Archives for category: ministry

An Imago Dei Moment with the Kids

September 20, 2008 //

My wife led an overnight sleepover at church this weekend for our elementary ministry. She did an incredible job pastoring and leading the kids — and all while being very sick all week. As everyone who knows both of us always likes to remind me, I’m a very lucky man!

After the day’s activities concluded, the kids stayed up to watch Evan Almighty. While brushing my teeth, I overheard two of the boys talking about the portrayal of God by Morgan Freeman in the film. One said to the other, “I never pictured that God would be a person.” The other replied that he thought it was just because it was a movie. Thoughtfully, the first boy replied, “But what does it mean then that we are made like God?”

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Categories church, faith, films, hope, ministry

Dallas Willard in San Diego!

September 16, 2008 //

I just found out Dallas Willard will be in SD from October 9-11, 2008 delivering a series of lectures and Bible studies on spiritual formation. [h/t: the Ecclesia Collective]

Dr. Willard’s work has been profoundly influential for me. I’m really hoping we can bring members from our church community to hear him speak during this Spiritual Renewal Conference. So much of what he writes about in The Great Omission, Renovation of the Heart and The Divine Conspiracy describe the kind of heart we want to build in our community. Plus, it’s free!

Categories church, communication, community, ministry

A Blessing or a Curse?

August 28, 2008 //

In Long Island (“Lon Gisland,” for you East Coasters) a church member placed a winning lottery ticket worth $3 million into the offering plate. And, yes, it was on purpose (video at Yahoo). The only restriction? That the donor remains anonymous. One article calls this an “answered prayer” in the headline (although it does not appear that this church hosted prayer meetings specifically asking that a member would win the lottery).

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Categories church, community, faith, ministry

Violence Punctuated By Committee Meetings

August 11, 2008 //

George Will was famously quoted for describing football in this way.

Unfortunately, this quote all too often describes my experiences within the church. Not so much outright violence (most of the time) but passive/aggressive power plays, wrangling for authority and that whole lording things over others deal that Jesus talked about.

Forget lofty ideals of Kingdom humility, Christ-like servanthood and mutual submission… I’d be happy these days just being able to take people at their word without having to guess at what they really meant.

* * * * *

Speaking of football, does Brett Favre being traded to the Jets count as part of the Madden curse? It’s really strange seeing Favre as a Jet; stranger still to see the Madden ’09 ads featuring him a a Packer. But EA is sticking to their guns and, apparently, refusing to change the cover to Madden ’09.

Categories church, communication, faith, ministry

Tired But Grateful

August 4, 2008 //

Turns out I had time to post one last update from Japan! You can see photos from our final night here in Japan at sdunited.org — “Hearts Filled with Gratitude”.

I’m thankful for all of the relationships we have built during our stay here. But I’m ready to come home! It feels like it’s been a long, long time away and I am definitely ready to see my beautiful family again.

Please pray for traveling mercies as I head back to the States.

Categories family, ministry