Whatever Happened to Confession?
A charismatic church once asked me to review their liturgy. Oh, they didn’t use the word “liturgy,” because they claimed they had no liturgy, they …
The Corrupting of The Christian Shepherd
Several years ago, a friend called me to talk about an internationally known Christian leader who lived near him. During the “great recession” of …
Embracing A Transcendent Pursuit: A Journey of Spiritual Growth
Fifteen years ago, my friend Gary Barkalow and I shared our frustrations (at least our disenchantment) with traditional New Year’s Resolutions. We …
Is Our Morality An Obstacle To Christianity?
Ten years ago, a Christian friend described how he was beginning to bring the gospel to his softball team. He had just joined the local league, partly …
The Ugliness Of Religious-Righteousness
Hurricane Sandy was the second most devastating hurricane in United States history. On October 29th, 2012 it stormed ashore in New Jersey, leaving a …
When Our “Needs” Become Our Lords
When I fly, I don’t talk with the person next to me. I sit quietly and read a book while they sit quietly and watch a video, just as God ordained …
Why Are We So Afraid to Admit Our Doubts?
When a friend of mine was fired from his job because of his boss’s mistake, he said, “All is good.” The next week, when one of his kids totaled one of …
The Life of God in Us
I once had a client whose business brilliance outshone the stars of Harvard Business School. Yet she scorched everything she touched. Relationships …
Counterfeit Courage
I used to know a man who had been a colonel in the special forces. By the time I met him, he had left the army and led an international men’s …
Disappearing Christians
Several years ago, I witnessed a well-known, incredibly talented worship leader. His guitar strum stirred my heart, his baritone voice felt like honey …
Grasping for Significance
Four years ago, I was diagnosed with kidney cancer. The treatment involved five uncomfortable (and humiliating!) procedures. On the other hand, I …
Modern Worship, Cocaine Rushes, and Healing
A friend of mine calls himself a “recovering charismatic.” He thinks the gifts of the Spirit are still active today, but he believes the worship …