Dregs of Culture
I was in a college ministry that targeted its evangelism for one purpose: to select future leaders. I’m ashamed to admit we called this process, …
Calling, Ministry, and Service
Living A Legacy Life
A few years ago I published, Mission Idolatry. My point was that our deepest worship is not expressed by the twenty minutes of Sunday morning singing, …
Fear of Fruitlessness
Last week God shocked me with two verses spoken to one of his prophets: “You shall speak all these words to them, but they will not listen to you. You …
Striving for Spiritual Impact
A few months ago, I mentioned that I had been diagnosed with kidney cancer. The treatment involved five uncomfortable procedures, but the recovery was …
And How Are We Today?
Growing up, I never saw a day when my mother was sick. She seemed the personification of vigor even during her six pregnancies. One of us would pop …
Living a 4th Quarter Life
One hundred and twenty-two months ago today, I sat at my desk with no appointments, no tasks to perform, no clients to serve, and no employees to …
Mission Idolatry
Last summer I met with a pastor who serves a church near a large campus. As the university grew in prestige, it attracted thousands of international …
Selling Our Soul for a Bowl Full of Gruel
Last week I read an alarming passage in Hebrews: “See to it … that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a …
The Monumental Danger of Leadership Cloning
I know a company founded by a man with a passion for a hobby. He coupled it with a love for writing and published a magazine centered on his hobby. …
The Danger of Natural Christian Leadership
I studied at the University of Michigan in the 1970’s (like, before indoor plumbing). I joined a campus ministry that emphasized community, the Holy …
My First Parachute Jump Ever … and My Last
As a young boy, my weekends were filled with imaginary World War II battles. Nearby parks fielded the Battle of the Bulge, and the skeleton of a local …
Our Personal Unique Design
A few weeks ago I was talking with a woman whose children are mostly grown. She is active in her church and she works professionally but part-time. …