This new episode of Called Out features a conversation I had with AJ Swoboda, an author, professor, and pastor from Portland. Although I’ve connected with AJ quite a bit when we were both pastoring in Portland, I also grew up int he same town as AJ. We went to the same high school, same church,…
The Beauty of Lament—My Review of Sandra McCracken’s New Album
I had the unique privilege to write a review of Sandra McCracken’s latest album (out yesterday) for The Gospel Coalition. You can read the whole review HERE, but here’s the introduction: — As many as 40 percent of the Bible’s psalms could be categorized as psalms of lament. Their words pulse with protest, indignation, complaint,…
The Best Things I Read This Week
1. Rachael Denhollander’s interview with Christianity Today about her courtroom appearance in front of Larry Nassar, and why she lost her church by standing up for sexual abuse victims. If you haven’t watched the impact statement she gave in court last week, I’d start there. This interview highlights that the Gospel is not merely about forgiveness,…
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…
How it All Began
It all started on a pool deck when I was in between jobs, during the summer of my first year of marriage. I figured I was starting seminary so I needed to get used to reading, so I read for hours on end every day, rereading old favorites and new finds, immersing myself in the…
Best of 2017
While history will likely remember 2017 for mass shootings, protests, hurricanes, floods, and the inauguration of the 45th President of the United States, here’s a few other things that deserve mention from this past year. Best Album **Listen to my “Best Albums of 2017” Playlist on Spotify below (or find it directly HERE)** I believe…