what laws say are right/wrong. This means feelings determine truth for individuals and legislatures determine truth for the community. This is a backwards approach. Truth must...
Spending several days during the holidays with four grandchildren under age three caused me to think about our world, their future, and my perspective on what their world may be like when they are my age. Despite my natural optimism, the overall trajectory of current events, the overwhelming...
In my last blog, I advocated for character in leadership. A good follow up question is, “how much character?”
It seems like there is a new revelation or accusation about immoral conduct by a politician, media, or entertainment leader almost every day. Among the many questions raised by all this is, “Does character count any more in choosing a leader?”
Moral confusion about sexual issues is so common in our culture it is now our normal ministry milieu. Sexual harassment in the workplace, sex offenders in neighborhoods, and sexual escapades by societal influences are daily occurrences. Yet, our culture continues to embrace confusing moral...
Most people in our culture believe alcohol is a necessary social lubricant, mark of adulthood, and primary ingredient for having a party. None of those things are true – but most people believe them anyway. People who believe otherwise are marginalized as out-of-touch legalists. That’s a...
I am grateful I have lived long enough to have old friends. There are several people I have known for more than 30 years who are still rock-solid in every area of life – faith, family, and friendship. It’s a privilege to know good people like this who have proven themselves over time.