Apprentice 2 Jesus

Church

  • The journey changes

    Today is my last day as pastor of Heights Church. It’s been a nearly 20 year journey in a place I have loved deeply.  Read more

  • The Letter I Thought I Would Never Write

    I love pastoring and I love the place where I pastor. A day arrived I didn’t think would come this soon, even though “soon” means 19 years of ministry in one place. Read more

  • The beauty of sacrament

    The basic definition of sacrament is simple: “an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.” — Chris Webb, God- Soaked Life Read more

  • “Eat This Book” — Gospel of Mark

    On Sundays we are going through the New Testament at Heights Church. We are taking in big quantities of Scripture each week to reset the story of God in our hearts and minds.  Read more

  • The way forward as the church

    In our American culture, the church should be leading a new way forward. This passage helps me focus on the way in which to lead: Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a… Read more

  • Church bashing

    We may not think much of the Church in our American angst. We complain. We argue. We are always quick to point out what is “wrong” with the Church. Every particular season I will come across dozens of articles about what NOT to preach on a particular Sunday. (“Make sure you avoid these THREE mistakes… Read more

  • Defining Christian Culture

    Rod Dreher’s case for the “Benedict Option” hinges on going back to a Benedictine spirituality because the Benedictine culture created a Christian culture. That term seemed to hit me wrong, so I’m glad Dreher unpacked it a bit. Read more

  • Losing political clout may save the American Church

    Rod Dreher isn’t enamored with the election of Donald Trump. While it’s a possible side benefit that Trump may actually appoint conservative judges and justices, Dreher isn’t going to be sidetracked from the idea of the turn that has already happened in American culture.  Read more

  • Can Western Civilization Be Saved?

    “In the Benedict Option, we are not trying to repeal seven hundred years of history, as if that were possible. Nor are we trying to save the West. We are only trying to build a Christian way of life that stands as an island of sanctity and stability amid the high tide of liquid modernity.… Read more

  • Living together as family in the church

    “Children are ordinarily so full of their own needs and wants that they look at a brother of sister not as an ally but as a competitor. If there is only one pork chop on the plate and three of us who want it, I will look at my brother and sister not as delightful… Read more