Throughout much of my time as a pastor I’ve been viewed as a young leader who should have insight into what “young people” want from a church. What makes people come to a church? What makes them stay? Whether I have any helpful insight on these questions remains to be seen, but I have been asked them too many…
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Called Out Episode 006: #MeToo
This new podcast episode topic needs no introduction. The #MeToo hashtag is almost universally known. Not only did it lead to the “Time Person of the Year,” but it has become a nightly news segment, and overtook the Golden Globes earlier this month. In this episode you’ll hear some personal stories, some encouragement for steps forward for those…
Permission to be Honest With Yourself
When it comes to having a proper awareness of yourself our society pushes you in two separate and equally unhelpful directions: 1. You are a total disaster. You fail time and time again. You will never get better. You don’t deserve help from anyone. You are unworthy of God and his blessing. 2. You are…
The Church and Race “Issues”
Over the past few weeks I’ve posted a fair amount of thoughts on various social networks related to Ferguson, Eric Garner, privilege, and the church. Needless to say, I’ve received a fair amount of pushback in the process. The comments have been: “I don’t know all the facts.” “I wasn’t on the grand jury.” “I’m…
Nepotism and Having Dad as My Boss
Two years ago I joined the pastoral staff at the church where my dad serves as the senior pastor. He has been in that role since the forming of the church over a decade ago. As a college student I led worship at the church. Rose and I would visit a few times a year…
Pointing Fingers As People Walk Out the Back Door
Pastors are weary of what they call “the back door”—the people who leave without saying anything, giving the pastor no idea of why. The back door is one reason church life is difficult. People who you have given your life for sometimes leave at the drop of a hat. I’ve seen something interesting happen online…