Over the last 25 years, we have operated in an Attractional Model of church, in which God was moving among His people to go out and reach the lost. Now, I would say that over those 25 years, I swung the pendulum too far this way and that way, as others did, but no one’s perfect. We held weekend services...
At a Significant Church leaders meeting a few years ago, we were gathered together in worship to a song called “New Wine” by Hillsong. And the Holy Spirit began to speak to me during the song, saying, “I’m going to bring new wine out of you,” and I was a bit perplexed. Just prior to this event, God began to...
I don’t know about you, but the last year has been challenging. Some of the people in my church and those I know in ministry have become aimless; they’re without purpose and just trying to endure at this point. But I believe, as we lean into the Lord and decipher where we are right now, He will reveal what’s going...
It all started in April 2020 when COVID-19 shut down the nation. Then there were riots. The election. People in my church were consumed. Then I noticed it spread even farther than my church and at a higher level among Evangelicals across the nation. What I noticed was people weren’t putting the Kingdom of God first any more. They were focused...
Boldness is defined as “having a fearless or daring spirit.” When I read this definition, I instantly thought back to my favorite childhood superhero, Superman. As a kid, I wanted to be just like Superman. I remember watching each episode, marveling at how he’d come swooping down in the midst of danger just in time to save someone in trouble. Oftentimes...
“Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future.” This is a phrase I often use with my kids. Not because I heard it from some wise philosopher, but because I’ve personally experienced its truth. Throughout my experiences, I’ve found that I can either walk God’s path alongside friends who will empower my success, or I can allow the...
Think of the word “belong.” What does it mean to you? Guys, if you have a girl that “belongs” to you, you know that it can be a pretty strong word. If someone else lays their hands on her, they’ll get hands laid on them. And not for prayer, but they will be needing prayer after you’re done. Girls, you...
Most of us have that one drawer in our house filled with random odds and ends—scissors, nails, tape, old receipts, etc. In our house, it’s labeled the “junk drawer.” I must say there have been times I’ve looked at that drawer and thought, “This is how my whole life feels right about now.” We all have those moments when life feels...
The American Dream. It’s often characterized by a big house, nice car, good-looking family and enough money to take lavish vacations and send our kids to top universities. So we work hard, hoping one day we can achieve all we desire and earn the respected title of–failure? I don’t think so. No one likes to fail. But the truth is it...
Life’s full of decisions that have consequences. Some are small and produce consequences of little significance. However, some have the potential to greatly affect our lives. I learned this as a young college kid. I was headed to Arizona to practice with the college baseball team I’d be playing for, when my van broke down. I had a friend with me...