It’s true — the thorny ground is the ground where life’s “busyness” chokes out the seed’s fruitfulness (Matthew 13). Called the “cares of this life” by one Gospel writer, the “pleasures” of life by another, and the “deceitfulness of riches” by still another, the clear … Read More
Rearview Mirror: On Planting a Church #3
It’s the question I get asked most often by young, aspiring church planters — “If you had to do it over again, what would you do—or not do—differently?” It is in answer to that question that I’ve been using my “rearview mirror” perspective. So today, here’s installment … Read More
What I Was Seeing When I Was Sawing
Snap. Pop. Crack. Timb-u-u-u-r! That’s what I was hearing the other day as branches piled up around me. (Okay, maybe not the timb-u-u-u-r part, but it does add to the effect, eh?) And what a pile it was! Ironically, when I first began cutting and … Read More
Q Zone: Perplexed by the Parables?
Last Sunday we began our summer series (“Like: Jesus’ Words About the Kingdom of Heaven in the Gospel of Matthew”), a 12-week look at some of the parables Jesus told. My goal in week #1? Lay the groundwork! We did this by examining the text … Read More
Rearview Mirror: On Planting a Church #2
It’s the question I get asked most often by young, aspiring church planters — “If you had to do it over again, what would you do — or not do — differently?” It is in answer to that question that I’ve been using my “rearview … Read More
At Least the Word Won’t Wither
As if it’s not enough that I have a witchy tree in my front lawn (see May 14 blog), the lawn itself seems to be withering away, too. Just take a look at the spotty situation. Can you say receeding grass line? A brief bit … Read More
My Rearview Mirror: On Planting a Church #1
Almost 13 years into this church plant endeavor, I’ve been pondering more intently a question I’ve received frequently during this first decade. It goes something like this: “So what advice would you give me if I was going to plant a church?” Sometimes it’s worded … Read More
My Rearview Mirror: On Planting a Church
As a church, we’re just shy of 13 years old. That’s hard for me to believe, for it seems like just yesterday there were six of us around a kitchen table committing to planting a church, not knowing if anyone else would even join us. … Read More
The Tree I Don’t Want to Be
Before you comment how gorgeous the tree is in my front yard, you need to know something. Ready? It’s only this beautiful about 14-17 days a year. Okay, 21 max. That’s 3 weeks at best. Yep, three. So for 49 other weeks, I’m dealing with what … Read More
The Woman Behind the Man
When most folks think of youth ministry, their minds picture kids wearing jeans, boys without socks, girls giggling over the guys, and a young man sporting a baseball cap and a whistle desperately trying to gain some semblance of order. What a picture! (and it’s … Read More