Posts by Tag

missions

Parents, Let's Raise up Missionaries

Parents, Let’s Raise up Missionaries

6 minute read

It’s funny how much being a parent changes your perspective on things. Everyone tells you it will, and you believe them. Then it happens, and you are still a...

One Overlooked Role of Pastoral Ministry

One Overlooked Role of Pastoral Ministry

6 minute read

You know the old adage, 80 percent of the work is done by 20 percent of the people. Honestly, sometimes that even feels generous. Those of us who have pastor...

Is door-knocking making a comeback?

Is door-knocking making a comeback?

6 minute read

When I was in high school (in the late 90s), I discovered vintage clothes. In the small town where I grew up, we had small businesses known as “dig stores.” ...

Condescension Poisons the Mission

Condescension Poisons the Mission

2 minute read

In the last week, a flurry of articles have chimed in on the situation in Charlottesville or on the current cultural temperature that it lays bare. I wrote o...

Interactive Tool: Choose your escape route

Interactive Tool: Choose your escape route

1 minute read

Last year about this time, the BBC created an excellent interactive educational tool to help people experience some of the struggles involved in refugee migr...

One resource your church may be overlooking

One resource your church may be overlooking

6 minute read

Tips, tools, books, and conferences are the craze in church circles these days. You are, in fact, reading a resource website right now. My work here is no ex...

“Missions is the Mother of Theology”

4 minute read

I did not come up with this headline, a guy by the name of Martin Kähler did. Kähler was a theologian himself, from Germany, and was making a very important ...

Encourage the Anonymous Witness

Encourage the Anonymous Witness

2 minute read

I love reading the great missions texts, and Stephen Neill’s A History of Christian Missions is no exception. Today, I want to share a few paragraphs with yo...

We're Moving to Houston!

We’re Moving to Houston!

3 minute read

I have been sitting on this news for a while, but I am excited to announce that this website will soon be coming to you from Houston instead of Wake Forest.

Sharing the Gospel is Good For You

Sharing the Gospel is Good For You

3 minute read

If you have done it, you know the feeling. It is hard at first, sometimes you feel real awkward, but you push through and actually begin speaking the words. ...

Two Lost Aspects of Discipleship

Two Lost Aspects of Discipleship

5 minute read

When I first moved to the Raleigh area, I stumbled across a little Chinese restaurant near my apartment complex. One afternoon, I walked in to order some Gen...

Living at a

Living at a “Seam of History”

4 minute read

In his book, Theology in the Context of World Christianity, Timothy Tennent makes a profound claim. He says the contemporary church is currently living at a ...

There are Only Three Kinds of Church Growth

There are Only Three Kinds of Church Growth

5 minute read

Back in 1970, Donald McGavran published a book that has since become one of the most influential books in Christian missions. The book is called Understandin...

A Snapshot Biblical Theology of Missions

A Snapshot Biblical Theology of Missions

5 minute read

If you visit the PND site regularly, this article is by a familiar face. Her earlier articles were under her maiden name, Meredith Cooper. About three months...

The Church and Her Mission to the Cities

The Church and Her Mission to the Cities

4 minute read

We need better ministry methods in our cities. There is a lot of talk out there nowadays about cities. Everyone, including me, is quoting that statistic abou...

Culture: Palace or Prison?

Culture: Palace or Prison?

6 minute read

Ministry happens in the medium of culture. In fact, all of life does. Some have compared culture to the air we walk through and breath every day. For this re...

Christians Need To Get Out More

Christians Need To Get Out More

3 minute read

Adult Americans have a real hard time making friends, at least that is what most recent research claims). There are reasons. Interpersonally speaking, our li...

Church is Not a Spectator Sport

Church is Not a Spectator Sport

4 minute read

College football season is once again upon us. This week, I am traveling to do some missionary training and last night, I found myself laying in a hotel bed,...

Missions in Paris, It's Not What You Think

Missions in Paris, It’s Not What You Think

2 minute read

I have heard it a dozen times over the last couple of months: “Oh, you’re going to Paris on a mission trip! Man, that must be nice! You’re really suffering f...

One Documentary Every Church Should See

One Documentary Every Church Should See

1 minute read

I rarely push Christian films. Not that I do not like them, some are pretty good, but many are not. That said, I think every, single Christian in the West ne...

What exactly is urban?

What exactly is urban?

4 minute read

Cites are a hot topic nowadays. The world is officially more urban than rural, and it does not appear that is changing anytime soon. People are talking about...

Chiming in:

Chiming in: “The Unreached at Home”

1 minute read

Ashley Scarbrough with e3 Partners has a good write up concerning international people group work here in the US. She wrote the piece back in March, but I ju...

The Peoples Next Door: FAQ

The Peoples Next Door: FAQ

8 minute read

[caption id=”attachment_963” align=”alignnone” width=”1600”] A row of shops in a section of Harlem known as Le Petite Senegal[/caption]

Peoples Next Door: Suburban Explosion

Peoples Next Door: Suburban Explosion

1 minute read

If you’ve been around the blog at all, you’ve read about the wave of international peoples into the United States. As we examine our research, some trends ar...

Missions is Not About You - Part 1

Missions is Not About You - Part 1

5 minute read

I wrote the following two posts a few years ago, but I stumbled across them and decided I wanted to share them again. Before you read them, let me say they a...

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discipleship

“Missions is the Mother of Theology”

4 minute read

I did not come up with this headline, a guy by the name of Martin Kähler did. Kähler was a theologian himself, from Germany, and was making a very important ...

How Not to Use Your Spiritual Gifts

How Not to Use Your Spiritual Gifts

5 minute read

Recently I wrote about spiritual gifts and using your gifts to serve the church. Today, I want to discuss a couple of issues with the whole spiritual gifts c...

Stop Commiserating About Sin

Stop Commiserating About Sin

3 minute read

We have all been there. Someone in our small group asks to have coffee and we agree. Soon, we are sitting across a table before work one morning and see the ...

Two Lost Aspects of Discipleship

Two Lost Aspects of Discipleship

5 minute read

When I first moved to the Raleigh area, I stumbled across a little Chinese restaurant near my apartment complex. One afternoon, I walked in to order some Gen...

Church is Not a Spectator Sport

Church is Not a Spectator Sport

4 minute read

College football season is once again upon us. This week, I am traveling to do some missionary training and last night, I found myself laying in a hotel bed,...

Worth vs. Ability: There is a difference

Worth vs. Ability: There is a difference

4 minute read

It is the first day of a new year, and you can tell by looking at social media. Twitter and Facebook are clogged up with quick motivational messages and remi...

On contentment

On contentment

6 minute read

I have a theory. Now mind you, it is just a theory, so perhaps I could be proven wrong. Nevertheless, here it goes:

On stupid questions and missing the point

On stupid questions and missing the point

3 minute read

The questions we ask say a lot about who we are. Think about it for just a minute. Questions reveal concerns. We rarely ask questions about things that do no...

Missions is Not About You - Part 1

Missions is Not About You - Part 1

5 minute read

I wrote the following two posts a few years ago, but I stumbled across them and decided I wanted to share them again. Before you read them, let me say they a...

Allergic to authority

Allergic to authority

5 minute read

While reading a book for one of my classes, I ran across a statement that stuck with me. The book contained a diatribe about things that characterize our mod...

On being adrift

On being adrift

3 minute read

If I am honest, it has been a rough couple of weeks.

Lights

Lights

4 minute read

If you started reading this post hoping for a quick word about evangelism, you are unfortunately mistaken.

I am 30

I am 30

3 minute read

“The only thing good about 29 is the fact that it is not 30.” At least, that is what I said on this day last year. You may want to read that post first. It i...

Is God a monster?

Is God a monster?

7 minute read

Has someone ever asked you the question above, or perhaps you asked it yourself?

Did Paul want to be a missionary?

Did Paul want to be a missionary?

5 minute read

Have you ever wondered if Paul wanted to be a missionary? Perhaps he came to the conclusion that it would be a fun thing to do, an exciting life to live. If ...

Is it blood or Kool-Aid?

Is it blood or Kool-Aid?

3 minute read

“It’s damning to drain the lifeblood of Christianity and replace it with Kool-Aid.”

A call to education

A call to education

5 minute read

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might” (Deu...

The hero of the story

The hero of the story

7 minute read

In Genesis, we are introduced to the heavens and the earth. God said that they were good; it was creation in its perfect state, as it was meant to be. In the...

One big story

One big story

3 minute read

The Bible is not a book of rules, although many treat it as such. It is also not a book of heroes recounting the dashing deeds and heroic adventures of great...

Why do you follow Jesus?

Why do you follow Jesus?

5 minute read

I know several who read this blog would not say they do. If you fall into that category, please indulge me for this post. This one is for those who confess t...

On holiness - Part 2

On holiness - Part 2

7 minute read

For several weeks, my posts have revolved around the pursuit of holiness. We looked at several misunderstandings of the term “holiness” when we discussed sel...

On holiness - Part 1

On holiness - Part 1

4 minute read

One of my earliest memories of childhood is a painting that hung on the wall in my grandparent’s living room. The painting was a fox hunt, and it was rather ...

Building Scarecrows

Building Scarecrows

6 minute read

Having just moved to a new place, I am still trying to find my way around. Part of that process, at least for me, is learning all the nooks and crannies. It ...

Walking in the dark

Walking in the dark

less than 1 minute read

It is funny how life has a way of coming back around to the same point. Despite a seemingly linear movement down life’s road, we often find ourselves stumbli...

Lest we forget

Lest we forget

6 minute read

I began looking for a church yesterday, a topic I will discuss fully in another post. Today, I simply share a quick thought from yesterday’s sermon.

On chasing spirituality

On chasing spirituality

6 minute read

Have you ever experienced a moment of excitement at some new thing, only to find out that some initially unforeseen aspect of it would disappoint you. It is ...

An ellipsis in life

An ellipsis in life

3 minute read

An ellipsis, a literary term, is the notation of an omission of superfluous information. It is the set of three dots put between two pieces of significant in...

An orderly account

An orderly account

6 minute read

When you crack a new book for the first time, as you leaf through the first two or three pages, you will usually notice a page with just a sentence or two ne...

Spiritual loopholes

Spiritual loopholes

5 minute read

I think Jesus’ favorite insult was “brood of vipers.” And why not? I mean, it sounds pretty cool and he was not afraid to use it.

On oneness in Christ

On oneness in Christ

3 minute read

The moon was bright. It sat low in the sky and reflected off the still water of the lake, but the moon was not the source of light. A fire crackled and tiny ...

My Final Journal Entry

My Final Journal Entry

4 minute read

An ancient fable relates the tale of a group of blind men upon their first encounter with an elephant. Having heard of an elephant before but not knowing any...

On Moralism

On Moralism

4 minute read

The following is a reaction to a post by Dr. Ray Van Neste on his blog, Oversight of Souls. Read that post first.

It is not just a book

It is not just a book

5 minute read

This post comes with an assignment. Before you go any further, you need to read Acts 5:12- 42. This post will make a lot more sense if you do.  

Made to worship

Made to worship

3 minute read

People really like quoting John Piper. I am surprised there is not a Facebook game based around the concept. It could be called Piperville. 

On Storytelling and the Gospel

On Storytelling and the Gospel

3 minute read

I wrote this piece several years ago while serving in Africa as a missionary. I have changed the name of the gentlemen in the story, but the event is real. I...

Cow training - Part 2

Cow training - Part 2

3 minute read

If you are perhaps thinking, “Wait, didn’t he give us the Aha moment from the cow training thing like two days ago?” then you feel the same way I did. 

The Message of the Cross - Part 1

The Message of the Cross - Part 1

5 minute read

We were running late, and I was mad.However, the object of my frustration was none other than myself. We had a couple of errands to run before we left for th...

On endurance

On endurance

4 minute read

The New Testament writers would have been college football fans. Now, I cannot be certain of this, but I believe my theory holds water. Take into account the...

The Lone Ranger syndrome

The Lone Ranger syndrome

5 minute read

Like most days, it was hot and the sun was beating down. Our little group was huddled in the shade provided by a small patch of shrubs, waiting for the event.

Would you like fries with that friendship?

Would you like fries with that friendship?

4 minute read

People ask me all the time what things I miss from the States, expecting it to be a steak or some real fancy meal. Quite to the contrary, I have discovered p...

Would Jesus wear Chacos?

Would Jesus wear Chacos?

6 minute read

If you ask any number of youth ministers, trying to prove to their kids that you can still be cool and live a Godly life, the answer would be, “Of course he ...

Learning to learn

Learning to learn

3 minute read

Have you ever noticed the similarities between a lower case “r” and “s”? Or for that matter, have you considered the fact that an “h” is really just an “n” w...

Down the rabbit hole

Down the rabbit hole

5 minute read

Do you ever have those moments where, like a line of dominoes, a series of completely unrelated events cascade into a continually shaping idea? (I would call...

On gift-giving - Part 4

On gift-giving - Part 4

3 minute read

About six months ago, I was given a turtle. It was a regular, garden variety turtle. This turtle had no special talents or abilities. It had no value, except...

Gifts that differ: What will you be today?

Gifts that differ: What will you be today?

4 minute read

This is the last day of my seminar, and today I wanted to share one final post from the archives before I get back to writing. This one is from 2010, and sha...

Time flies...

Time flies…

4 minute read

October 16, 2009 The sun was setting as I looked out the window to my left. Far below me the terrain spread out in all directions. As we made our final desce...

On talking to God

On talking to God

3 minute read

In the last year, I have been invited to a whole lot of events. Perhaps in Africa it is good luck to have the goofy looking, white guy at your celebration, o...

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees...

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees…

4 minute read

In my neck of the woods, people have recently finished celebrating the biggest holiday of the year, Ramadan. The entire area is transformed by the observance...

The art of disliking

The art of disliking

5 minute read

If books series like Harry Potter or Twilight have revealed anything, I believe it is the existence of the author crush. We all have that friend who has fall...

Why I am not a monk

Why I am not a monk

6 minute read

I have been thinking about monks a lot lately. Not the “blaze orange wearing, nun-chuck carrying” kind. Instead, I am talking about the “crawl off into a cav...

Ephesus: Causing ripples

Ephesus: Causing ripples

4 minute read

Ephesus was kind of a big deal. Think of it as the “New York” of ancient Asia Minor. With a population of 400,000 people during the first century AD, it was ...

Laodicea: Piles of rocks

Laodicea: Piles of rocks

5 minute read

I am on vacation. Some friends of mine and I got this ridiculous idea a year ago to galavant across Turkey (ancient Asia Minor) and see as much of the New Te...

Steps in the Darkness

Steps in the Darkness

3 minute read

I find myself wondering what those 10 days were like. I know what they were doing. The bible tells us they were devoted to prayer, but we have no view into h...

The Proof is in the Pudding

The Proof is in the Pudding

4 minute read

For the record, I really have no idea what the above saying means, or where it came from for that matter… but it sounded appropriate. Why is the proof in the...

Being Called a Sheep Isn't a Good Thing

Being Called a Sheep Isn’t a Good Thing

3 minute read

I wrote this piece while serving in Africa as a missionary. At the time, I was living in a small village far away from city life. The observations made in my...

Counting the Cost

Counting the Cost

4 minute read

I am headed back out to the bush for a while, so I thought I would leave you guys with something that has recently been on my mind. I spent several days this...

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church-planting

We're Moving to Houston!

We’re Moving to Houston!

3 minute read

I have been sitting on this news for a while, but I am excited to announce that this website will soon be coming to you from Houston instead of Wake Forest.

