In the movie, The Mask of Zorro, the original “Z”, played by Anthony Hopkins, instructs his younger replacement, Antonio Banderas, in the training circle. According to his swashbuckling wisdom, it is futile to control anything beyond one’s immediate sphere. Yet if one focuses inside a tight radius, he can deal with everything coming from outside […]
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Soul Whispering Snapshot #2: Fence Jumping
I am astounded at how impotent the church remains in mission. The other day in our community group, Tawny shared of a friend’s encounter with a Muslim who had given her a Koran. Seeing what had occurred, the husband reacted angrily, telling his wife to give it back! I know that many would think it […]
Continue readingBoycott “Christ-like?”
When was the last time you heard someone describe another as “Christ-like?” I have wondered if we use the term far too loosely. My issue is this. It is entirely possible in the modern church to teach the idea of Christ-likeness devoid of mission. This shouldn’t be! Can you be Christ-like without possessing his most […]
Continue readingSoul Whispering Snapshot #1: Drawing
This blog begins a series on evangelistic skills. My intention is to bring you into a vivid living color picture of reaching our world. —————————————————— “We don’t do the church thing in our family.” This rather curt, walk off, response came from Liz to her friend Anne. What do you do […]
Continue readingLooking Back at Your Life Map
Have you ever made a life map? It is an exercise where you look back at your life and categorize the big events by designating them as either good or bad. To create a visual picture of your journey, you lay them out on paper using different color post-it-notes. If you have done this before, […]
Continue readingNew Believers and The West Coast Offense
Do we have a hindering bias toward new believers? After extensive interview research, I came to that conclusion. The fact is many think new believers are second-string benchwarmers not ready for the big game. Compounding this unspoken sentiment, I found that leaders tended to view the gospel unilaterally. In other words, they envisioned the gospel […]
Continue readingThe Sign of the Yellow Lights?
I am driving down Murrieta Hot Springs road, leaving a Church Planters forum, where I just heard a man talk about how God leads our lives. I am deep in thought over the three signs he spoke of: (1) Where has God dragged you kicking and screaming, (2) Desire, and (3), a Revelation. I am talking […]
Continue readingMeasuring The Mission
I consult with pastors and churches needing help in the mission area. I am amazed that many of them have solid mission statements. In other words, the vision is spot on. They so clearly want to make new disciples that they have put it in writing. Many also have ministry structures in place. Though there […]
Continue readingThe Love of Christians?
In concert with a ministry team, I conduct numerous classes. In one of our new believer’s Basic Training sessions, the course assignment asked the group to show love to someone inside and outside the church that week and then report back. In anticipation, I was excited to hear what occurred. I just knew God would […]
Continue readingPastoral Skills Needed: Mind-Bending!
Leadership takes on all sorts of dimensions. One skill that needs more attention is taking warped congregational thinking and reworking it for good. The average Christian thinks too much of themselves. We are a bunch of sick gluttons of spiritual goods. God looks down lovingly appalled at how truly self-centered we can be. Pastors are […]
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