Perhaps you don’t consider yourself a reader. Perhaps you make comments like “reading just isn’t my thing” or “I don’t read books. I wait for the movie.” I understand this mindset, but my reply is – you just haven’t found something that you would like to read or need to know. Perhaps you don’t consider yourself a leader. Perhaps you … Read More
Why You Should Attend Conferences
The flyer comes across your desk or the email hits your inbox. Captivating images and flashy fonts capture your attention. The subtle message imbedded in the creative presentation says, “Come to our conference!” You delete many of these ads a week, perhaps a day, but this one stands out. Maybe the subject matter tweaks your interest or perhaps you follow … Read More
Theology is Tricky
Theology is tricky. Among the many reasons for this, I’ll mention two. First, while theology can be studied in systematic fashion, theology isn’t a system and its primary source, the Bible, wasn’t written along a systematic, topical trajectory. Second, while doing theology requires human reason, it’s difficult to discern where biblical evidence ends and human conjecture begins—although theological maturity requires … Read More
What’s in a Name?
What’s in a name? Apparently, quite a lot. In an article by John Leo, he noted the current propensity for euphemisms: finding preferred terminology for traditional words and descriptions. For example, opponents of the inheritance tax have really picked up political steam since they started calling it a “death tax.” Imagine how many more G.I. Joes are sold with the … Read More
Cultural Diversity and the Gospel
(Originally appeared in the October edition of the Baptist Courier as “Kingdom Focus: From All Tribes and Peoples and Languages.“) Growing up, I had the privilege of living in West Berlin, Germany during the Cold War (1981-1986). While in Berlin, my family attended Berlin Baptist Church, an international church whose members came from England, Lebanon, Vietnam, Indonesia, Eastern Kentucky, Georgia, Germany, … Read More
Scripture and Tattoos
As an older Old Testament professor, occasionally I’ll receive random emails asking for the translation of certain English phrases into Hebrew. When I do, I can typically predict reason for the request: Tattoos are becoming increasingly common among the younger generation of believers. Some well-intentioned Christians have attempted to buck the trend by mustering biblical texts that seemingly prohibit the … Read More
It’s On The Record – Guinness World Record
It hasn’t been long since a 31-year-old pastor in Mount Dora, Florida, set the record for the longest sermon ever preached. Pastor Zach Zehnder of Cross Church began his quest on a Friday and by Sunday had preached for 53 hours and 18 minutes. I have to assume he has no deacons at Cross Church, or they would have pulled … Read More
The 3 M’s of Leadership
The 3 M’s of Leadership originally appeared in the February edition of The Courier. Header images provided through creative commons by the U.S. Army. One of the most powerful memories I have of the Army involves standing in a chow line with other officers waiting for our enlisted soldiers to get their food. The reason we stood in line rather … Read More
The Danger of Yes | Time Management
Everyone has 24 hours in the day and in spite of continued technological advancements we cannot manufacture any more minutes. This makes time arguably the most valuable commodity. While all professions struggle with time management, ministers seem particularly susceptible to the temptation of busyness. Christianity Today recently re-posted a great article from Eugene Peterson, The Unbusy Pastor. Peterson provides the … Read More