There are Only Three Kinds of Church Growth

There are Only Three Kinds of Church Growth

5 minute read

Back in 1970, Donald McGavran published a book that has since become one of the most influential books in Christian missions. The book is called Understandin...

Christian, Get Out of the Bubble

Christian, Get Out of the Bubble

4 minute read

My church has a lot of seminary students, and I hear a certain refrain every two or three weeks in the small groups I oversee. The conversation turns toward ...

One Documentary Every Church Should See

One Documentary Every Church Should See

1 minute read

I rarely push Christian films. Not that I do not like them, some are pretty good, but many are not. That said, I think every, single Christian in the West ne...

Why No Single Church Can Reach a City

Why No Single Church Can Reach a City

3 minute read

Cities today are big places. Let me put that into perspective. In the first century (when Paul was walking around), the biggest city in the world was suppose...

What exactly is urban?

What exactly is urban?

4 minute read

Cites are a hot topic nowadays. The world is officially more urban than rural, and it does not appear that is changing anytime soon. People are talking about...

Chiming in:

Chiming in: “The Unreached at Home”

1 minute read

Ashley Scarbrough with e3 Partners has a good write up concerning international people group work here in the US. She wrote the piece back in March, but I ju...

Peoples Next Door: Suburban Explosion

Peoples Next Door: Suburban Explosion

1 minute read

If you’ve been around the blog at all, you’ve read about the wave of international peoples into the United States. As we examine our research, some trends ar...

The nations are in your backyard

The nations are in your backyard

5 minute read

I am currently staring out the third floor window of my new home, overlooking the busy, downtown streets of Washington, DC. Well, it is my new home for half ...

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culture

But I tell you, love your enemies...

But I tell you, love your enemies…

4 minute read

If there was any question about whether or not Jesus’ kingdom ethic is counter-cultural, the Sermon on the Mount should remove those doubts. Jesus is speakin...

One resource your church may be overlooking

One resource your church may be overlooking

6 minute read

Tips, tools, books, and conferences are the craze in church circles these days. You are, in fact, reading a resource website right now. My work here is no ex...

A Warning Concerning Religious Categories

A Warning Concerning Religious Categories

4 minute read

Americans love our categories. We love our boxes and labels. Even today, with the postmodern push away from classification, we Western thinkers still organiz...

Culture: Palace or Prison?

Culture: Palace or Prison?

6 minute read

Ministry happens in the medium of culture. In fact, all of life does. Some have compared culture to the air we walk through and breath every day. For this re...

Why No Single Church Can Reach a City

Why No Single Church Can Reach a City

3 minute read

Cities today are big places. Let me put that into perspective. In the first century (when Paul was walking around), the biggest city in the world was suppose...

On contentment

On contentment

6 minute read

I have a theory. Now mind you, it is just a theory, so perhaps I could be proven wrong. Nevertheless, here it goes:

Chasing rainbows

Chasing rainbows

4 minute read

If you are questioning man’s depravity lately, might I suggest you cut on your television.

Off Topic: The Facebook Foul

Off Topic: The Facebook Foul

4 minute read

Missionaries are taught to be culturally sensitive. We read books about it. We take classes in it. And, before we leave the country, we have to sit through a...

Is God a monster?

Is God a monster?

7 minute read

Has someone ever asked you the question above, or perhaps you asked it yourself?

On oneness in Christ

On oneness in Christ

3 minute read

The moon was bright. It sat low in the sky and reflected off the still water of the lake, but the moon was not the source of light. A fire crackled and tiny ...

Welcome!

Welcome!

5 minute read

Welcome to my new home… at least on the internet.

My Final Journal Entry

My Final Journal Entry

4 minute read

An ancient fable relates the tale of a group of blind men upon their first encounter with an elephant. Having heard of an elephant before but not knowing any...

On Moralism

On Moralism

4 minute read

The following is a reaction to a post by Dr. Ray Van Neste on his blog, Oversight of Souls. Read that post first.

On Storytelling and the Gospel

On Storytelling and the Gospel

3 minute read

I wrote this piece several years ago while serving in Africa as a missionary. I have changed the name of the gentlemen in the story, but the event is real. I...

Cow training - Part 2

Cow training - Part 2

3 minute read

If you are perhaps thinking, “Wait, didn’t he give us the Aha moment from the cow training thing like two days ago?” then you feel the same way I did. 

The Message of the Cross - Part 1

The Message of the Cross - Part 1

5 minute read

We were running late, and I was mad.However, the object of my frustration was none other than myself. We had a couple of errands to run before we left for th...

Here's to you: Christian ska music

Here’s to you: Christian ska music

1 minute read

Exploding onto the scene with trombones blazing, you gave youth group members everywhere a new way to stick out. If wallet chains and ringer tees with stupid...

Here's to you!

Here’s to you!

2 minute read

_If you are too much older than I am, this post will probably seem absurd to you. 

Would you like fries with that friendship?

Would you like fries with that friendship?

4 minute read

People ask me all the time what things I miss from the States, expecting it to be a steak or some real fancy meal. Quite to the contrary, I have discovered p...

Would Jesus wear Chacos?

Would Jesus wear Chacos?

6 minute read

If you ask any number of youth ministers, trying to prove to their kids that you can still be cool and live a Godly life, the answer would be, “Of course he ...

Learning to learn

Learning to learn

3 minute read

Have you ever noticed the similarities between a lower case “r” and “s”? Or for that matter, have you considered the fact that an “h” is really just an “n” w...

Addressing the state of our union

Addressing the state of our union

5 minute read

Ever since I can remember being old enough to have the slightest interest in government and politics, the State of the Union address has been one of those mo...

On gift-giving - Part 4

On gift-giving - Part 4

3 minute read

About six months ago, I was given a turtle. It was a regular, garden variety turtle. This turtle had no special talents or abilities. It had no value, except...

On gift-giving - Part 3

On gift-giving - Part 3

6 minute read

I believe people mean well enough, when it comes to gift-giving that is. However, it is ritual in America, especially around Christmas time. No longer is gif...

On gift-giving - Part 2

On gift-giving - Part 2

3 minute read

It started while I was thinking of gift ideas for my friends here. As I mentioned in my last post, very few people here celebrate Christmas, but there is a h...

On gift-giving - Part 1

On gift-giving - Part 1

2 minute read

For some, it is that first Christmas song they hear on the radio. For others, it is the unpacking of trunks full or ornaments, lights and memories as you pre...

What am I doing here? Part 3 - The Library

What am I doing here? Part 3 - The Library

3 minute read

In an attempt to ooh and ahh my readership, I took to the Internet in search of some phrase or anecdote that would clench my introduction to this post. Somet...

What am I doing here? Part 1 - The Town

What am I doing here? Part 1 - The Town

2 minute read

Somewhere between the end of the pavement and the little village where we were doing our Bible study today, the realization hit me that most people who read ...

Gifts that differ: What will you be today?

Gifts that differ: What will you be today?

4 minute read

This is the last day of my seminar, and today I wanted to share one final post from the archives before I get back to writing. This one is from 2010, and sha...

Time flies...

Time flies…

4 minute read

October 16, 2009 The sun was setting as I looked out the window to my left. Far below me the terrain spread out in all directions. As we made our final desce...

Worlds Collide

Worlds Collide

3 minute read

This past Sunday, I braved the capital city of my little country. Fighting my way through crowds of maniacal taxi drivers and scores of motorcycle riders tha...

On talking to God

On talking to God

3 minute read

In the last year, I have been invited to a whole lot of events. Perhaps in Africa it is good luck to have the goofy looking, white guy at your celebration, o...

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees...

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees…

4 minute read

In my neck of the woods, people have recently finished celebrating the biggest holiday of the year, Ramadan. The entire area is transformed by the observance...

The art of disliking

The art of disliking

5 minute read

If books series like Harry Potter or Twilight have revealed anything, I believe it is the existence of the author crush. We all have that friend who has fall...

Off topic: What did you do this summer?

Off topic: What did you do this summer?

3 minute read

I have a confession. I have become a Facebook stalker. It all started out innocent enough I guess. Occasionally glancing at photo albums from friends trips, ...

Sermon Fodder - Turkish Baths

Sermon Fodder - Turkish Baths

5 minute read

It appears that life is fashioned in such a way as to provide us with those little moments which necessitate being retold. Furthermore, any preacher or teach...

Lessons from the little kids

Lessons from the little kids

2 minute read

Africa has a bunch of kids, and I think about half of them follow me around on a regular basis. I am actually beginning to wonder if it is one of their chore...

Some thoughts on independence

Some thoughts on independence

3 minute read

I will return to my posts on Bible study tomorrow. However, I felt compelled to take a brief hiatus and discuss my reflections on the day.

Journal Entry - 2/20/10

Journal Entry - 2/20/10

3 minute read

My last day out in the village for a while. Sun is setting behind the mango tree, and the breeze is unbelievable. It has been that way most evenings as of la...

Journal Entry - 12/16/09

Journal Entry - 12/16/09

3 minute read

Here is yet another one of my old journal entries. This particular entry was written the day after the last one I posted.

On Polygamy

On Polygamy

4 minute read

I had an interesting conversation the other day with some of the old men in my village. As I have been learning the language, much of my time has been spent ...

Being Called a Sheep Isn't a Good Thing

Being Called a Sheep Isn’t a Good Thing

3 minute read

I wrote this piece while serving in Africa as a missionary. At the time, I was living in a small village far away from city life. The observations made in my...

Journal Entry - 12/15/09

Journal Entry - 12/15/09

2 minute read

As you have probably noticed, I am going through old journal entries in order to “catch up” my blog on life out here. Here is one from this past December:

My First Journal Entry

My First Journal Entry

3 minute read

I thought you guys would get a kick out of this. I wrote this a couple of days after getting settled in. Looking back, its a bit dramatic… but this was all n...

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peoples-next-door

Living at a

Living at a “Seam of History”

4 minute read

In his book, Theology in the Context of World Christianity, Timothy Tennent makes a profound claim. He says the contemporary church is currently living at a ...

Christian, Get Out of the Bubble

Christian, Get Out of the Bubble

4 minute read

My church has a lot of seminary students, and I hear a certain refrain every two or three weeks in the small groups I oversee. The conversation turns toward ...

Why No Single Church Can Reach a City

Why No Single Church Can Reach a City

3 minute read

Cities today are big places. Let me put that into perspective. In the first century (when Paul was walking around), the biggest city in the world was suppose...

Chiming in:

Chiming in: “The Unreached at Home”

1 minute read

Ashley Scarbrough with e3 Partners has a good write up concerning international people group work here in the US. She wrote the piece back in March, but I ju...

Peoples Next Door: Suburban Explosion

Peoples Next Door: Suburban Explosion

1 minute read

If you’ve been around the blog at all, you’ve read about the wave of international peoples into the United States. As we examine our research, some trends ar...

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church

One Overlooked Role of Pastoral Ministry

One Overlooked Role of Pastoral Ministry

6 minute read

You know the old adage, 80 percent of the work is done by 20 percent of the people. Honestly, sometimes that even feels generous. Those of us who have pastor...

“Missions is the Mother of Theology”

4 minute read

I did not come up with this headline, a guy by the name of Martin Kähler did. Kähler was a theologian himself, from Germany, and was making a very important ...

Church, This is Your Time... and Place

Church, This is Your Time… and Place

3 minute read

We have all seen that well-intentioned pastor or speaker on a video in our Facebook jazzed about how this is the biggest moment in the history of the world. ...

How Not to Use Your Spiritual Gifts

How Not to Use Your Spiritual Gifts

5 minute read

Recently I wrote about spiritual gifts and using your gifts to serve the church. Today, I want to discuss a couple of issues with the whole spiritual gifts c...

There are Only Three Kinds of Church Growth

There are Only Three Kinds of Church Growth

5 minute read

Back in 1970, Donald McGavran published a book that has since become one of the most influential books in Christian missions. The book is called Understandin...

Christian, Get Out of the Bubble

Christian, Get Out of the Bubble

4 minute read

My church has a lot of seminary students, and I hear a certain refrain every two or three weeks in the small groups I oversee. The conversation turns toward ...

Church is Not a Spectator Sport

Church is Not a Spectator Sport

4 minute read

College football season is once again upon us. This week, I am traveling to do some missionary training and last night, I found myself laying in a hotel bed,...

Church Community Has an Outward Focus Too

Church Community Has an Outward Focus Too

2 minute read

The following is a guest post by Marie McDonald. Marie has written here before and does excellent work in her local church leading others to discover and eng...

What exactly is urban?

What exactly is urban?

4 minute read

Cites are a hot topic nowadays. The world is officially more urban than rural, and it does not appear that is changing anytime soon. People are talking about...

How to Survive the Church as an Introvert

How to Survive the Church as an Introvert

5 minute read

Periodically, I post articles written by others. The following is a guest post that may serve as a good dose of medicine if you find the church to be a littl...

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gospel

But I tell you, love your enemies...

But I tell you, love your enemies…

4 minute read

If there was any question about whether or not Jesus’ kingdom ethic is counter-cultural, the Sermon on the Mount should remove those doubts. Jesus is speakin...

What Exactly is the Normal Christian Life?

What Exactly is the Normal Christian Life?

9 minute read

I have a friend from Iran. He has a fascinating story. Formerly a Muslim, he and his wife left Iran on a false asylum account, claiming it was for freedom. T...

“Missions is the Mother of Theology”

4 minute read

I did not come up with this headline, a guy by the name of Martin Kähler did. Kähler was a theologian himself, from Germany, and was making a very important ...

Seeing the Cross Through Fresh Eyes

Seeing the Cross Through Fresh Eyes

4 minute read

In light of Good Friday, I wanted to share this memory. It is an excerpt from an article I wrote while serving as a missionary in West Africa. I was working ...

Encourage the Anonymous Witness

Encourage the Anonymous Witness

2 minute read

I love reading the great missions texts, and Stephen Neill’s A History of Christian Missions is no exception. Today, I want to share a few paragraphs with yo...

Sharing the Gospel is Good For You

Sharing the Gospel is Good For You

3 minute read

If you have done it, you know the feeling. It is hard at first, sometimes you feel real awkward, but you push through and actually begin speaking the words. ...

Are We Resolved To Love Refugees?

Are We Resolved To Love Refugees?

8 minute read

I think back to a day this past summer. It was during the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting. Those few days were good days for us, but one moment st...

A Warning Concerning Religious Categories

A Warning Concerning Religious Categories

4 minute read

Americans love our categories. We love our boxes and labels. Even today, with the postmodern push away from classification, we Western thinkers still organiz...

Christian, Get Out of the Bubble

Christian, Get Out of the Bubble

4 minute read

My church has a lot of seminary students, and I hear a certain refrain every two or three weeks in the small groups I oversee. The conversation turns toward ...

The Church and Her Mission to the Cities

The Church and Her Mission to the Cities

4 minute read

We need better ministry methods in our cities. There is a lot of talk out there nowadays about cities. Everyone, including me, is quoting that statistic abou...

Christians Need To Get Out More

Christians Need To Get Out More

3 minute read

Adult Americans have a real hard time making friends, at least that is what most recent research claims). There are reasons. Interpersonally speaking, our li...

One Documentary Every Church Should See

One Documentary Every Church Should See

1 minute read

I rarely push Christian films. Not that I do not like them, some are pretty good, but many are not. That said, I think every, single Christian in the West ne...

Chiming in:

Chiming in: “The Unreached at Home”

1 minute read

Ashley Scarbrough with e3 Partners has a good write up concerning international people group work here in the US. She wrote the piece back in March, but I ju...

On stupid questions and missing the point

On stupid questions and missing the point

3 minute read

The questions we ask say a lot about who we are. Think about it for just a minute. Questions reveal concerns. We rarely ask questions about things that do no...

