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The City Bus and the Church
The chapel message I preached at North Central University.
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Seeking the Welfare of the City
The more I learn about Tim Keller as a pastor, the more I am impressed. I really want to know more about this guy. I’ve watched several videos where he engages the skeptics and agnostics. His style is so incredibly well formed to his setting. Some thoughts here on ministry in the city. In an urban setting like my own…
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The Public Bus and the Church
Work with me on this one. I don’t ride the bus a lot, but this fall I’ve chosen to use it more. As I reflect on riding on the bus, I think of how the public bus might be a better reflection of what the Church should be, in some ways. There are certainly ways it reflects the Church in not…
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Pastors, Check Out Our New Blog!
We have started a collaborative effort called “Blue Chip Pastor.” We have several pastors contributing, and there are some EXCELLENT posts going up almost every day. If you are a pastor, I invite you to be a part. We want this to be a resource and encouragement. Also, if you have things you want to contribute, let me know! We…
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Ambiguity
I was in a meeting yesterday with a church leader who has led an interesting life in ministry. Someone observed he had tackled some really tough things. He had started up missions organizations and pastored struggling churches. He said, “My ministry has been starting up or picking up.” Then, he made an incredible statement about ministering in the hard assignments.…
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Could I Invite You to LOVE the Body of Christ?
1 Therefore, I have a request for the elders among you. (I ask this as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings, and as one who shares in the glory that is about to be revealed.) I urge the elders: 2 Like shepherds, tend the flock of God among you. Watch over it. Don’t shepherd because you must, but do it…
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To My Pastor Friends
13 Jesus went up on a mountain and called those he wanted, and they came to him. 14 He appointed twelve and called them apostles. He appointed them to be with him, to be sent out to preach, 15 and to have authority to throw out demons. (Mark 3:13-15, CEB) There is a sacredness to our calling. We can get…
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Pastors as Theologians
One of the topics I have wrestled with for quite some time is the idea of pastors as theologians, or theologians as pastors. As a pastor, I have grown over the years in my ability to think theologically. I earned my Master’s 20 years after I finished my BA. I love pastoring. What I have become more convinced of is…
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Blue Chips and Junk Bonds
David Brooks is one of my favorite columnists. This column discusses politics, but it reminds me of a conversation I had regarding ministry as well. Brooks’s contention is that liberals have allowed short term gains to cloud their vision for long term good. The conversation I had regarding churches and ministry was much the same. American churches are investing in…
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My Great Loves
Happy Valentine’s Day! I confess my great loves today. First is my great love for God. I spent this weekend in a “silent” retreat contemplating Ephesians 1-3. I love Ephesians. For the past 15 plus years of my life it has been bedrock to my life. Once again I was blown away by my God’s great love for me. I…
Tag: Ministry
