When people leave a difficult and painful church, they often ask in counseling, “Is this normal?” “Am I crazy or over-reacting?” “Is this unhealthy church leadership?” It’s a difficult question to answer without knowing all the details. However, I’ve been in that situation, and I’ve found it helpful to share what I’ve been learning since then. Shortly after I completed my … Read More
Characteristics to Look for in Church Leadership
This past fall, we wrote a necessary post entitled “Not all churches and pastors are like that.” We talked about the faults of some churches and leaders, but relayed that there are so many good churches that are led by godly and caring pastors. There are still many high profile churches that are struggling with very serious issues. We thought it … Read More
You’re Part of a Worthwhile Legacy
A Legacy is a tradition that is handed down from one generation to another. It can be good or evil, valuable or worthless, spiritual or carnal. A Legacy is the impact that we want to leave with others. In our 30th year, we are both looking back at the Legacy that faithful men and women in the first thirty years of … Read More
What brings you comfort and joy?
Comfort and Joy –It’s a feel-good Christmas slogan isn’t it? We sing it in our carols and plaster it on hallmark cards. But what if it reveals more than you think? Each one of us turns somewhere for comfort and joy. What brings you comfort? What brings you joy? Many years ago, I remember waking up on New Year’s Day … Read More
Not all churches and pastors are like that
This past summer, one of our most popular posts was entitled “When your church disappoints you.” It was written shortly after the Willow Creek story hit the news, but the principles are equally true to many different churches going through struggle and controversy during that time in our area. It’s not a size, denomination or doctrine issue. It may surprise you that … Read More
Thanksgiving Can Transform Your Relationships
It’s more than turkey and pumpkin pie, or awkward family situations. Those who practice Thanksgiving on a daily basis find that the practice of intentionally “giving thanks” to God and others impacts their life in incredible ways. Why does Thanksgiving make such a difference? Here are four ways that an intentional focus on thanksgiving can make a difference in your … Read More
Pursuing Wisdom in an Age of Foolishness
Pursuing wisdom in an age of foolishness! It feels like we are living in crazy times and we don’t know what to do about it. However, fallen creation has always lived in crazy times; it is the human condition. Without wisdom, we have always floundered as humans. Always, without exception! Since creation, wisdom continues to call out to us and we have … Read More
Choosing Love in a Chaotic World
In a chaotic world, let’s choose love. Every morning, I clear out news alerts that accumulate on my phone overnight. The markets, tragedies, outrage, and cynicism compete for our emotional energies. However, if we are not careful, the noise that currently screams from all angles in our culture can consume us, and we lose track of the most important things … Read More
How Can You Experience Lasting Change?
Can you experience lasting change … at last? Maybe the change that comes to mind is your own, or maybe you are wondering about someone you care deeply about. For lasting change to happen, Jesus consistently reminded us that our hearts need to change first. Solomon stated this principle powerfully in Proverbs 4:23 stating, “Above all else, guard your heart … Read More