The nations are in your backyard

The nations are in your backyard

5 minute read

I am currently staring out the third floor window of my new home, overlooking the busy, downtown streets of Washington, DC. Well, it is my new home for half ...

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bible-study

Missions is Not About You - Part 1

Missions is Not About You - Part 1

5 minute read

I wrote the following two posts a few years ago, but I stumbled across them and decided I wanted to share them again. Before you read them, let me say they a...

Allergic to authority

Allergic to authority

5 minute read

While reading a book for one of my classes, I ran across a statement that stuck with me. The book contained a diatribe about things that characterize our mod...

Is God a monster?

Is God a monster?

7 minute read

Has someone ever asked you the question above, or perhaps you asked it yourself?

Did Paul want to be a missionary?

Did Paul want to be a missionary?

5 minute read

Have you ever wondered if Paul wanted to be a missionary? Perhaps he came to the conclusion that it would be a fun thing to do, an exciting life to live. If ...

The hero of the story

The hero of the story

7 minute read

In Genesis, we are introduced to the heavens and the earth. God said that they were good; it was creation in its perfect state, as it was meant to be. In the...

One big story

One big story

3 minute read

The Bible is not a book of rules, although many treat it as such. It is also not a book of heroes recounting the dashing deeds and heroic adventures of great...

Why do you follow Jesus?

Why do you follow Jesus?

5 minute read

I know several who read this blog would not say they do. If you fall into that category, please indulge me for this post. This one is for those who confess t...

To some who trusted in themselves...

To some who trusted in themselves…

less than 1 minute read

“Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank y...

On holiness - Part 2

On holiness - Part 2

7 minute read

For several weeks, my posts have revolved around the pursuit of holiness. We looked at several misunderstandings of the term “holiness” when we discussed sel...

Lest we forget

Lest we forget

6 minute read

I began looking for a church yesterday, a topic I will discuss fully in another post. Today, I simply share a quick thought from yesterday’s sermon.

An orderly account

An orderly account

6 minute read

When you crack a new book for the first time, as you leaf through the first two or three pages, you will usually notice a page with just a sentence or two ne...

Spiritual loopholes

Spiritual loopholes

5 minute read

I think Jesus’ favorite insult was “brood of vipers.” And why not? I mean, it sounds pretty cool and he was not afraid to use it.

It is not just a book

It is not just a book

5 minute read

This post comes with an assignment. Before you go any further, you need to read Acts 5:12- 42. This post will make a lot more sense if you do.  

The right place at the wrong time

The right place at the wrong time

4 minute read

Have you ever noticed how much literary real estate is given to David in the Old Testament? Chapter after chapter sing the praises of this man. He is the obv...

Cow training - Part 2

Cow training - Part 2

3 minute read

If you are perhaps thinking, “Wait, didn’t he give us the Aha moment from the cow training thing like two days ago?” then you feel the same way I did. 

On endurance

On endurance

4 minute read

The New Testament writers would have been college football fans. Now, I cannot be certain of this, but I believe my theory holds water. Take into account the...

Would Jesus wear Chacos?

Would Jesus wear Chacos?

6 minute read

If you ask any number of youth ministers, trying to prove to their kids that you can still be cool and live a Godly life, the answer would be, “Of course he ...

Down the rabbit hole

Down the rabbit hole

5 minute read

Do you ever have those moments where, like a line of dominoes, a series of completely unrelated events cascade into a continually shaping idea? (I would call...

What am I doing here? Part 3 - The Library

What am I doing here? Part 3 - The Library

3 minute read

In an attempt to ooh and ahh my readership, I took to the Internet in search of some phrase or anecdote that would clench my introduction to this post. Somet...

Gifts that differ: What will you be today?

Gifts that differ: What will you be today?

4 minute read

This is the last day of my seminar, and today I wanted to share one final post from the archives before I get back to writing. This one is from 2010, and sha...

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees...

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees…

4 minute read

In my neck of the woods, people have recently finished celebrating the biggest holiday of the year, Ramadan. The entire area is transformed by the observance...

The art of disliking

The art of disliking

5 minute read

If books series like Harry Potter or Twilight have revealed anything, I believe it is the existence of the author crush. We all have that friend who has fall...

Why I am not a monk

Why I am not a monk

6 minute read

I have been thinking about monks a lot lately. Not the “blaze orange wearing, nun-chuck carrying” kind. Instead, I am talking about the “crawl off into a cav...

Ephesus: Causing ripples

Ephesus: Causing ripples

4 minute read

Ephesus was kind of a big deal. Think of it as the “New York” of ancient Asia Minor. With a population of 400,000 people during the first century AD, it was ...

Laodicea: Piles of rocks

Laodicea: Piles of rocks

5 minute read

I am on vacation. Some friends of mine and I got this ridiculous idea a year ago to galavant across Turkey (ancient Asia Minor) and see as much of the New Te...

Steps in the Darkness

Steps in the Darkness

3 minute read

I find myself wondering what those 10 days were like. I know what they were doing. The bible tells us they were devoted to prayer, but we have no view into h...

The Proof is in the Pudding

The Proof is in the Pudding

4 minute read

For the record, I really have no idea what the above saying means, or where it came from for that matter… but it sounded appropriate. Why is the proof in the...

Being Called a Sheep Isn't a Good Thing

Being Called a Sheep Isn’t a Good Thing

3 minute read

I wrote this piece while serving in Africa as a missionary. At the time, I was living in a small village far away from city life. The observations made in my...

Counting the Cost

Counting the Cost

4 minute read

I am headed back out to the bush for a while, so I thought I would leave you guys with something that has recently been on my mind. I spent several days this...

The Resurrection

The Resurrection

3 minute read

Ironically enough, my quiet time this morning found me in Matthew 28. I try to read straight through scripture book by book as I study it, instead of taking ...

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christ

Worth vs. Ability: There is a difference

Worth vs. Ability: There is a difference

4 minute read

It is the first day of a new year, and you can tell by looking at social media. Twitter and Facebook are clogged up with quick motivational messages and remi...

Missions is Not About You - Part 1

Missions is Not About You - Part 1

5 minute read

I wrote the following two posts a few years ago, but I stumbled across them and decided I wanted to share them again. Before you read them, let me say they a...

Allergic to authority

Allergic to authority

5 minute read

While reading a book for one of my classes, I ran across a statement that stuck with me. The book contained a diatribe about things that characterize our mod...

On being adrift

On being adrift

3 minute read

If I am honest, it has been a rough couple of weeks.

Chasing rainbows

Chasing rainbows

4 minute read

If you are questioning man’s depravity lately, might I suggest you cut on your television.

Is God a monster?

Is God a monster?

7 minute read

Has someone ever asked you the question above, or perhaps you asked it yourself?

The hero of the story

The hero of the story

7 minute read

In Genesis, we are introduced to the heavens and the earth. God said that they were good; it was creation in its perfect state, as it was meant to be. In the...

Why do you follow Jesus?

Why do you follow Jesus?

5 minute read

I know several who read this blog would not say they do. If you fall into that category, please indulge me for this post. This one is for those who confess t...

To some who trusted in themselves...

To some who trusted in themselves…

less than 1 minute read

“Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank y...

On holiness - Part 1

On holiness - Part 1

4 minute read

One of my earliest memories of childhood is a painting that hung on the wall in my grandparent’s living room. The painting was a fox hunt, and it was rather ...

Building Scarecrows

Building Scarecrows

6 minute read

Having just moved to a new place, I am still trying to find my way around. Part of that process, at least for me, is learning all the nooks and crannies. It ...

Lest we forget

Lest we forget

6 minute read

I began looking for a church yesterday, a topic I will discuss fully in another post. Today, I simply share a quick thought from yesterday’s sermon.

Baptist Witchcraft

Baptist Witchcraft

4 minute read

This post is more of a question than an answer. It is curiosity not advice, and I know that even bringing this issue up will bring scrutiny on me from others...

Spiritual loopholes

Spiritual loopholes

5 minute read

I think Jesus’ favorite insult was “brood of vipers.” And why not? I mean, it sounds pretty cool and he was not afraid to use it.

On oneness in Christ

On oneness in Christ

3 minute read

The moon was bright. It sat low in the sky and reflected off the still water of the lake, but the moon was not the source of light. A fire crackled and tiny ...

My Final Journal Entry

My Final Journal Entry

4 minute read

An ancient fable relates the tale of a group of blind men upon their first encounter with an elephant. Having heard of an elephant before but not knowing any...

On Moralism

On Moralism

4 minute read

The following is a reaction to a post by Dr. Ray Van Neste on his blog, Oversight of Souls. Read that post first.

Cow training - Part 2

Cow training - Part 2

3 minute read

If you are perhaps thinking, “Wait, didn’t he give us the Aha moment from the cow training thing like two days ago?” then you feel the same way I did. 

The Message of the Cross - Part 1

The Message of the Cross - Part 1

5 minute read

We were running late, and I was mad.However, the object of my frustration was none other than myself. We had a couple of errands to run before we left for th...

On endurance

On endurance

4 minute read

The New Testament writers would have been college football fans. Now, I cannot be certain of this, but I believe my theory holds water. Take into account the...

The Lone Ranger syndrome

The Lone Ranger syndrome

5 minute read

Like most days, it was hot and the sun was beating down. Our little group was huddled in the shade provided by a small patch of shrubs, waiting for the event.

Would Jesus wear Chacos?

Would Jesus wear Chacos?

6 minute read

If you ask any number of youth ministers, trying to prove to their kids that you can still be cool and live a Godly life, the answer would be, “Of course he ...

Learning to learn

Learning to learn

3 minute read

Have you ever noticed the similarities between a lower case “r” and “s”? Or for that matter, have you considered the fact that an “h” is really just an “n” w...

On gift-giving - Part 4

On gift-giving - Part 4

3 minute read

About six months ago, I was given a turtle. It was a regular, garden variety turtle. This turtle had no special talents or abilities. It had no value, except...

On gift-giving - Part 3

On gift-giving - Part 3

6 minute read

I believe people mean well enough, when it comes to gift-giving that is. However, it is ritual in America, especially around Christmas time. No longer is gif...

What am I doing here? Part 3 - The Library

What am I doing here? Part 3 - The Library

3 minute read

In an attempt to ooh and ahh my readership, I took to the Internet in search of some phrase or anecdote that would clench my introduction to this post. Somet...

What am I doing here? Part 1 - The Town

What am I doing here? Part 1 - The Town

2 minute read

Somewhere between the end of the pavement and the little village where we were doing our Bible study today, the realization hit me that most people who read ...

Time flies...

Time flies…

4 minute read

October 16, 2009 The sun was setting as I looked out the window to my left. Far below me the terrain spread out in all directions. As we made our final desce...

On talking to God

On talking to God

3 minute read

In the last year, I have been invited to a whole lot of events. Perhaps in Africa it is good luck to have the goofy looking, white guy at your celebration, o...

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees...

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees…

4 minute read

In my neck of the woods, people have recently finished celebrating the biggest holiday of the year, Ramadan. The entire area is transformed by the observance...

Why I am not a monk

Why I am not a monk

6 minute read

I have been thinking about monks a lot lately. Not the “blaze orange wearing, nun-chuck carrying” kind. Instead, I am talking about the “crawl off into a cav...

Laodicea: Piles of rocks

Laodicea: Piles of rocks

5 minute read

I am on vacation. Some friends of mine and I got this ridiculous idea a year ago to galavant across Turkey (ancient Asia Minor) and see as much of the New Te...

The Resurrection

The Resurrection

3 minute read

Ironically enough, my quiet time this morning found me in Matthew 28. I try to read straight through scripture book by book as I study it, instead of taking ...

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christian-subculture

On contentment

On contentment

6 minute read

I have a theory. Now mind you, it is just a theory, so perhaps I could be proven wrong. Nevertheless, here it goes:

On stupid questions and missing the point

On stupid questions and missing the point

3 minute read

The questions we ask say a lot about who we are. Think about it for just a minute. Questions reveal concerns. We rarely ask questions about things that do no...

Is God a monster?

Is God a monster?

7 minute read

Has someone ever asked you the question above, or perhaps you asked it yourself?

Did Paul want to be a missionary?

Did Paul want to be a missionary?

5 minute read

Have you ever wondered if Paul wanted to be a missionary? Perhaps he came to the conclusion that it would be a fun thing to do, an exciting life to live. If ...

Is it blood or Kool-Aid?

Is it blood or Kool-Aid?

3 minute read

“It’s damning to drain the lifeblood of Christianity and replace it with Kool-Aid.”

One big story

One big story

3 minute read

The Bible is not a book of rules, although many treat it as such. It is also not a book of heroes recounting the dashing deeds and heroic adventures of great...

Building Scarecrows

Building Scarecrows

6 minute read

Having just moved to a new place, I am still trying to find my way around. Part of that process, at least for me, is learning all the nooks and crannies. It ...

On chasing spirituality

On chasing spirituality

6 minute read

Have you ever experienced a moment of excitement at some new thing, only to find out that some initially unforeseen aspect of it would disappoint you. It is ...

Baptist Witchcraft

Baptist Witchcraft

4 minute read

This post is more of a question than an answer. It is curiosity not advice, and I know that even bringing this issue up will bring scrutiny on me from others...

Spiritual loopholes

Spiritual loopholes

5 minute read

I think Jesus’ favorite insult was “brood of vipers.” And why not? I mean, it sounds pretty cool and he was not afraid to use it.

Welcome!

Welcome!

5 minute read

Welcome to my new home… at least on the internet.

On Moralism

On Moralism

4 minute read

The following is a reaction to a post by Dr. Ray Van Neste on his blog, Oversight of Souls. Read that post first.

Here's to you: Church camp romance

Here’s to you: Church camp romance

2 minute read

I saw you on Monday. I was in the cafeteria eating spaghetti with corn, and like an angel, you floated into the room, you and your posse of six other girls. ...

Made to worship

Made to worship

3 minute read

People really like quoting John Piper. I am surprised there is not a Facebook game based around the concept. It could be called Piperville. 

The right place at the wrong time

The right place at the wrong time

4 minute read

Have you ever noticed how much literary real estate is given to David in the Old Testament? Chapter after chapter sing the praises of this man. He is the obv...

On Storytelling and the Gospel

On Storytelling and the Gospel

3 minute read

I wrote this piece several years ago while serving in Africa as a missionary. I have changed the name of the gentlemen in the story, but the event is real. I...

Here's to you: Christian ska music

Here’s to you: Christian ska music

1 minute read

Exploding onto the scene with trombones blazing, you gave youth group members everywhere a new way to stick out. If wallet chains and ringer tees with stupid...

Here's to you!

Here’s to you!

2 minute read

_If you are too much older than I am, this post will probably seem absurd to you. 

The Lone Ranger syndrome

The Lone Ranger syndrome

5 minute read

Like most days, it was hot and the sun was beating down. Our little group was huddled in the shade provided by a small patch of shrubs, waiting for the event.

Would Jesus wear Chacos?

Would Jesus wear Chacos?

6 minute read

If you ask any number of youth ministers, trying to prove to their kids that you can still be cool and live a Godly life, the answer would be, “Of course he ...

Addressing the state of our union

Addressing the state of our union

5 minute read

Ever since I can remember being old enough to have the slightest interest in government and politics, the State of the Union address has been one of those mo...

On gift-giving - Part 4

On gift-giving - Part 4

3 minute read

About six months ago, I was given a turtle. It was a regular, garden variety turtle. This turtle had no special talents or abilities. It had no value, except...

