Reflected in the hub design, the four-book Missional Engagement Series is not one-dimensional or linear, but rather, a holistic layout. Two concepts are critical. First, mission is taught in every stage. Never considered optional or ancillary, being a disciple is about being “on mission” for Jesus. Second, the design develops key discipleship values progressively as […]
Continue readingTag: missional living
Half the Battle
I just talked with my friend, Dana, who is reading my book, and she expressed how timely it was since she has a new atheist friend, and also brand new Muslim neighbors, headscarf (they call it “hijab”) and all! Before we hung up, I mentioned that half the battle is getting relationships moving in the […]
Continue readingWhat Hollywood Can Teach the Church
He seems to be saying some of the same things that you are. The email, which came to me from my wife, referred to a speaker who had visited my son’s school. Not the typical gig at a Christian college, Ralph Winter, is a Hollywood producer with notable credits including the X-men films. Many things […]
Continue readingThe Journey Out of Dry
Have you ever found yourself in a spiritually dry period? This desert experience, where the “living water” promises of God appear like a mirage, is something all Christians face. My wife, who is super big into her devotions, recently confessed to being in a dry spell. Anyone who goes through this sort of parched season […]
Continue readingTapping Living Water in the Church
While visiting Israel, a man observed the newly excavated lower aqueduct, which originally linked Solomon’s pools to the Jewish temple. Being both ignorant and inquisitive, he inquired with a local resident the purpose for the aqueduct being connected to the temple. From this simple question, he unearthed an intriguing response. The man said, “In the […]
Continue readingGetting Out There!
While coaching one of our Network’s church planters, he tells me of his recent trip to the Grand Canyon, and a poignant moment that stirred him. He and his wife decided to join the crowd of paying customers to experience the multi-million dollar Grand Canyon Skywalk. Perhaps you have heard of the protruding over-the-edge glass […]
Continue readingRealigning Dreams
In the famous first calling of the disciples, Jesus the carpenter meets fisherman on their turf (Luke 5:1–11). Bypassing conversation about boards, nails and hammers, he offers a simple invitation to fish, once more. It is just the fact that Jesus fulfills their greatest fishing dream that makes his call so compelling. How many times […]
Continue readingBlessing and Burden
I’m back with a blog! My hiatus from the blogosphere gave me a chance to finalize the Soul Whisperer manuscript. Praise God, it’s now done! I thought it fitting with this first returning blog to share some of my intimate thoughts on the book. First off, getting the opportunity to chase a dream like this […]
Continue readingThe Power of Your Presence
Over the past years, I have taught Christians a Faith-Sharing Skills course. One of the issues facing the church today is how isolated Christians can get from non-believers. In every class, I ask participants to step up into the life of a non-Christian by connecting on a regular basis. Without this positioning, we do not […]
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 […]
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