At our student ministry's recent fall retreat, one simple moment stands out to me. It was Saturday night, following the final session. We had planned a time of outdoor worship on the shore of the lake under the night sky. We were scrambling to put together the final tech details, fastening together the outdoor screen, running power cords, and connecting A/V equipment. But for whatever reason, the projector would not connect with my laptop. I tried several things. Nothing worked. People … [Read more...] about God Is Enough
Archives for October 2012
The Indirect Claims of Jesus
We do a good job of distancing ourselves from Jesus. We have a number of ways to keep him at arm's length. We call him a great leader, a sage, a good man, but all of these designations make Jesus avoidable, just another character in history. However, when you look at Jesus more closely, when you read what he actually said, you realize he cannot be so easily categorized and dismissed. Recently, in our student ministry, we looked at four outrageous claims Jesus makes. John Stott … [Read more...] about The Indirect Claims of Jesus
Three Simple Ways to Prepare for a Retreat
Our student ministry leaves for our annual Fall Retreat this week. I look forward to this weekend every year. It is a weekend filled with fun and community, creation and spiritual renewal. But not everything that happens IN this weekend happens ON this weekend. Some of the most important elements of the retreat will actually happen before the weekend. Preparation is key. We must come ready for retreat. Here are three simple ways to get ready for a spiritual retreat. Pray.God faithfully … [Read more...] about Three Simple Ways to Prepare for a Retreat
Big Church, Little Church
I've had a question in my head lately. What is the difference between a healthy large church and a healthy small church? If all things were relatively equal, what would be the difference? Do we lose anything or gain anything as we move from one size to the other? So far, I have thought of two major distinctions. When we move from a small church to a large church, two significant things happen. Big churches gain specialization. Megachurches do specialization so well. They have a … [Read more...] about Big Church, Little Church
Soul Summons
The soul must be summoned. The soul must be sought; it must be stalked. The Psalmists time and again call forth the soul, wakening it, stirring it, addressing it. "Why are you cast down, O my soul..." (Psalm 42:5)"Why are you cast down, O my soul..." (Psalm 43:5)"For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence..." (Psalm 62:5)"Bless the Lord, O my soul..." (Psalm 103:1)"Bless the Lord, O my soul!" (Psalm 104:1)"Return, O my soul, to your rest..." (Psalm 116:7)"Praise the Lord, O … [Read more...] about Soul Summons
The Gift of Disappointment
Sometimes God uses disappointment to grant us freedom. Disappointment with a relationship, disappointment with an institution, disappointment with a product...each disappointment has a redemptive purpose. Disappointment wakes us.Disappointment reveals idolatry.Disappointment reminds us of finitude.Disappointment redirects our faith back to God. May we all thank God for our disappointments and remember the only One who never disappoints. … [Read more...] about The Gift of Disappointment