Lectionary Yr A
Designing worship for Palm Sunday has always been a challenge for me. Either we focused on the joy of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, with palms and singing and celebrating; or, we focused on the Passion of Christ -- His crucifixion, death, and burial. Last year, however, we combined
Books
In their newly-released book, Bonhoeffer The Assassin? Challenging the Myth, Recovering His Call to Peacemaking, the authors Mark Thiessen Nation, Anthony G. Siegrist, and Daniel P. Umbel provide compelling evidence that Dietrich Bonhoeffer did not participate in a plot to kill Adolf Hitler. I had anticipated this book's
Books
Two bound copies of my dissertation arrived today. The title is The Reconciling Community: The Missional Mending of Spiritual and Social Relationships Through Local Church Ministry. I lived with writing this for almost two years, so it is very gratifying to see it done, bound, and approved. Still waiting for
Books
I have waited far too long to spotlight Mark O. Wilson's new book, Filled Up, Poured Out: How God's Spirit Can Revive Your Passion and Purpose. Mark and I met as fellow-bloggers, and I have followed his blog, Revitalize Your Church for several years now. Mark
Resources
A few days ago I had the opportunity to participate in a leadership conference with Dr. Greg Jones, former dean of Duke Divinity School, and Dr. John Upton, president of the Baptist World Alliance and the Virginia Baptist Mission Board. Next week, I'll share Greg Jones' thoughts
Culture
Despite the adoption of coffee bars, powerpoint presentations, and full-stage lighting, churches are seldom on the cutting edge when it comes to addressing demographic trends. Here are six dramatic trends that are not being addressed adequately by local churches, church networks, or denominations. If we continue to ignore these trends
Books
It goes without saying that N. T. Wright, recently called the J. K. Rowling of the evangelical world, is a prolific writer. The author of more than 30 books by one count, Wright cranks out multi-hundred page volumes like others do tweets. But the difference is that Wright also packs
Books
Six Dramatic Trends Impacting Small Churches In his new book, American Religion: Contemporary Trends, Professor Mark Chaves of Duke University identifies six new trends affecting U. S. congregations, including small churches. In the chapter titled simply “Congregations,” Chaves examines sociological and demographic trends which are shaping church congregations. These six
Books
Evangelicalism has thrived in America because of its ability to adapt to its culture, according to Randall Balmer in his book, The Making of Evangelicalism: From Revivalism to Politics and Beyond. Balmer, professor of American religious history at Columbia University and a contributing editor to Christianity Today, writes in this
Books
While many individuals are held in high esteem in our denomination, Southern Baptists have only one saint and her name is Lottie Moon. Of course, we don’t refer to her as “St. Lottie,” but the legend that has arisen around her life story qualifies Lottie Moon for the highest
Matthew
When Jesus taught his disciples The Lord's Prayer, he included what might seem like a strange phrase -- "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." Does God tempt us to do wrong? If not, why should we pray this part of the
Culture
Rob Bell’s newest book, Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, And The Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived sits at number three today in Amazon’s book sales list. Love Wins will no doubt hit the New York Times bestseller list this week. Bell obviously has churned