On gift-giving - Part 2

On gift-giving - Part 2

3 minute read

It started while I was thinking of gift ideas for my friends here. As I mentioned in my last post, very few people here celebrate Christmas, but there is a h...

On gift-giving - Part 1

On gift-giving - Part 1

2 minute read

For some, it is that first Christmas song they hear on the radio. For others, it is the unpacking of trunks full or ornaments, lights and memories as you pre...

Dwelling on the things that are not

Dwelling on the things that are not

4 minute read

Thanksgiving is a peculiar holiday. As with most special days, it seems to be far less about the event we are supposed to remember than the odd traditions th...

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purpose

Missions is Not About You - Part 1

Missions is Not About You - Part 1

5 minute read

I wrote the following two posts a few years ago, but I stumbled across them and decided I wanted to share them again. Before you read them, let me say they a...

Lights

Lights

4 minute read

If you started reading this post hoping for a quick word about evangelism, you are unfortunately mistaken.

I am 30

I am 30

3 minute read

“The only thing good about 29 is the fact that it is not 30.” At least, that is what I said on this day last year. You may want to read that post first. It i...

Is God a monster?

Is God a monster?

7 minute read

Has someone ever asked you the question above, or perhaps you asked it yourself?

Did Paul want to be a missionary?

Did Paul want to be a missionary?

5 minute read

Have you ever wondered if Paul wanted to be a missionary? Perhaps he came to the conclusion that it would be a fun thing to do, an exciting life to live. If ...

Walking in the dark

Walking in the dark

less than 1 minute read

It is funny how life has a way of coming back around to the same point. Despite a seemingly linear movement down life’s road, we often find ourselves stumbli...

An ellipsis in life

An ellipsis in life

3 minute read

An ellipsis, a literary term, is the notation of an omission of superfluous information. It is the set of three dots put between two pieces of significant in...

Welcome!

Welcome!

5 minute read

Welcome to my new home… at least on the internet.

My Final Journal Entry

My Final Journal Entry

4 minute read

An ancient fable relates the tale of a group of blind men upon their first encounter with an elephant. Having heard of an elephant before but not knowing any...

Made to worship

Made to worship

3 minute read

People really like quoting John Piper. I am surprised there is not a Facebook game based around the concept. It could be called Piperville. 

The right place at the wrong time

The right place at the wrong time

4 minute read

Have you ever noticed how much literary real estate is given to David in the Old Testament? Chapter after chapter sing the praises of this man. He is the obv...

On Storytelling and the Gospel

On Storytelling and the Gospel

3 minute read

I wrote this piece several years ago while serving in Africa as a missionary. I have changed the name of the gentlemen in the story, but the event is real. I...

Cow training - Part 2

Cow training - Part 2

3 minute read

If you are perhaps thinking, “Wait, didn’t he give us the Aha moment from the cow training thing like two days ago?” then you feel the same way I did. 

The Message of the Cross - Part 1

The Message of the Cross - Part 1

5 minute read

We were running late, and I was mad.However, the object of my frustration was none other than myself. We had a couple of errands to run before we left for th...

On endurance

On endurance

4 minute read

The New Testament writers would have been college football fans. Now, I cannot be certain of this, but I believe my theory holds water. Take into account the...

The Lone Ranger syndrome

The Lone Ranger syndrome

5 minute read

Like most days, it was hot and the sun was beating down. Our little group was huddled in the shade provided by a small patch of shrubs, waiting for the event.

Would you like fries with that friendship?

Would you like fries with that friendship?

4 minute read

People ask me all the time what things I miss from the States, expecting it to be a steak or some real fancy meal. Quite to the contrary, I have discovered p...

Would Jesus wear Chacos?

Would Jesus wear Chacos?

6 minute read

If you ask any number of youth ministers, trying to prove to their kids that you can still be cool and live a Godly life, the answer would be, “Of course he ...

Learning to learn

Learning to learn

3 minute read

Have you ever noticed the similarities between a lower case “r” and “s”? Or for that matter, have you considered the fact that an “h” is really just an “n” w...

Addressing the state of our union

Addressing the state of our union

5 minute read

Ever since I can remember being old enough to have the slightest interest in government and politics, the State of the Union address has been one of those mo...

On gift-giving - Part 2

On gift-giving - Part 2

3 minute read

It started while I was thinking of gift ideas for my friends here. As I mentioned in my last post, very few people here celebrate Christmas, but there is a h...

What am I doing here? Part 3 - The Library

What am I doing here? Part 3 - The Library

3 minute read

In an attempt to ooh and ahh my readership, I took to the Internet in search of some phrase or anecdote that would clench my introduction to this post. Somet...

What am I doing here? Part 1 - The Town

What am I doing here? Part 1 - The Town

2 minute read

Somewhere between the end of the pavement and the little village where we were doing our Bible study today, the realization hit me that most people who read ...

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the-bible

A call to education

A call to education

5 minute read

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might” (Deu...

The hero of the story

The hero of the story

7 minute read

In Genesis, we are introduced to the heavens and the earth. God said that they were good; it was creation in its perfect state, as it was meant to be. In the...

One big story

One big story

3 minute read

The Bible is not a book of rules, although many treat it as such. It is also not a book of heroes recounting the dashing deeds and heroic adventures of great...

An orderly account

An orderly account

6 minute read

When you crack a new book for the first time, as you leaf through the first two or three pages, you will usually notice a page with just a sentence or two ne...

Spiritual loopholes

Spiritual loopholes

5 minute read

I think Jesus’ favorite insult was “brood of vipers.” And why not? I mean, it sounds pretty cool and he was not afraid to use it.

My Final Journal Entry

My Final Journal Entry

4 minute read

An ancient fable relates the tale of a group of blind men upon their first encounter with an elephant. Having heard of an elephant before but not knowing any...

It is not just a book

It is not just a book

5 minute read

This post comes with an assignment. Before you go any further, you need to read Acts 5:12- 42. This post will make a lot more sense if you do.  

The right place at the wrong time

The right place at the wrong time

4 minute read

Have you ever noticed how much literary real estate is given to David in the Old Testament? Chapter after chapter sing the praises of this man. He is the obv...

On Storytelling and the Gospel

On Storytelling and the Gospel

3 minute read

I wrote this piece several years ago while serving in Africa as a missionary. I have changed the name of the gentlemen in the story, but the event is real. I...

Cow training - Part 2

Cow training - Part 2

3 minute read

If you are perhaps thinking, “Wait, didn’t he give us the Aha moment from the cow training thing like two days ago?” then you feel the same way I did. 

The Message of the Cross - Part 1

The Message of the Cross - Part 1

5 minute read

We were running late, and I was mad.However, the object of my frustration was none other than myself. We had a couple of errands to run before we left for th...

On endurance

On endurance

4 minute read

The New Testament writers would have been college football fans. Now, I cannot be certain of this, but I believe my theory holds water. Take into account the...

Would Jesus wear Chacos?

Would Jesus wear Chacos?

6 minute read

If you ask any number of youth ministers, trying to prove to their kids that you can still be cool and live a Godly life, the answer would be, “Of course he ...

Learning to learn

Learning to learn

3 minute read

Have you ever noticed the similarities between a lower case “r” and “s”? Or for that matter, have you considered the fact that an “h” is really just an “n” w...

Down the rabbit hole

Down the rabbit hole

5 minute read

Do you ever have those moments where, like a line of dominoes, a series of completely unrelated events cascade into a continually shaping idea? (I would call...

Gifts that differ: What will you be today?

Gifts that differ: What will you be today?

4 minute read

This is the last day of my seminar, and today I wanted to share one final post from the archives before I get back to writing. This one is from 2010, and sha...

Time flies...

Time flies…

4 minute read

October 16, 2009 The sun was setting as I looked out the window to my left. Far below me the terrain spread out in all directions. As we made our final desce...

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees...

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees…

4 minute read

In my neck of the woods, people have recently finished celebrating the biggest holiday of the year, Ramadan. The entire area is transformed by the observance...

The art of disliking

The art of disliking

5 minute read

If books series like Harry Potter or Twilight have revealed anything, I believe it is the existence of the author crush. We all have that friend who has fall...

Ephesus: Causing ripples

Ephesus: Causing ripples

4 minute read

Ephesus was kind of a big deal. Think of it as the “New York” of ancient Asia Minor. With a population of 400,000 people during the first century AD, it was ...

Laodicea: Piles of rocks

Laodicea: Piles of rocks

5 minute read

I am on vacation. Some friends of mine and I got this ridiculous idea a year ago to galavant across Turkey (ancient Asia Minor) and see as much of the New Te...

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evangelism

Is door-knocking making a comeback?

Is door-knocking making a comeback?

6 minute read

When I was in high school (in the late 90s), I discovered vintage clothes. In the small town where I grew up, we had small businesses known as “dig stores.” ...

“Missions is the Mother of Theology”

4 minute read

I did not come up with this headline, a guy by the name of Martin Kähler did. Kähler was a theologian himself, from Germany, and was making a very important ...

Sharing the Gospel is Good For You

Sharing the Gospel is Good For You

3 minute read

If you have done it, you know the feeling. It is hard at first, sometimes you feel real awkward, but you push through and actually begin speaking the words. ...

How Not to Use Your Spiritual Gifts

How Not to Use Your Spiritual Gifts

5 minute read

Recently I wrote about spiritual gifts and using your gifts to serve the church. Today, I want to discuss a couple of issues with the whole spiritual gifts c...

There are Only Three Kinds of Church Growth

There are Only Three Kinds of Church Growth

5 minute read

Back in 1970, Donald McGavran published a book that has since become one of the most influential books in Christian missions. The book is called Understandin...

Christian, Get Out of the Bubble

Christian, Get Out of the Bubble

4 minute read

My church has a lot of seminary students, and I hear a certain refrain every two or three weeks in the small groups I oversee. The conversation turns toward ...

Christians Need To Get Out More

Christians Need To Get Out More

3 minute read

Adult Americans have a real hard time making friends, at least that is what most recent research claims). There are reasons. Interpersonally speaking, our li...

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aha-moments

The nations are in your backyard

The nations are in your backyard

5 minute read

I am currently staring out the third floor window of my new home, overlooking the busy, downtown streets of Washington, DC. Well, it is my new home for half ...

On being adrift

On being adrift

3 minute read

If I am honest, it has been a rough couple of weeks.

Lest we forget

Lest we forget

6 minute read

I began looking for a church yesterday, a topic I will discuss fully in another post. Today, I simply share a quick thought from yesterday’s sermon.

It is not just a book

It is not just a book

5 minute read

This post comes with an assignment. Before you go any further, you need to read Acts 5:12- 42. This post will make a lot more sense if you do.  

Made to worship

Made to worship

3 minute read

People really like quoting John Piper. I am surprised there is not a Facebook game based around the concept. It could be called Piperville. 

The right place at the wrong time

The right place at the wrong time

4 minute read

Have you ever noticed how much literary real estate is given to David in the Old Testament? Chapter after chapter sing the praises of this man. He is the obv...

Cow training - Part 2

Cow training - Part 2

3 minute read

If you are perhaps thinking, “Wait, didn’t he give us the Aha moment from the cow training thing like two days ago?” then you feel the same way I did. 

On endurance

On endurance

4 minute read

The New Testament writers would have been college football fans. Now, I cannot be certain of this, but I believe my theory holds water. Take into account the...

Learning to learn

Learning to learn

3 minute read

Have you ever noticed the similarities between a lower case “r” and “s”? Or for that matter, have you considered the fact that an “h” is really just an “n” w...

Down the rabbit hole

Down the rabbit hole

5 minute read

Do you ever have those moments where, like a line of dominoes, a series of completely unrelated events cascade into a continually shaping idea? (I would call...

Dwelling on the things that are not

Dwelling on the things that are not

4 minute read

Thanksgiving is a peculiar holiday. As with most special days, it seems to be far less about the event we are supposed to remember than the odd traditions th...

Gifts that differ: What will you be today?

Gifts that differ: What will you be today?

4 minute read

This is the last day of my seminar, and today I wanted to share one final post from the archives before I get back to writing. This one is from 2010, and sha...

On talking to God

On talking to God

3 minute read

In the last year, I have been invited to a whole lot of events. Perhaps in Africa it is good luck to have the goofy looking, white guy at your celebration, o...

The art of disliking

The art of disliking

5 minute read

If books series like Harry Potter or Twilight have revealed anything, I believe it is the existence of the author crush. We all have that friend who has fall...

Laodicea: Piles of rocks

Laodicea: Piles of rocks

5 minute read

I am on vacation. Some friends of mine and I got this ridiculous idea a year ago to galavant across Turkey (ancient Asia Minor) and see as much of the New Te...

Lessons from the little kids

Lessons from the little kids

2 minute read

Africa has a bunch of kids, and I think about half of them follow me around on a regular basis. I am actually beginning to wonder if it is one of their chore...

Some thoughts on independence

Some thoughts on independence

3 minute read

I will return to my posts on Bible study tomorrow. However, I felt compelled to take a brief hiatus and discuss my reflections on the day.

On Polygamy

On Polygamy

4 minute read

I had an interesting conversation the other day with some of the old men in my village. As I have been learning the language, much of my time has been spent ...

Being Called a Sheep Isn't a Good Thing

Being Called a Sheep Isn’t a Good Thing

3 minute read

I wrote this piece while serving in Africa as a missionary. At the time, I was living in a small village far away from city life. The observations made in my...

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ministry

Sharing the Gospel is Good For You

Sharing the Gospel is Good For You

3 minute read

If you have done it, you know the feeling. It is hard at first, sometimes you feel real awkward, but you push through and actually begin speaking the words. ...

How Not to Use Your Spiritual Gifts

How Not to Use Your Spiritual Gifts

5 minute read

Recently I wrote about spiritual gifts and using your gifts to serve the church. Today, I want to discuss a couple of issues with the whole spiritual gifts c...

There are Only Three Kinds of Church Growth

There are Only Three Kinds of Church Growth

5 minute read

Back in 1970, Donald McGavran published a book that has since become one of the most influential books in Christian missions. The book is called Understandin...

Christian, Get Out of the Bubble

Christian, Get Out of the Bubble

4 minute read

My church has a lot of seminary students, and I hear a certain refrain every two or three weeks in the small groups I oversee. The conversation turns toward ...

Christians Need To Get Out More

Christians Need To Get Out More

3 minute read

Adult Americans have a real hard time making friends, at least that is what most recent research claims). There are reasons. Interpersonally speaking, our li...

Back to Top ↑

the-church

The nations are in your backyard

The nations are in your backyard

5 minute read

I am currently staring out the third floor window of my new home, overlooking the busy, downtown streets of Washington, DC. Well, it is my new home for half ...

On chasing spirituality

On chasing spirituality

6 minute read

Have you ever experienced a moment of excitement at some new thing, only to find out that some initially unforeseen aspect of it would disappoint you. It is ...

Baptist Witchcraft

Baptist Witchcraft

4 minute read

This post is more of a question than an answer. It is curiosity not advice, and I know that even bringing this issue up will bring scrutiny on me from others...

An orderly account

An orderly account

6 minute read

When you crack a new book for the first time, as you leaf through the first two or three pages, you will usually notice a page with just a sentence or two ne...

Spiritual loopholes

Spiritual loopholes

5 minute read

I think Jesus’ favorite insult was “brood of vipers.” And why not? I mean, it sounds pretty cool and he was not afraid to use it.

On oneness in Christ

On oneness in Christ

3 minute read

The moon was bright. It sat low in the sky and reflected off the still water of the lake, but the moon was not the source of light. A fire crackled and tiny ...

On Moralism

On Moralism

4 minute read

The following is a reaction to a post by Dr. Ray Van Neste on his blog, Oversight of Souls. Read that post first.

