Sex Is Spiritual
Sex is deeply, deeply spiritual. When the Bible talks about sexuality, notice the language of deep intimacy and oneness: “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh. . . . Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become...
Christian Ray Flores
A Princess Bride Remake and Why Church Can Be Boring
Ever get bored at church? Wondering when the songs will get over and you’ll get to sit down? Discretely glancing at your watch during an extra-long sermon? How many points did he say his sermon was going to be? Why do people sometimes get bored with church? A Sony exec recently mentioned a possible remake...
Daniel McCoy
Why Do So Many Ministers Drop out of Ministry: 6 Reasons
I am on the advisory board of The Center for Church Leadership, which is a branch of Cincinnati Christian University. Two years ago CCL received a million-dollar grant from the Lilly Foundation to conduct a study to determine the causes of increased attrition in ministry. They surveyed Restoration Movement churches primarily and received 500 responses....
Bob Russell
Fasting: A Surprising Journey into Joy
Growing up, we were Christmas and Easter pew warmers and that was only if we didn’t have family in town. When I was in high school, my mom and I attended more regularly, but I never remember hearing anything about fasting, at church or at home. If someone had told me that they fasted for...
Michelle Eagle
Don’t Plant Flowers in the Desert
“If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.” – Jesus, Matthew 10:13-14 Note: What I am about to share...
Paul Huyghebaert
Meek
If you were going to illustrate the word “meek” by using one of God’s animal creatures, which one would you choose? A mouse? A chicken? The lowly turtle? Perhaps you would choose the dodo bird—stupidly waiting to be clubbed into extinction! It may surprise you to know that the Greeks used this word to describe...
Kenny Boles
3 Dilemmas, 2 Discoveries, and 1 Desire: My Thoughts on Matthew Bates’s Gospel Allegiance
When you’re throwing a baseball, you’re not expected to pause and look down, studying the baseball’s texture, memorizing the train track curve of the threads, contemplating its shape and weight before throwing it. You just catch it and throw it. When it comes to words, however, we do well to pause and consider the terms...
Daniel McCoy
3 Reasons Why I (Still) Serve in Student Ministry
Kids these days. In my four-ish years of serving in student ministry, I’ve learned it’s not for the faint of heart. I’ve wanted to quit. I’ve felt like a failure. So, here’s why I’m convinced you should try it. #1 – Because It’s Hard. I was fresh out of college when I began volunteering with...
Emily Andrews
Can ANY Christian Become a Disciple Maker?
As we look at those who made disciples in the New Testament, it’s clear that disciple making isn’t limited to certain personality types, careers, callings, or ages. We don’t really know the variety of vocations and personality types in the New Testament, but we know that: Peter—was outspoken and impulsive. Barnabas— was warm and accepting....
Bobby Harrington
3 Life Lessons I’ve Learned from Lawn Care
I am thankful to have grown up in Southeast Kansas. We reference the region because most people have never heard of the hometowns that interrupt the landscape. Because weeds were numerous, moisture was optional, and weather was temperamental, lawn care for many was summed up in one word: “mow.” Now that I live in Iowa,...
Mark McCoy
Courage in the Storm (Part 2)
For part 1, click here. Let’s review: By the end of Acts, Paul has spent two years in prison for something he didn’t do. Since he wanted to go to Rome, he appealed to Caesar. But, on his way as a prisoner to Rome, the ship wrecked near the island of Malta. After making it safely...
Rick Atchley
Renew.org Gathering
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS I am the lead guy at both discipleship.org and renew.org. Both organizations champion Jesus-style disciple making. Discipleship.org focuses on Jesus’ disciple making method. Renew.org focuses on Jesus’ teachings and method. Discipleship.org is broader, for a larger Evangelical audience. I am committed to it because I am called to champion Jesus-style disciple...
Courage in the Storm (Part 1)
I have two irrational fears. The first is boats. The other one is snakes. Now, to be fair, I only hate three kinds of snakes. I hate big snakes, and I hate little snakes. And I hate sticks that look like snakes. Second, I hate boats. Here’s why. When I was a young boy, my...
Rick Atchley
The Loss of a Child and the Perpetual Comfort of Nain
There is a pain unimaginable to some . . . yet brutal reality for others. The wound? The one inflicted by the agonizing loss of a child. We grapple for comforting words, struck dumb for a response. Offering an attentive ear is likely better. Our silent presence often proves preferable. It’s then we need to...
Debbra Stephens