Bonhoeffer Series: Part One — In the last post we looked at Dietrich’s decision to forgo an opportunity for safety in the US, opting to return to Nazi Germany where his safety would be greatly endangered. Yesterday marked the 69 year anniversary of his death in a concentration camp, so it seems fitting to look…
All posts in theology
Lessons from Dietrich Bonhoeffer
On our vacation not long ago I read the biography entitled Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy. It’s by far the longest book I’ve read (around 550 pages depending on the format you read it in). I’ve never been a big biography reader, but to say this book left its mark on me would be a profound…
God the House Builder
For six months I watched a plot of land in my neighborhood being prepared for the building of a house. All of the trees were cut down and then the ground was leveled so the concrete could be poured for the foundation to be set in place. Next, the concrete was poured—but nothing more. Until…
Your Prayers Never Die
I recently heard a pastor share about how he believed some of the things coming together in his life were based on the prayers of his father, now passed. His father had prayed for some specific things, but for the most part, they remained unanswered within his lifetime. But now the son, well into his…
9 Areas of Focus for Effective Christian Ministry
I’ve been reading Richard Baxter’s The Reformed Pastor over the past month. It’s an incredibly long book, and an incredibly slow read due to his stiff language use. But within that has been many encouraging and challenging pieces. Baxter has a helpful perspective on where to focus your attention when it comes to Christian ministry. He…
Building Walls Based on Beliefs
I fully embrace the evangelical form of Christian faith, but that doesn’t mean I always agree with the teachings of leaders within the large community. Recently the debate on how accommodating businesses should be toward those who live in ways that do not reflect their beliefs has reached its height. The state of Arizona is…