It is not just a book

It is not just a book

5 minute read

This post comes with an assignment. Before you go any further, you need to read Acts 5:12- 42. This post will make a lot more sense if you do.  

Made to worship

Made to worship

3 minute read

People really like quoting John Piper. I am surprised there is not a Facebook game based around the concept. It could be called Piperville. 

The Message of the Cross - Part 1

The Message of the Cross - Part 1

5 minute read

We were running late, and I was mad.However, the object of my frustration was none other than myself. We had a couple of errands to run before we left for th...

The Lone Ranger syndrome

The Lone Ranger syndrome

5 minute read

Like most days, it was hot and the sun was beating down. Our little group was huddled in the shade provided by a small patch of shrubs, waiting for the event.

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immigration

Immigration by the Numbers

Immigration by the Numbers

4 minute read

I like to keep everyone that frequents this website as up-to-date as possible on research pertaining to immigration in the United States. In my estimation, t...

One resource your church may be overlooking

One resource your church may be overlooking

6 minute read

Tips, tools, books, and conferences are the craze in church circles these days. You are, in fact, reading a resource website right now. My work here is no ex...

Are We Resolved To Love Refugees?

Are We Resolved To Love Refugees?

8 minute read

I think back to a day this past summer. It was during the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting. Those few days were good days for us, but one moment st...

Living at a

Living at a “Seam of History”

4 minute read

In his book, Theology in the Context of World Christianity, Timothy Tennent makes a profound claim. He says the contemporary church is currently living at a ...

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the-gospel

Worth vs. Ability: There is a difference

Worth vs. Ability: There is a difference

4 minute read

It is the first day of a new year, and you can tell by looking at social media. Twitter and Facebook are clogged up with quick motivational messages and remi...

The nations are in your backyard

The nations are in your backyard

5 minute read

I am currently staring out the third floor window of my new home, overlooking the busy, downtown streets of Washington, DC. Well, it is my new home for half ...

Missions is Not About You - Part 1

Missions is Not About You - Part 1

5 minute read

I wrote the following two posts a few years ago, but I stumbled across them and decided I wanted to share them again. Before you read them, let me say they a...

On being adrift

On being adrift

3 minute read

If I am honest, it has been a rough couple of weeks.

Chasing rainbows

Chasing rainbows

4 minute read

If you are questioning man’s depravity lately, might I suggest you cut on your television.

I am 30

I am 30

3 minute read

“The only thing good about 29 is the fact that it is not 30.” At least, that is what I said on this day last year. You may want to read that post first. It i...

Is God a monster?

Is God a monster?

7 minute read

Has someone ever asked you the question above, or perhaps you asked it yourself?

Is it blood or Kool-Aid?

Is it blood or Kool-Aid?

3 minute read

“It’s damning to drain the lifeblood of Christianity and replace it with Kool-Aid.”

The hero of the story

The hero of the story

7 minute read

In Genesis, we are introduced to the heavens and the earth. God said that they were good; it was creation in its perfect state, as it was meant to be. In the...

On Moralism

On Moralism

4 minute read

The following is a reaction to a post by Dr. Ray Van Neste on his blog, Oversight of Souls. Read that post first.

Down the rabbit hole

Down the rabbit hole

5 minute read

Do you ever have those moments where, like a line of dominoes, a series of completely unrelated events cascade into a continually shaping idea? (I would call...

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people-groups

We're Moving to Houston!

We’re Moving to Houston!

3 minute read

I have been sitting on this news for a while, but I am excited to announce that this website will soon be coming to you from Houston instead of Wake Forest.

Culture: Palace or Prison?

Culture: Palace or Prison?

6 minute read

Ministry happens in the medium of culture. In fact, all of life does. Some have compared culture to the air we walk through and breath every day. For this re...

Chiming in:

Chiming in: “The Unreached at Home”

1 minute read

Ashley Scarbrough with e3 Partners has a good write up concerning international people group work here in the US. She wrote the piece back in March, but I ju...

The Peoples Next Door: FAQ

The Peoples Next Door: FAQ

8 minute read

[caption id=”attachment_963” align=”alignnone” width=”1600”] A row of shops in a section of Harlem known as Le Petite Senegal[/caption]

The nations are in your backyard

The nations are in your backyard

5 minute read

I am currently staring out the third floor window of my new home, overlooking the busy, downtown streets of Washington, DC. Well, it is my new home for half ...

Back to Top ↑

great-commission

One resource your church may be overlooking

One resource your church may be overlooking

6 minute read

Tips, tools, books, and conferences are the craze in church circles these days. You are, in fact, reading a resource website right now. My work here is no ex...

Sharing the Gospel is Good For You

Sharing the Gospel is Good For You

3 minute read

If you have done it, you know the feeling. It is hard at first, sometimes you feel real awkward, but you push through and actually begin speaking the words. ...

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funny

Sermon Fodder: Superhero Movies

Sermon Fodder: Superhero Movies

3 minute read

This weekend, The Avengers earned the title of biggest movie release ever. And rightly so, it is the all-star game of superhero movies.

Off Topic: The Facebook Foul

Off Topic: The Facebook Foul

4 minute read

Missionaries are taught to be culturally sensitive. We read books about it. We take classes in it. And, before we leave the country, we have to sit through a...

Here's to you: Church camp romance

Here’s to you: Church camp romance

2 minute read

I saw you on Monday. I was in the cafeteria eating spaghetti with corn, and like an angel, you floated into the room, you and your posse of six other girls. ...

Here's to you: Christian ska music

Here’s to you: Christian ska music

1 minute read

Exploding onto the scene with trombones blazing, you gave youth group members everywhere a new way to stick out. If wallet chains and ringer tees with stupid...

Here's to you!

Here’s to you!

2 minute read

_If you are too much older than I am, this post will probably seem absurd to you. 

Would you like fries with that friendship?

Would you like fries with that friendship?

4 minute read

People ask me all the time what things I miss from the States, expecting it to be a steak or some real fancy meal. Quite to the contrary, I have discovered p...

On gift-giving - Part 3

On gift-giving - Part 3

6 minute read

I believe people mean well enough, when it comes to gift-giving that is. However, it is ritual in America, especially around Christmas time. No longer is gif...

Off topic: What did you do this summer?

Off topic: What did you do this summer?

3 minute read

I have a confession. I have become a Facebook stalker. It all started out innocent enough I guess. Occasionally glancing at photo albums from friends trips, ...

Sermon Fodder - Turkish Baths

Sermon Fodder - Turkish Baths

5 minute read

It appears that life is fashioned in such a way as to provide us with those little moments which necessitate being retold. Furthermore, any preacher or teach...

Lessons from the little kids

Lessons from the little kids

2 minute read

Africa has a bunch of kids, and I think about half of them follow me around on a regular basis. I am actually beginning to wonder if it is one of their chore...

Being Called a Sheep Isn't a Good Thing

Being Called a Sheep Isn’t a Good Thing

3 minute read

I wrote this piece while serving in Africa as a missionary. At the time, I was living in a small village far away from city life. The observations made in my...

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plans

Did Paul want to be a missionary?

Did Paul want to be a missionary?

5 minute read

Have you ever wondered if Paul wanted to be a missionary? Perhaps he came to the conclusion that it would be a fun thing to do, an exciting life to live. If ...

Walking in the dark

Walking in the dark

less than 1 minute read

It is funny how life has a way of coming back around to the same point. Despite a seemingly linear movement down life’s road, we often find ourselves stumbli...

An ellipsis in life

An ellipsis in life

3 minute read

An ellipsis, a literary term, is the notation of an omission of superfluous information. It is the set of three dots put between two pieces of significant in...

Welcome!

Welcome!

5 minute read

Welcome to my new home… at least on the internet.

My Final Journal Entry

My Final Journal Entry

4 minute read

An ancient fable relates the tale of a group of blind men upon their first encounter with an elephant. Having heard of an elephant before but not knowing any...

Cow training - Part 2

Cow training - Part 2

3 minute read

If you are perhaps thinking, “Wait, didn’t he give us the Aha moment from the cow training thing like two days ago?” then you feel the same way I did. 

The Message of the Cross - Part 1

The Message of the Cross - Part 1

5 minute read

We were running late, and I was mad.However, the object of my frustration was none other than myself. We had a couple of errands to run before we left for th...

Addressing the state of our union

Addressing the state of our union

5 minute read

Ever since I can remember being old enough to have the slightest interest in government and politics, the State of the Union address has been one of those mo...

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hermeneutics

The hero of the story

The hero of the story

7 minute read

In Genesis, we are introduced to the heavens and the earth. God said that they were good; it was creation in its perfect state, as it was meant to be. In the...

One big story

One big story

3 minute read

The Bible is not a book of rules, although many treat it as such. It is also not a book of heroes recounting the dashing deeds and heroic adventures of great...

Spiritual loopholes

Spiritual loopholes

5 minute read

I think Jesus’ favorite insult was “brood of vipers.” And why not? I mean, it sounds pretty cool and he was not afraid to use it.

It is not just a book

It is not just a book

5 minute read

This post comes with an assignment. Before you go any further, you need to read Acts 5:12- 42. This post will make a lot more sense if you do.  

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gods-sovereignty

Is God a monster?

Is God a monster?

7 minute read

Has someone ever asked you the question above, or perhaps you asked it yourself?

Walking in the dark

Walking in the dark

less than 1 minute read

It is funny how life has a way of coming back around to the same point. Despite a seemingly linear movement down life’s road, we often find ourselves stumbli...

On chasing spirituality

On chasing spirituality

6 minute read

Have you ever experienced a moment of excitement at some new thing, only to find out that some initially unforeseen aspect of it would disappoint you. It is ...

My Final Journal Entry

My Final Journal Entry

4 minute read

An ancient fable relates the tale of a group of blind men upon their first encounter with an elephant. Having heard of an elephant before but not knowing any...

It is not just a book

It is not just a book

5 minute read

This post comes with an assignment. Before you go any further, you need to read Acts 5:12- 42. This post will make a lot more sense if you do.  

On Storytelling and the Gospel

On Storytelling and the Gospel

3 minute read

I wrote this piece several years ago while serving in Africa as a missionary. I have changed the name of the gentlemen in the story, but the event is real. I...

Cow training - Part 2

Cow training - Part 2

3 minute read

If you are perhaps thinking, “Wait, didn’t he give us the Aha moment from the cow training thing like two days ago?” then you feel the same way I did. 

The Message of the Cross - Part 1

The Message of the Cross - Part 1

5 minute read

We were running late, and I was mad.However, the object of my frustration was none other than myself. We had a couple of errands to run before we left for th...

Addressing the state of our union

Addressing the state of our union

5 minute read

Ever since I can remember being old enough to have the slightest interest in government and politics, the State of the Union address has been one of those mo...

Down the rabbit hole

Down the rabbit hole

5 minute read

Do you ever have those moments where, like a line of dominoes, a series of completely unrelated events cascade into a continually shaping idea? (I would call...

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urban

The Church and Her Mission to the Cities

The Church and Her Mission to the Cities

4 minute read

We need better ministry methods in our cities. There is a lot of talk out there nowadays about cities. Everyone, including me, is quoting that statistic abou...

What exactly is urban?

What exactly is urban?

4 minute read

Cites are a hot topic nowadays. The world is officially more urban than rural, and it does not appear that is changing anytime soon. People are talking about...

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refugees

Refugees in the Storm

Refugees in the Storm

less than 1 minute read

A few days ago, I stumbled across an article I want to share with you concerning refugees here in Houston after Hurricane Harvey.

Interactive Tool: Choose your escape route

Interactive Tool: Choose your escape route

1 minute read

Last year about this time, the BBC created an excellent interactive educational tool to help people experience some of the struggles involved in refugee migr...

Are We Resolved To Love Refugees?

Are We Resolved To Love Refugees?

8 minute read

I think back to a day this past summer. It was during the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting. Those few days were good days for us, but one moment st...

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community

One resource your church may be overlooking

One resource your church may be overlooking

6 minute read

Tips, tools, books, and conferences are the craze in church circles these days. You are, in fact, reading a resource website right now. My work here is no ex...

Church Community Has an Outward Focus Too

Church Community Has an Outward Focus Too

2 minute read

The following is a guest post by Marie McDonald. Marie has written here before and does excellent work in her local church leading others to discover and eng...

How to Survive the Church as an Introvert

How to Survive the Church as an Introvert

5 minute read

Periodically, I post articles written by others. The following is a guest post that may serve as a good dose of medicine if you find the church to be a littl...

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sin

Stop Commiserating About Sin

Stop Commiserating About Sin

3 minute read

We have all been there. Someone in our small group asks to have coffee and we agree. Soon, we are sitting across a table before work one morning and see the ...

Chasing rainbows

Chasing rainbows

4 minute read

If you are questioning man’s depravity lately, might I suggest you cut on your television.

The right place at the wrong time

The right place at the wrong time

4 minute read

Have you ever noticed how much literary real estate is given to David in the Old Testament? Chapter after chapter sing the praises of this man. He is the obv...

Would you like fries with that friendship?

Would you like fries with that friendship?

4 minute read

People ask me all the time what things I miss from the States, expecting it to be a steak or some real fancy meal. Quite to the contrary, I have discovered p...

Down the rabbit hole

Down the rabbit hole

5 minute read

Do you ever have those moments where, like a line of dominoes, a series of completely unrelated events cascade into a continually shaping idea? (I would call...

Back to Top ↑

islam

On Moralism

On Moralism

4 minute read

The following is a reaction to a post by Dr. Ray Van Neste on his blog, Oversight of Souls. Read that post first.

Worlds Collide

Worlds Collide

3 minute read

This past Sunday, I braved the capital city of my little country. Fighting my way through crowds of maniacal taxi drivers and scores of motorcycle riders tha...

On talking to God

On talking to God

3 minute read

In the last year, I have been invited to a whole lot of events. Perhaps in Africa it is good luck to have the goofy looking, white guy at your celebration, o...

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees...

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees…

4 minute read

In my neck of the woods, people have recently finished celebrating the biggest holiday of the year, Ramadan. The entire area is transformed by the observance...

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mission

Church, This is Your Time... and Place

Church, This is Your Time… and Place

3 minute read

We have all seen that well-intentioned pastor or speaker on a video in our Facebook jazzed about how this is the biggest moment in the history of the world. ...

How Not to Use Your Spiritual Gifts

How Not to Use Your Spiritual Gifts

5 minute read

Recently I wrote about spiritual gifts and using your gifts to serve the church. Today, I want to discuss a couple of issues with the whole spiritual gifts c...

Church Community Has an Outward Focus Too

Church Community Has an Outward Focus Too

2 minute read

The following is a guest post by Marie McDonald. Marie has written here before and does excellent work in her local church leading others to discover and eng...

How to Survive the Church as an Introvert

How to Survive the Church as an Introvert

5 minute read

Periodically, I post articles written by others. The following is a guest post that may serve as a good dose of medicine if you find the church to be a littl...

Did Paul want to be a missionary?

Did Paul want to be a missionary?

5 minute read

Have you ever wondered if Paul wanted to be a missionary? Perhaps he came to the conclusion that it would be a fun thing to do, an exciting life to live. If ...

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diaspora

Missions in Paris, It's Not What You Think

Missions in Paris, It’s Not What You Think

2 minute read

I have heard it a dozen times over the last couple of months: “Oh, you’re going to Paris on a mission trip! Man, that must be nice! You’re really suffering f...

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cities

The Church and Her Mission to the Cities

The Church and Her Mission to the Cities

4 minute read

We need better ministry methods in our cities. There is a lot of talk out there nowadays about cities. Everyone, including me, is quoting that statistic abou...

