As someone feeling called by the Lord to pursue church planting, there are not many better resources than the work of Steve Timmis. He and I recently Skyped (though my Internet connection and webcam had a mind of their own!) and I picked his brain about missional living and leading a missional church in particular. Steve was gracious enough to allow me to transcript some of our conversation for you! For more great interviews and conversations, click HERE. ‘ Steve Timmis is the Director of Acts 29 Western Europe and an elder at The Crowded House. He also co-authored several books … [Read more...] about Missional Church Leadership: A Conversation with Steve Timmis
The Generation Gap
I was honored to serve on a group to help a friend do a Doctoral Project on Emergent and Incumbent leaders. It turned out to be much of a generational thing, and what happens when 2 generations, mostly boomers and busters collide. I still talk with many of the people I was in that group with, both emergent and incumbent leaders. As I have served in ministry, I have found that the more time passes, the more the generations become separated by differences. Technology has changed my generation and the generation after me a great deal. I have noticed a few things in observation, and I want to … [Read more...] about The Generation Gap
Twenty POLITE Reasons to Oppose GCB (Part Four of Four)
In this final installment of the series, I will (1) discuss the complications of setting a double named convention precedent, (2) expose the weaknesses of existing GCB associations, (3) articulate the limitations inherent in a functional rather than geographical name, (4) suggest that the GCB name may be linked to a GCR agenda that is itself less than unifying, and (5) take issue with the timing of this name change proposal during such a transitional period of Southern Baptist life. Following these last five reasons, I will seek to organize all twenty reasons into four general categories … [Read more...] about Twenty POLITE Reasons to Oppose GCB (Part Four of Four)
Why I Am Retiring from (Battle) Blogging
Battle blogging - that describes a lot of what we do, doesn't it? Battle blogging is the us vs. them, good guys and bad guys, we-have-to-win mentality. "They" are the enemies of truth, justice and the American Way, and I am Superdave, avenger of justice, able to leap tall blogs in a single bound as I defend the Baptist world from those who would destroy it! I'm through with it. A Little Introspection You may get tired of my self-reflective blogs about blogging. But for me, blogging a big deal. It's not a past-time, it is a significant ministry. So I think about it a lot. Is … [Read more...] about Why I Am Retiring from (Battle) Blogging
Review of Trained in the Fear of God
There is a classic story (that probably has Jewish roots) about a new bride that is cooking her first big dinner for her husband. She decides to go with a recipe that has stood the test of time; a roast that was passed down to her by her mother, who in turn had learned it from her mother. Part of the recipe called for cutting off the ends of the roast. The husband, is astonished by this. He asks, “why in the world do you cut off the ends of the roast? That is the best part!”. Her reply is simple, “That’s the way my mom always made it”. There is a classic story (that probably Later on … [Read more...] about Review of Trained in the Fear of God
Respectful Audacity: A Proposal for Prayer
Respectful audacity. That particular phrase is not one that springs to mind when pondering prayer. Perhaps it should be something we consider. In Exodus 33, we can read an account of Moses' boldness. Moses had previously ascended the mountain to receive God's laws. Back at the base, the people grew impatient and crafted for themselves a golden idol. Moses returned and disciplined the people severely. He moved his tent outside of camp and spent time there communing with God. Starting in verse 12, Moses begins to beg for God to teach him. He says, "Please, if I've been good … [Read more...] about Respectful Audacity: A Proposal for Prayer
Ruminating on Race: Will a Colorblind Convention Ever Be a Reality?
I was watching coverage of the trade yesterday between the Broncos and the Jets. A nearly unknown quarterback (Tim something) was traded to the Jersey Jets for draft picks, in a move reminiscent of the Romans sending innocent Christians to the Coliseum to battle wild beasts. Tebow has been the subject of more debate than any other player I can remember. Supporters have accused John Elway and John Fox of conspiring against Tebow, possibly for reasons of faith. Tim is an outspoken Christian (an understatement), which endeared him to some and annoyed others (even some Christians). But what … [Read more...] about Ruminating on Race: Will a Colorblind Convention Ever Be a Reality?
“Ego autos anthropos eimi!”
Apologies for the weak transliteration throughout: Wordpress won't do the Greek font my computer will. Yep, the last one was in Latin and this one is in Greek. It actually started as the Facebook status the Greek Professor at Ouachita Baptist University posted yesterday, and I thought it was worth reposting. Now, I'm going to take his thought and grow it a touch. The rest of his statement was this: that this should be the response of any pastor when someone tries to put us on a pedestal:Ego autos anthropos eimi! It's from Acts 10:26 when Peter is with Cornelius. After Cornelius has … [Read more...] about “Ego autos anthropos eimi!”
Is This the Abundant Life?
I was at a conference a while ago and heard Josh Hunt speak and teach about Sunday School growth. In that conference he made a statement that has really stuck with me. He said “every day I get up, I think 'yes, this is that abundant life'”. He was referring to John 10:10. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I have had to ask myself each day, am I living the abundant life? When I wake up each day, do I feel like I am really living and I am focused and living in Christ? I admit, I get grumpy. I get moody, and I focus way … [Read more...] about Is This the Abundant Life?
A Look at Jesus Messiah
For a while now I’ve thought about doing a special discipleship group or evening presentation about some of the songs we sing and what they teach us about God, the church, and the gospel. I’ve written once or twice about what songs communicate, and I’d like to look at another one that many of us have either heard on the radio or sung in church: Jesus Messiah by Chris Tomlin. Video | Jesus Messiah by Chris Tomlin Verse 1 This verse is made up of just a few short statements, each of which tells a fundamental truth of the gospel. The words themselves are drawn from 2 Corinthians … [Read more...] about A Look at Jesus Messiah