What exactly is urban?

What exactly is urban?

4 minute read

Cites are a hot topic nowadays. The world is officially more urban than rural, and it does not appear that is changing anytime soon. People are talking about...

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holidays

On gift-giving - Part 4

On gift-giving - Part 4

3 minute read

About six months ago, I was given a turtle. It was a regular, garden variety turtle. This turtle had no special talents or abilities. It had no value, except...

On gift-giving - Part 3

On gift-giving - Part 3

6 minute read

I believe people mean well enough, when it comes to gift-giving that is. However, it is ritual in America, especially around Christmas time. No longer is gif...

On gift-giving - Part 2

On gift-giving - Part 2

3 minute read

It started while I was thinking of gift ideas for my friends here. As I mentioned in my last post, very few people here celebrate Christmas, but there is a h...

On gift-giving - Part 1

On gift-giving - Part 1

2 minute read

For some, it is that first Christmas song they hear on the radio. For others, it is the unpacking of trunks full or ornaments, lights and memories as you pre...

Dwelling on the things that are not

Dwelling on the things that are not

4 minute read

Thanksgiving is a peculiar holiday. As with most special days, it seems to be far less about the event we are supposed to remember than the odd traditions th...

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off-topic

Off Topic: The Facebook Foul

Off Topic: The Facebook Foul

4 minute read

Missionaries are taught to be culturally sensitive. We read books about it. We take classes in it. And, before we leave the country, we have to sit through a...

Off topic: What did you do this summer?

Off topic: What did you do this summer?

3 minute read

I have a confession. I have become a Facebook stalker. It all started out innocent enough I guess. Occasionally glancing at photo albums from friends trips, ...

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christian-slogans

Is it blood or Kool-Aid?

Is it blood or Kool-Aid?

3 minute read

“It’s damning to drain the lifeblood of Christianity and replace it with Kool-Aid.”

Baptist Witchcraft

Baptist Witchcraft

4 minute read

This post is more of a question than an answer. It is curiosity not advice, and I know that even bringing this issue up will bring scrutiny on me from others...

Here's to you!

Here’s to you!

2 minute read

_If you are too much older than I am, this post will probably seem absurd to you. 

Would Jesus wear Chacos?

Would Jesus wear Chacos?

6 minute read

If you ask any number of youth ministers, trying to prove to their kids that you can still be cool and live a Godly life, the answer would be, “Of course he ...

On gift-giving - Part 4

On gift-giving - Part 4

3 minute read

About six months ago, I was given a turtle. It was a regular, garden variety turtle. This turtle had no special talents or abilities. It had no value, except...

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gifts

Made to worship

Made to worship

3 minute read

People really like quoting John Piper. I am surprised there is not a Facebook game based around the concept. It could be called Piperville. 

The Message of the Cross - Part 1

The Message of the Cross - Part 1

5 minute read

We were running late, and I was mad.However, the object of my frustration was none other than myself. We had a couple of errands to run before we left for th...

On gift-giving - Part 4

On gift-giving - Part 4

3 minute read

About six months ago, I was given a turtle. It was a regular, garden variety turtle. This turtle had no special talents or abilities. It had no value, except...

On gift-giving - Part 3

On gift-giving - Part 3

6 minute read

I believe people mean well enough, when it comes to gift-giving that is. However, it is ritual in America, especially around Christmas time. No longer is gif...

On gift-giving - Part 2

On gift-giving - Part 2

3 minute read

It started while I was thinking of gift ideas for my friends here. As I mentioned in my last post, very few people here celebrate Christmas, but there is a h...

On gift-giving - Part 1

On gift-giving - Part 1

2 minute read

For some, it is that first Christmas song they hear on the radio. For others, it is the unpacking of trunks full or ornaments, lights and memories as you pre...

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pastoral-ministry

One Overlooked Role of Pastoral Ministry

One Overlooked Role of Pastoral Ministry

6 minute read

You know the old adage, 80 percent of the work is done by 20 percent of the people. Honestly, sometimes that even feels generous. Those of us who have pastor...

Pastor, don't do it alone

Pastor, don’t do it alone

5 minute read

It all started by Jesus calling a few men to follow him. This revealed immediately the direction his evangelist strategy would take. His concern was not w...

How Not to Use Your Spiritual Gifts

How Not to Use Your Spiritual Gifts

5 minute read

Recently I wrote about spiritual gifts and using your gifts to serve the church. Today, I want to discuss a couple of issues with the whole spiritual gifts c...

Stop Commiserating About Sin

Stop Commiserating About Sin

3 minute read

We have all been there. Someone in our small group asks to have coffee and we agree. Soon, we are sitting across a table before work one morning and see the ...

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the-cross

On holiness - Part 1

On holiness - Part 1

4 minute read

One of my earliest memories of childhood is a painting that hung on the wall in my grandparent’s living room. The painting was a fox hunt, and it was rather ...

Building Scarecrows

Building Scarecrows

6 minute read

Having just moved to a new place, I am still trying to find my way around. Part of that process, at least for me, is learning all the nooks and crannies. It ...

Baptist Witchcraft

Baptist Witchcraft

4 minute read

This post is more of a question than an answer. It is curiosity not advice, and I know that even bringing this issue up will bring scrutiny on me from others...

My Final Journal Entry

My Final Journal Entry

4 minute read

An ancient fable relates the tale of a group of blind men upon their first encounter with an elephant. Having heard of an elephant before but not knowing any...

The Message of the Cross - Part 1

The Message of the Cross - Part 1

5 minute read

We were running late, and I was mad.However, the object of my frustration was none other than myself. We had a couple of errands to run before we left for th...

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hospitality

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journal-entry

Walking in the dark

Walking in the dark

less than 1 minute read

It is funny how life has a way of coming back around to the same point. Despite a seemingly linear movement down life’s road, we often find ourselves stumbli...

My Final Journal Entry

My Final Journal Entry

4 minute read

An ancient fable relates the tale of a group of blind men upon their first encounter with an elephant. Having heard of an elephant before but not knowing any...

Journal Entry - 2/20/10

Journal Entry - 2/20/10

3 minute read

My last day out in the village for a while. Sun is setting behind the mango tree, and the breeze is unbelievable. It has been that way most evenings as of la...

Journal Entry - 12/16/09

Journal Entry - 12/16/09

3 minute read

Here is yet another one of my old journal entries. This particular entry was written the day after the last one I posted.

Journal Entry - 12/15/09

Journal Entry - 12/15/09

2 minute read

As you have probably noticed, I am going through old journal entries in order to “catch up” my blog on life out here. Here is one from this past December:

Another Journal Entry - 11/12/09

Another Journal Entry - 11/12/09

3 minute read

Here is a journal entry from last November, after I had started living out in the bush to do my language study. I thought this would be a good one to share.

My First Journal Entry

My First Journal Entry

3 minute read

I thought you guys would get a kick out of this. I wrote this a couple of days after getting settled in. Looking back, its a bit dramatic… but this was all n...

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worlds-collide

Addressing the state of our union

Addressing the state of our union

5 minute read

Ever since I can remember being old enough to have the slightest interest in government and politics, the State of the Union address has been one of those mo...

Time flies...

Time flies…

4 minute read

October 16, 2009 The sun was setting as I looked out the window to my left. Far below me the terrain spread out in all directions. As we made our final desce...

Worlds Collide

Worlds Collide

3 minute read

This past Sunday, I braved the capital city of my little country. Fighting my way through crowds of maniacal taxi drivers and scores of motorcycle riders tha...

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christmas

On gift-giving - Part 4

On gift-giving - Part 4

3 minute read

About six months ago, I was given a turtle. It was a regular, garden variety turtle. This turtle had no special talents or abilities. It had no value, except...

On gift-giving - Part 3

On gift-giving - Part 3

6 minute read

I believe people mean well enough, when it comes to gift-giving that is. However, it is ritual in America, especially around Christmas time. No longer is gif...

On gift-giving - Part 2

On gift-giving - Part 2

3 minute read

It started while I was thinking of gift ideas for my friends here. As I mentioned in my last post, very few people here celebrate Christmas, but there is a h...

On gift-giving - Part 1

On gift-giving - Part 1

2 minute read

For some, it is that first Christmas song they hear on the radio. For others, it is the unpacking of trunks full or ornaments, lights and memories as you pre...

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migration

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contextualization

Church, This is Your Time... and Place

Church, This is Your Time… and Place

3 minute read

We have all seen that well-intentioned pastor or speaker on a video in our Facebook jazzed about how this is the biggest moment in the history of the world. ...

Culture: Palace or Prison?

Culture: Palace or Prison?

6 minute read

Ministry happens in the medium of culture. In fact, all of life does. Some have compared culture to the air we walk through and breath every day. For this re...

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europe

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vacation

Off topic: What did you do this summer?

Off topic: What did you do this summer?

3 minute read

I have a confession. I have become a Facebook stalker. It all started out innocent enough I guess. Occasionally glancing at photo albums from friends trips, ...

Why I am not a monk

Why I am not a monk

6 minute read

I have been thinking about monks a lot lately. Not the “blaze orange wearing, nun-chuck carrying” kind. Instead, I am talking about the “crawl off into a cav...

Sermon Fodder - Turkish Baths

Sermon Fodder - Turkish Baths

5 minute read

It appears that life is fashioned in such a way as to provide us with those little moments which necessitate being retold. Furthermore, any preacher or teach...

Ephesus: Causing ripples

Ephesus: Causing ripples

4 minute read

Ephesus was kind of a big deal. Think of it as the “New York” of ancient Asia Minor. With a population of 400,000 people during the first century AD, it was ...

Laodicea: Piles of rocks

Laodicea: Piles of rocks

5 minute read

I am on vacation. Some friends of mine and I got this ridiculous idea a year ago to galavant across Turkey (ancient Asia Minor) and see as much of the New Te...

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facebook

Off Topic: The Facebook Foul

Off Topic: The Facebook Foul

4 minute read

Missionaries are taught to be culturally sensitive. We read books about it. We take classes in it. And, before we leave the country, we have to sit through a...

Welcome!

Welcome!

5 minute read

Welcome to my new home… at least on the internet.

Would you like fries with that friendship?

Would you like fries with that friendship?

4 minute read

People ask me all the time what things I miss from the States, expecting it to be a steak or some real fancy meal. Quite to the contrary, I have discovered p...

Off topic: What did you do this summer?

Off topic: What did you do this summer?

3 minute read

I have a confession. I have become a Facebook stalker. It all started out innocent enough I guess. Occasionally glancing at photo albums from friends trips, ...

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heres-to-you

Here's to you: Church camp romance

Here’s to you: Church camp romance

2 minute read

I saw you on Monday. I was in the cafeteria eating spaghetti with corn, and like an angel, you floated into the room, you and your posse of six other girls. ...

Here's to you: Christian ska music

Here’s to you: Christian ska music

1 minute read

Exploding onto the scene with trombones blazing, you gave youth group members everywhere a new way to stick out. If wallet chains and ringer tees with stupid...

Here's to you!

Here’s to you!

2 minute read

_If you are too much older than I am, this post will probably seem absurd to you. 

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local-church

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urban-ministry

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church-ministry

Bust the Peer Bubble in Your Church

Bust the Peer Bubble in Your Church

5 minute read

I recently wrote about why it is important for believers to be in community with believers of different generations and life stages. The article, because it ...

The Church and Her Mission to the Cities

The Church and Her Mission to the Cities

4 minute read

We need better ministry methods in our cities. There is a lot of talk out there nowadays about cities. Everyone, including me, is quoting that statistic abou...

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eschatology

The hero of the story

The hero of the story

7 minute read

In Genesis, we are introduced to the heavens and the earth. God said that they were good; it was creation in its perfect state, as it was meant to be. In the...

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worship

Made to worship

Made to worship

3 minute read

People really like quoting John Piper. I am surprised there is not a Facebook game based around the concept. It could be called Piperville. 

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holiness

On holiness - Part 2

On holiness - Part 2

7 minute read

For several weeks, my posts have revolved around the pursuit of holiness. We looked at several misunderstandings of the term “holiness” when we discussed sel...

On holiness - Part 1

On holiness - Part 1

4 minute read

One of my earliest memories of childhood is a painting that hung on the wall in my grandparent’s living room. The painting was a fox hunt, and it was rather ...

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jesus

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missionary

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diversity

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immigrants

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revitalization

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cooperation

SBC17 Recap: Two Articles Worth Reading

SBC17 Recap: Two Articles Worth Reading

3 minute read

Instead of joining the throng of commentators now that the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting is over, I thought I would share two articles that yo...

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bible

A Snapshot Biblical Theology of Missions

A Snapshot Biblical Theology of Missions

5 minute read

If you visit the PND site regularly, this article is by a familiar face. Her earlier articles were under her maiden name, Meredith Cooper. About three months...

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international-missions

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city

One resource your church may be overlooking

One resource your church may be overlooking

6 minute read

Tips, tools, books, and conferences are the craze in church circles these days. You are, in fact, reading a resource website right now. My work here is no ex...

Church, This is Your Time... and Place

Church, This is Your Time… and Place

3 minute read

We have all seen that well-intentioned pastor or speaker on a video in our Facebook jazzed about how this is the biggest moment in the history of the world. ...

Why No Single Church Can Reach a City

Why No Single Church Can Reach a City

3 minute read

Cities today are big places. Let me put that into perspective. In the first century (when Paul was walking around), the biggest city in the world was suppose...

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houston

We're Moving to Houston!

We’re Moving to Houston!

3 minute read

I have been sitting on this news for a while, but I am excited to announce that this website will soon be coming to you from Houston instead of Wake Forest.

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leadership

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persecution

It is not just a book

It is not just a book

5 minute read

This post comes with an assignment. Before you go any further, you need to read Acts 5:12- 42. This post will make a lot more sense if you do.  

On endurance

On endurance

4 minute read

The New Testament writers would have been college football fans. Now, I cannot be certain of this, but I believe my theory holds water. Take into account the...

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kingdom

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suburban

Peoples Next Door: Suburban Explosion

Peoples Next Door: Suburban Explosion

1 minute read

If you’ve been around the blog at all, you’ve read about the wave of international peoples into the United States. As we examine our research, some trends ar...

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cgcs

Condescension Poisons the Mission

Condescension Poisons the Mission

2 minute read

In the last week, a flurry of articles have chimed in on the situation in Charlottesville or on the current cultural temperature that it lays bare. I wrote o...

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syria

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engagement

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missionaries

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muslims

A Warning Concerning Religious Categories

A Warning Concerning Religious Categories

4 minute read

Americans love our categories. We love our boxes and labels. Even today, with the postmodern push away from classification, we Western thinkers still organiz...

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storying

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sending

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outreach

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gentrification

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people-group-discovery

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diaspora-missions

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southern-baptist-convention

SBC17 Recap: Two Articles Worth Reading

SBC17 Recap: Two Articles Worth Reading

3 minute read

Instead of joining the throng of commentators now that the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting is over, I thought I would share two articles that yo...

Reflections of an SBC Rookie

Reflections of an SBC Rookie

4 minute read

This is a guest post from seminary student and first-time SBC messenger, Meredith Cooper. She shares her first impressions of the Southern Baptist Convention...

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witness

Encourage the Anonymous Witness

Encourage the Anonymous Witness

2 minute read

I love reading the great missions texts, and Stephen Neill’s A History of Christian Missions is no exception. Today, I want to share a few paragraphs with yo...

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hurricane-harvey

Refugees in the Storm

Refugees in the Storm

less than 1 minute read

A few days ago, I stumbled across an article I want to share with you concerning refugees here in Houston after Hurricane Harvey.

Thank You for Being the Church

Thank You for Being the Church

1 minute read

Over the last week, a number of people have reached out and asked what they can do to help out here. Thank you for the calls and emails. It is truly an encou...

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mission-of-the-church

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africa

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independence

Some thoughts on independence

Some thoughts on independence

3 minute read

I will return to my posts on Bible study tomorrow. However, I felt compelled to take a brief hiatus and discuss my reflections on the day.

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sermon-fodder

Sermon Fodder: Superhero Movies

Sermon Fodder: Superhero Movies

3 minute read

This weekend, The Avengers earned the title of biggest movie release ever. And rightly so, it is the all-star game of superhero movies.

Sermon Fodder - Turkish Baths

Sermon Fodder - Turkish Baths

5 minute read

It appears that life is fashioned in such a way as to provide us with those little moments which necessitate being retold. Furthermore, any preacher or teach...

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parents

Time flies...

Time flies…

4 minute read

October 16, 2009 The sun was setting as I looked out the window to my left. Far below me the terrain spread out in all directions. As we made our final desce...

Worlds Collide

Worlds Collide

3 minute read

This past Sunday, I braved the capital city of my little country. Fighting my way through crowds of maniacal taxi drivers and scores of motorcycle riders tha...

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apocalypse

The hero of the story

The hero of the story

7 minute read

In Genesis, we are introduced to the heavens and the earth. God said that they were good; it was creation in its perfect state, as it was meant to be. In the...

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google

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revelation

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prayer

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grace

Is God a monster?

Is God a monster?

7 minute read

Has someone ever asked you the question above, or perhaps you asked it yourself?

Building Scarecrows

Building Scarecrows

6 minute read

Having just moved to a new place, I am still trying to find my way around. Part of that process, at least for me, is learning all the nooks and crannies. It ...

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calling

Did Paul want to be a missionary?

Did Paul want to be a missionary?

5 minute read

Have you ever wondered if Paul wanted to be a missionary? Perhaps he came to the conclusion that it would be a fun thing to do, an exciting life to live. If ...

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kingdom-of-god

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demographics

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internationals

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nashville

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missiology

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refugee-crisis

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churches

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north-america

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gc2-summit

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language

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international

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urban-mission

Why No Single Church Can Reach a City

Why No Single Church Can Reach a City

3 minute read

Cities today are big places. Let me put that into perspective. In the first century (when Paul was walking around), the biggest city in the world was suppose...

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history

Encourage the Anonymous Witness

Encourage the Anonymous Witness

2 minute read

I love reading the great missions texts, and Stephen Neill’s A History of Christian Missions is no exception. Today, I want to share a few paragraphs with yo...

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durham

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church-growth

There are Only Three Kinds of Church Growth

There are Only Three Kinds of Church Growth

5 minute read

Back in 1970, Donald McGavran published a book that has since become one of the most influential books in Christian missions. The book is called Understandin...

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sbc

Reflections of an SBC Rookie

Reflections of an SBC Rookie

4 minute read

This is a guest post from seminary student and first-time SBC messenger, Meredith Cooper. She shares her first impressions of the Southern Baptist Convention...

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st-louis

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social-media

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mapping

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confession

Stop Commiserating About Sin

Stop Commiserating About Sin

3 minute read

We have all been there. Someone in our small group asks to have coffee and we agree. Soon, we are sitting across a table before work one morning and see the ...

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local-missions

Is door-knocking making a comeback?

Is door-knocking making a comeback?

6 minute read

When I was in high school (in the late 90s), I discovered vintage clothes. In the small town where I grew up, we had small businesses known as “dig stores.” ...

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immigrants-and-refugees

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disaster-relief

Thank You for Being the Church

Thank You for Being the Church

1 minute read

Over the last week, a number of people have reached out and asked what they can do to help out here. Thank you for the calls and emails. It is truly an encou...

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pew-research

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uncategorized

I Miss My Soapbox...

I Miss My Soapbox…

1 minute read

I guess it was only a matter of time before I got the itch to blog. After all, I do have a bit of free time here, and God is teaching me a whole lot so far t...

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sacrifice

Seeing the Cross Through Fresh Eyes

Seeing the Cross Through Fresh Eyes

4 minute read

In light of Good Friday, I wanted to share this memory. It is an excerpt from an article I wrote while serving as a missionary in West Africa. I was working ...

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good-books

The art of disliking

The art of disliking

5 minute read

If books series like Harry Potter or Twilight have revealed anything, I believe it is the existence of the author crush. We all have that friend who has fall...

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pulpits

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thanksgiving

Dwelling on the things that are not

Dwelling on the things that are not

4 minute read

Thanksgiving is a peculiar holiday. As with most special days, it seems to be far less about the event we are supposed to remember than the odd traditions th...

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literacy

Learning to learn

Learning to learn

3 minute read

Have you ever noticed the similarities between a lower case “r” and “s”? Or for that matter, have you considered the fact that an “h” is really just an “n” w...

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birthday

I am 30

I am 30

3 minute read

“The only thing good about 29 is the fact that it is not 30.” At least, that is what I said on this day last year. You may want to read that post first. It i...

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easter

Seeing the Cross Through Fresh Eyes

Seeing the Cross Through Fresh Eyes

4 minute read

In light of Good Friday, I wanted to share this memory. It is an excerpt from an article I wrote while serving as a missionary in West Africa. I was working ...

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incarnation

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hope

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politics

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teaching

Church is Not a Spectator Sport

Church is Not a Spectator Sport

4 minute read

College football season is once again upon us. This week, I am traveling to do some missionary training and last night, I found myself laying in a hotel bed,...

A call to education

A call to education

5 minute read

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might” (Deu...

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old-testament

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loneliness

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marriage

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christian-life

What Exactly is the Normal Christian Life?

What Exactly is the Normal Christian Life?

9 minute read

I have a friend from Iran. He has a fascinating story. Formerly a Muslim, he and his wife left Iran on a false asylum account, claiming it was for freedom. T...

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secrecy

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name

Missions is Not About You - Part 1

Missions is Not About You - Part 1

5 minute read

I wrote the following two posts a few years ago, but I stumbled across them and decided I wanted to share them again. Before you read them, let me say they a...

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idolatry

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starbucks

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stewardship

On contentment

On contentment

6 minute read

I have a theory. Now mind you, it is just a theory, so perhaps I could be proven wrong. Nevertheless, here it goes:

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west-africa

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suburbs

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baptist

SBC17 Recap: Two Articles Worth Reading

SBC17 Recap: Two Articles Worth Reading

3 minute read

Instead of joining the throng of commentators now that the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting is over, I thought I would share two articles that yo...

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refugee

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multiplication

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southeastern

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cultural-acquisition

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gospel-hospitality

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paris

Missions in Paris, It's Not What You Think

Missions in Paris, It’s Not What You Think

2 minute read

I have heard it a dozen times over the last couple of months: “Oh, you’re going to Paris on a mission trip! Man, that must be nice! You’re really suffering f...

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advocacy-teams

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esl

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news

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population

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migrants

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great-commandment

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urban-missions

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research

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rural

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small-groups

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somali

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somalia

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church-membership

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renewal

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worldview

A Warning Concerning Religious Categories

A Warning Concerning Religious Categories

4 minute read

Americans love our categories. We love our boxes and labels. Even today, with the postmodern push away from classification, we Western thinkers still organiz...

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muslim

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students

Missions in Paris, It's Not What You Think

Missions in Paris, It’s Not What You Think

2 minute read

I have heard it a dozen times over the last couple of months: “Oh, you’re going to Paris on a mission trip! Man, that must be nice! You’re really suffering f...

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resources

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southern-baptist

Thank You for Being the Church

Thank You for Being the Church

1 minute read

Over the last week, a number of people have reached out and asked what they can do to help out here. Thank you for the calls and emails. It is truly an encou...

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obedience

Two Lost Aspects of Discipleship

Two Lost Aspects of Discipleship

5 minute read

When I first moved to the Raleigh area, I stumbled across a little Chinese restaurant near my apartment complex. One afternoon, I walked in to order some Gen...

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conference

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context

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theology

“Missions is the Mother of Theology”

4 minute read

I did not come up with this headline, a guy by the name of Martin Kähler did. Kähler was a theologian himself, from Germany, and was making a very important ...

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guilt

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service

How Not to Use Your Spiritual Gifts

How Not to Use Your Spiritual Gifts

5 minute read

Recently I wrote about spiritual gifts and using your gifts to serve the church. Today, I want to discuss a couple of issues with the whole spiritual gifts c...

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spiritual-gifts

How Not to Use Your Spiritual Gifts

How Not to Use Your Spiritual Gifts

5 minute read

Recently I wrote about spiritual gifts and using your gifts to serve the church. Today, I want to discuss a couple of issues with the whole spiritual gifts c...

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metrics

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shame

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america

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white-supremacy

SBC17 Recap: Two Articles Worth Reading

SBC17 Recap: Two Articles Worth Reading

3 minute read

Instead of joining the throng of commentators now that the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting is over, I thought I would share two articles that yo...

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how-to-care-for-refugees

Interactive Tool: Choose your escape route

Interactive Tool: Choose your escape route

1 minute read

Last year about this time, the BBC created an excellent interactive educational tool to help people experience some of the struggles involved in refugee migr...

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refugee-care

Interactive Tool: Choose your escape route

Interactive Tool: Choose your escape route

1 minute read

Last year about this time, the BBC created an excellent interactive educational tool to help people experience some of the struggles involved in refugee migr...

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how-to-share-the-gospel

Is door-knocking making a comeback?

Is door-knocking making a comeback?

6 minute read

When I was in high school (in the late 90s), I discovered vintage clothes. In the small town where I grew up, we had small businesses known as “dig stores.” ...

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where-are-the-refugees

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generational-conflict-in-church

Bust the Peer Bubble in Your Church

Bust the Peer Bubble in Your Church

5 minute read

I recently wrote about why it is important for believers to be in community with believers of different generations and life stages. The article, because it ...

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local-church-ministry

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refugee-resettlement

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houston-flood

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urban-research

Urban Research Round-Up for December, 2017

Urban Research Round-Up for December, 2017

1 minute read

Periodically, I like to provide a list of recent articles and research for those interested in missions in the urban context. Each of these articles went pub...

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reaching-the-nations-in-north-america

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pastoring

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muslim-immigration

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local-church-missions

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covid19

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global-missions

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c-s-lewis

The art of disliking

The art of disliking

5 minute read

If books series like Harry Potter or Twilight have revealed anything, I believe it is the existence of the author crush. We all have that friend who has fall...

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ramadan

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees...

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees…

4 minute read

In my neck of the woods, people have recently finished celebrating the biggest holiday of the year, Ramadan. The entire area is transformed by the observance...

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fire

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pyromania

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fishbowl

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chacos

Would Jesus wear Chacos?

Would Jesus wear Chacos?

6 minute read

If you ask any number of youth ministers, trying to prove to their kids that you can still be cool and live a Godly life, the answer would be, “Of course he ...

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friendship

Would you like fries with that friendship?

Would you like fries with that friendship?

4 minute read

People ask me all the time what things I miss from the States, expecting it to be a steak or some real fancy meal. Quite to the contrary, I have discovered p...

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ska-music

Here's to you: Christian ska music

Here’s to you: Christian ska music

1 minute read

Exploding onto the scene with trombones blazing, you gave youth group members everywhere a new way to stick out. If wallet chains and ringer tees with stupid...

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death

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freedom

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osama-bin-laden

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prayer-positions

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storytelling

On Storytelling and the Gospel

On Storytelling and the Gospel

3 minute read

I wrote this piece several years ago while serving in Africa as a missionary. I have changed the name of the gentlemen in the story, but the event is real. I...

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david

The right place at the wrong time

The right place at the wrong time

4 minute read

Have you ever noticed how much literary real estate is given to David in the Old Testament? Chapter after chapter sing the praises of this man. He is the obv...

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romance

Here's to you: Church camp romance

Here’s to you: Church camp romance

2 minute read

I saw you on Monday. I was in the cafeteria eating spaghetti with corn, and like an angel, you floated into the room, you and your posse of six other girls. ...

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t-shirts

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twitter

Welcome!

Welcome!

5 minute read

Welcome to my new home… at least on the internet.

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oneness

On oneness in Christ

On oneness in Christ

3 minute read

The moon was bright. It sat low in the sky and reflected off the still water of the lake, but the moon was not the source of light. A fire crackled and tiny ...

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church-van

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mummies

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the-word

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resurrection

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righteousness

To some who trusted in themselves...

To some who trusted in themselves…

less than 1 minute read

“Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank y...

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public-square

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education

A call to education

A call to education

5 minute read

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might” (Deu...

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meaning

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preaching

Sermon Fodder: Superhero Movies

Sermon Fodder: Superhero Movies

3 minute read

This weekend, The Avengers earned the title of biggest movie release ever. And rightly so, it is the all-star game of superhero movies.

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sermons

Sermon Fodder: Superhero Movies

Sermon Fodder: Superhero Movies

3 minute read

This weekend, The Avengers earned the title of biggest movie release ever. And rightly so, it is the all-star game of superhero movies.

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superheroes

Sermon Fodder: Superhero Movies

Sermon Fodder: Superhero Movies

3 minute read

This weekend, The Avengers earned the title of biggest movie release ever. And rightly so, it is the all-star game of superhero movies.

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happiness

Lights

Lights

4 minute read

If you started reading this post hoping for a quick word about evangelism, you are unfortunately mistaken.

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lights

Lights

Lights

4 minute read

If you started reading this post hoping for a quick word about evangelism, you are unfortunately mistaken.

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new-york

Lights

Lights

4 minute read

If you started reading this post hoping for a quick word about evangelism, you are unfortunately mistaken.

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television

Chasing rainbows

Chasing rainbows

4 minute read

If you are questioning man’s depravity lately, might I suggest you cut on your television.

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fellowship

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sanctification

On being adrift

On being adrift

3 minute read

If I am honest, it has been a rough couple of weeks.

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celebration

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sunday

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discipline

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authority

Allergic to authority

Allergic to authority

5 minute read

While reading a book for one of my classes, I ran across a statement that stuck with me. The book contained a diatribe about things that characterize our mod...

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ezekiel

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athiesm

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idol

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genesis

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homosexuality

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justice

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parables

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selflessness

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unfair

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mission-of-god

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law

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the-old-testament

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questions

On stupid questions and missing the point

On stupid questions and missing the point

3 minute read

The questions we ask say a lot about who we are. Think about it for just a minute. Questions reveal concerns. We rarely ask questions about things that do no...

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contentment

On contentment

On contentment

6 minute read

I have a theory. Now mind you, it is just a theory, so perhaps I could be proven wrong. Nevertheless, here it goes:

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money

On contentment

On contentment

6 minute read

I have a theory. Now mind you, it is just a theory, so perhaps I could be proven wrong. Nevertheless, here it goes:

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thankfulness

On contentment

On contentment

6 minute read

I have a theory. Now mind you, it is just a theory, so perhaps I could be proven wrong. Nevertheless, here it goes:

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ability

Worth vs. Ability: There is a difference

Worth vs. Ability: There is a difference

4 minute read

It is the first day of a new year, and you can tell by looking at social media. Twitter and Facebook are clogged up with quick motivational messages and remi...

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worth

Worth vs. Ability: There is a difference

Worth vs. Ability: There is a difference

4 minute read

It is the first day of a new year, and you can tell by looking at social media. Twitter and Facebook are clogged up with quick motivational messages and remi...

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suburbia

Peoples Next Door: Suburban Explosion

Peoples Next Door: Suburban Explosion

1 minute read

If you’ve been around the blog at all, you’ve read about the wave of international peoples into the United States. As we examine our research, some trends ar...

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faq

The Peoples Next Door: FAQ

The Peoples Next Door: FAQ

8 minute read

[caption id=”attachment_963” align=”alignnone” width=”1600”] A row of shops in a section of Harlem known as Le Petite Senegal[/caption]

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economist

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justin-long

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state-conventions

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aylan

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aylan-kurdi

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ethnic-restaurants

Chiming in:

Chiming in: “The Unreached at Home”

1 minute read

Ashley Scarbrough with e3 Partners has a good write up concerning international people group work here in the US. She wrote the piece back in March, but I ju...

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people-group-communities

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kurds

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team-leader

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syrian

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international-peoples

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keelan

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iceberg

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college-ministry

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international-students

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missions-strategy

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gypsies

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roma

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archives

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mosque

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temple

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neighborhoods

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people-next-door

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discovery

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narrative-mapping

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points-of-interest

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terrorism

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proclamation

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table-evangelism

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mercy

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gods-will

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care-teams

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moves

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star-wars

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the-kingdom

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english-ministry

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asia

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christians

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persecuted

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persecuted-church

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jesus-christ

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introversion

How to Survive the Church as an Introvert

How to Survive the Church as an Introvert

5 minute read

Periodically, I post articles written by others. The following is a guest post that may serve as a good dose of medicine if you find the church to be a littl...

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introvert

How to Survive the Church as an Introvert

How to Survive the Church as an Introvert

5 minute read

Periodically, I post articles written by others. The following is a guest post that may serve as a good dose of medicine if you find the church to be a littl...

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peoplegroups-info

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heart-language

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gatekeeper

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gospel-access

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unreached-peoples

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equipping

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residency

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global

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middle-east

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william-carey

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new-jersey

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lifeway

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hudson-taylor

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bible-storying

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small-group

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minneapolis

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minnesota

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trees

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diaspora-missiology

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sending-church

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member-care

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support

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missional

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unreached-people-groups

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communication

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cross-cultural

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documentary

One Documentary Every Church Should See

One Documentary Every Church Should See

1 minute read

I rarely push Christian films. Not that I do not like them, some are pretty good, but many are not. That said, I think every, single Christian in the West ne...

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insanity-of-god

One Documentary Every Church Should See

One Documentary Every Church Should See

1 minute read

I rarely push Christian films. Not that I do not like them, some are pretty good, but many are not. That said, I think every, single Christian in the West ne...

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map

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west-africans

Missions in Paris, It's Not What You Think

Missions in Paris, It’s Not What You Think

2 minute read

I have heard it a dozen times over the last couple of months: “Oh, you’re going to Paris on a mission trip! Man, that must be nice! You’re really suffering f...

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namb

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convention

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exit-strategy

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participation

Reflections of an SBC Rookie

Reflections of an SBC Rookie

4 minute read

This is a guest post from seminary student and first-time SBC messenger, Meredith Cooper. She shares her first impressions of the Southern Baptist Convention...

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vocation

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kazakhstan

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injustice

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poverty

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coffeeshop

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making-disciples

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devotional

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holy-spirit

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scripture

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connectivity

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internet

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gods-story

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narrative

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themes

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resource

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sebts

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danny-akin

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football

Church is Not a Spectator Sport

Church is Not a Spectator Sport

4 minute read

College football season is once again upon us. This week, I am traveling to do some missionary training and last night, I found myself laying in a hotel bed,...

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conversion

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sheep

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experiential-learning

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spiral

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1884

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chines

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local-outreach

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relationships

Christians Need To Get Out More

Christians Need To Get Out More

3 minute read

Adult Americans have a real hard time making friends, at least that is what most recent research claims). There are reasons. Interpersonally speaking, our li...

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third-place

Christians Need To Get Out More

Christians Need To Get Out More

3 minute read

Adult Americans have a real hard time making friends, at least that is what most recent research claims). There are reasons. Interpersonally speaking, our li...

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leaders

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leadership-development

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nations

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election

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hindu

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india

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church-family-tree

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biblical-theology

A Snapshot Biblical Theology of Missions

A Snapshot Biblical Theology of Missions

5 minute read

If you visit the PND site regularly, this article is by a familiar face. Her earlier articles were under her maiden name, Meredith Cooper. About three months...

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theology-of-mission

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trinity

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christianity

Living at a

Living at a “Seam of History”

4 minute read

In his book, Theology in the Context of World Christianity, Timothy Tennent makes a profound claim. He says the contemporary church is currently living at a ...

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global-christianity

Living at a

Living at a “Seam of History”

4 minute read

In his book, Theology in the Context of World Christianity, Timothy Tennent makes a profound claim. He says the contemporary church is currently living at a ...

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partnership

Living at a

Living at a “Seam of History”

4 minute read

In his book, Theology in the Context of World Christianity, Timothy Tennent makes a profound claim. He says the contemporary church is currently living at a ...

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bscnc

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north-carolina

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video

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apprenticeship

Two Lost Aspects of Discipleship

Two Lost Aspects of Discipleship

5 minute read

When I first moved to the Raleigh area, I stumbled across a little Chinese restaurant near my apartment complex. One afternoon, I walked in to order some Gen...

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imitation

Two Lost Aspects of Discipleship

Two Lost Aspects of Discipleship

5 minute read

When I first moved to the Raleigh area, I stumbled across a little Chinese restaurant near my apartment complex. One afternoon, I walked in to order some Gen...

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observation

Two Lost Aspects of Discipleship

Two Lost Aspects of Discipleship

5 minute read

When I first moved to the Raleigh area, I stumbled across a little Chinese restaurant near my apartment complex. One afternoon, I walked in to order some Gen...

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suburb

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webinar

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summit

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end-times

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joy

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motivation

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labor

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maine

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new-england

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christian

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vocabulary

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words

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baptisms

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membership

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numbers

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counseling

Stop Commiserating About Sin

Stop Commiserating About Sin

3 minute read

We have all been there. Someone in our small group asks to have coffee and we agree. Soon, we are sitting across a table before work one morning and see the ...

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mentoring

Stop Commiserating About Sin

Stop Commiserating About Sin

3 minute read

We have all been there. Someone in our small group asks to have coffee and we agree. Soon, we are sitting across a table before work one morning and see the ...

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gifting

How Not to Use Your Spiritual Gifts

How Not to Use Your Spiritual Gifts

5 minute read

Recently I wrote about spiritual gifts and using your gifts to serve the church. Today, I want to discuss a couple of issues with the whole spiritual gifts c...

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travel-ban

Are We Resolved To Love Refugees?

Are We Resolved To Love Refugees?

8 minute read

I think back to a day this past summer. It was during the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting. Those few days were good days for us, but one moment st...

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iwanska

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people

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union-baptist-association

We're Moving to Houston!

We’re Moving to Houston!

3 minute read

I have been sitting on this news for a while, but I am excited to announce that this website will soon be coming to you from Houston instead of Wake Forest.

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fear

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preach

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ethnic-enclaves

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accountability

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disciples

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evaluation

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honor

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infographic

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relevant

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seed-sowing

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early-church

Encourage the Anonymous Witness

Encourage the Anonymous Witness

2 minute read

I love reading the great missions texts, and Stephen Neill’s A History of Christian Missions is no exception. Today, I want to share a few paragraphs with yo...

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needy

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venezuela

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crusades

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raymond-lull

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global-fluency

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fundraising

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integrity

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pastor

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planter

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crucifixion

Seeing the Cross Through Fresh Eyes

Seeing the Cross Through Fresh Eyes

4 minute read

In light of Good Friday, I wanted to share this memory. It is an excerpt from an article I wrote while serving as a missionary in West Africa. I was working ...

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good-friday

Seeing the Cross Through Fresh Eyes

Seeing the Cross Through Fresh Eyes

4 minute read

In light of Good Friday, I wanted to share this memory. It is an excerpt from an article I wrote while serving as a missionary in West Africa. I was working ...

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jesus-film

Seeing the Cross Through Fresh Eyes

Seeing the Cross Through Fresh Eyes

4 minute read

In light of Good Friday, I wanted to share this memory. It is an excerpt from an article I wrote while serving as a missionary in West Africa. I was working ...

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movie

Seeing the Cross Through Fresh Eyes

Seeing the Cross Through Fresh Eyes

4 minute read

In light of Good Friday, I wanted to share this memory. It is an excerpt from an article I wrote while serving as a missionary in West Africa. I was working ...

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pain

Seeing the Cross Through Fresh Eyes

Seeing the Cross Through Fresh Eyes

4 minute read

In light of Good Friday, I wanted to share this memory. It is an excerpt from an article I wrote while serving as a missionary in West Africa. I was working ...

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turnover

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religious-freedom

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religious-liberty

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american-christianity

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japan

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japanese-christianity

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foreign-born

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hart-cellar-act

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engage

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pastors

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annual-meeting

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corporate-witness

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alt-right

SBC17 Recap: Two Articles Worth Reading

SBC17 Recap: Two Articles Worth Reading

3 minute read

Instead of joining the throng of commentators now that the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting is over, I thought I would share two articles that yo...

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phoenix

SBC17 Recap: Two Articles Worth Reading

SBC17 Recap: Two Articles Worth Reading

3 minute read

Instead of joining the throng of commentators now that the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting is over, I thought I would share two articles that yo...

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sbc17

SBC17 Recap: Two Articles Worth Reading

SBC17 Recap: Two Articles Worth Reading

3 minute read

Instead of joining the throng of commentators now that the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting is over, I thought I would share two articles that yo...

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acts

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mars-hill

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paul

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peter

What Exactly is the Normal Christian Life?

What Exactly is the Normal Christian Life?

9 minute read

I have a friend from Iran. He has a fascinating story. Formerly a Muslim, he and his wife left Iran on a false asylum account, claiming it was for freedom. T...

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bbc

Interactive Tool: Choose your escape route

Interactive Tool: Choose your escape route

1 minute read

Last year about this time, the BBC created an excellent interactive educational tool to help people experience some of the struggles involved in refugee migr...

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choose-your-escape-route

Interactive Tool: Choose your escape route

Interactive Tool: Choose your escape route

1 minute read

Last year about this time, the BBC created an excellent interactive educational tool to help people experience some of the struggles involved in refugee migr...

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refugee-experience

Interactive Tool: Choose your escape route

Interactive Tool: Choose your escape route

1 minute read

Last year about this time, the BBC created an excellent interactive educational tool to help people experience some of the struggles involved in refugee migr...

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assemblies-of-god

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immigrant-churches

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immigrant-missions

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missions-by-the-diaspora

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missions-to-the-diaspora

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how-to-be-bold

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how-to-have-a-bold-witness

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churches-in-america

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churches-in-north-america

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growing-churches

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reasons-for-church-decline

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reasons-for-church-growth

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why-do-churches-die

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why-do-churches-grow

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balance-local-and-global

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how-to-do-local-church-ministry

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how-to-have-a-mission-vision

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what-is-the-great-commission

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how-is-the-refugee-crisis

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state-of-refugees

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church-wide-movement

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how-to-change-a-church

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leading-change

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levels-in-church-strategy

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generational-issues

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leadership-transition

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church-minister-to-refugees

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how-refugees-cope

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ministering-to-refugees

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teenage-refugees

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church-leadership

Pastor, don't do it alone

Pastor, don’t do it alone

5 minute read

It all started by Jesus calling a few men to follow him. This revealed immediately the direction his evangelist strategy would take. His concern was not w...

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how-to-make-disciples

Pastor, don't do it alone

Pastor, don’t do it alone

5 minute read

It all started by Jesus calling a few men to follow him. This revealed immediately the direction his evangelist strategy would take. His concern was not w...

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how-to-make-leaders-in-the-church

Pastor, don't do it alone

Pastor, don’t do it alone

5 minute read

It all started by Jesus calling a few men to follow him. This revealed immediately the direction his evangelist strategy would take. His concern was not w...

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home-missions

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how-to-minister-to-immigrants

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charlottesville

Condescension Poisons the Mission

Condescension Poisons the Mission

2 minute read

In the last week, a flurry of articles have chimed in on the situation in Charlottesville or on the current cultural temperature that it lays bare. I wrote o...

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racism

Condescension Poisons the Mission

Condescension Poisons the Mission

2 minute read

In the last week, a flurry of articles have chimed in on the situation in Charlottesville or on the current cultural temperature that it lays bare. I wrote o...

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refugee-processing-centers

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hurricane-harvey-disaster-relief

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recovery

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disaster-recovery

Thank You for Being the Church

Thank You for Being the Church

1 minute read

Over the last week, a number of people have reached out and asked what they can do to help out here. Thank you for the calls and emails. It is truly an encou...

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thank-you

Thank You for Being the Church

Thank You for Being the Church

1 minute read

Over the last week, a number of people have reached out and asked what they can do to help out here. Thank you for the calls and emails. It is truly an encou...

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houston-refugees-in-hurricane

Refugees in the Storm

Refugees in the Storm

less than 1 minute read

A few days ago, I stumbled across an article I want to share with you concerning refugees here in Houston after Hurricane Harvey.

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houston-welcomes-refugees

Refugees in the Storm

Refugees in the Storm

less than 1 minute read

A few days ago, I stumbled across an article I want to share with you concerning refugees here in Houston after Hurricane Harvey.

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door-to-door-evangelism

Is door-knocking making a comeback?

Is door-knocking making a comeback?

6 minute read

When I was in high school (in the late 90s), I discovered vintage clothes. In the small town where I grew up, we had small businesses known as “dig stores.” ...

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how-to-reach-people

Is door-knocking making a comeback?

Is door-knocking making a comeback?

6 minute read

When I was in high school (in the late 90s), I discovered vintage clothes. In the small town where I grew up, we had small businesses known as “dig stores.” ...

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how-many-people-are-christians

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missions-research

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identifying-leaders

One Overlooked Role of Pastoral Ministry

One Overlooked Role of Pastoral Ministry

6 minute read

You know the old adage, 80 percent of the work is done by 20 percent of the people. Honestly, sometimes that even feels generous. Those of us who have pastor...

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missions-methods

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the-christian-mission

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church-planting-in-cities

Urban Research Round-Up for December, 2017

Urban Research Round-Up for December, 2017

1 minute read

Periodically, I like to provide a list of recent articles and research for those interested in missions in the urban context. Each of these articles went pub...

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immigration-in-to-cities

Urban Research Round-Up for December, 2017

Urban Research Round-Up for December, 2017

1 minute read

Periodically, I like to provide a list of recent articles and research for those interested in missions in the urban context. Each of these articles went pub...

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peak-millennial

Urban Research Round-Up for December, 2017

Urban Research Round-Up for December, 2017

1 minute read

Periodically, I like to provide a list of recent articles and research for those interested in missions in the urban context. Each of these articles went pub...

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christian-ethic

But I tell you, love your enemies...

But I tell you, love your enemies…

4 minute read

If there was any question about whether or not Jesus’ kingdom ethic is counter-cultural, the Sermon on the Mount should remove those doubts. Jesus is speakin...

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love-your-enemies

But I tell you, love your enemies...

But I tell you, love your enemies…

4 minute read

If there was any question about whether or not Jesus’ kingdom ethic is counter-cultural, the Sermon on the Mount should remove those doubts. Jesus is speakin...

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multi-ethnic-church

Immigration by the Numbers

Immigration by the Numbers

4 minute read

I like to keep everyone that frequents this website as up-to-date as possible on research pertaining to immigration in the United States. In my estimation, t...

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