January has concluded a significant month. On the Church’s ancient calendar, we’ve celebrated Epiphany and on the modern calendar, we’ve celebrated the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. And in the world at large, we’ve observed the 42nd anniversary of Roe…
Mars and beyond—expanding our theology of God’s universe
We now have definitive evidence for organic molecules, both in the atmosphere and in the rocks of Mars. On Earth, organic molecules are the stuff of life. This could mean life—microbial life, that is—exists now on Mars, or it could…
Critiquing Islam — and ourselves
By Bill Leonard In a syndicated column written after the Charlie Hebdo assassinations in Paris, commentator Cal Thomas wrote: “This is the difference between radical Islam and other faiths. Jews and Christians have been targets of persecution, but with rare…
Can you survive the invasion of a mega church?
If you are like many pastors, some Monday mornings can be very blue. Your sermon did not go as well as you had imagined. A widow complained to you after the worship service that you did not visit her in…
Rethink this church thing
Does your congregation exhibit kingdom of God characteristics? An oft-repeated television commercial captured my attention the other day. I watched people use a ribbon to see how far their money would stretch into retirement. Finally, one lady, surprised by how…
You can’t beat an enemy you don’t understand
The recent massacre by Islamic extremists at the Charlie Hebdo office in France has shocked the world. I have my own theories why this particular act of terrorism brought such a show of anti-Islamic extremism solidarity whereas other, much more…
Finding a way forward through relationships
By Amy Butler I had the great pleasure of spending a few days last week at the New Baptist Covenant meeting in Atlanta. We gathered to talk about congregations making covenants with each other, committing to the work of healing…
Don’t Push the River
Our guide shouted, “Don’t push the river!” I was white-water rafting (poorly) down the Amazon. With the raft swirling and the water splashing, the guide’s command made about as much sense as choosing what you are supposed to do with…
What needs to rise from the ashes of the church?
CHRISTIANITY21: Visceral, Diverse, and Friendly Christianity21 takes seriously a daring and daunting conversation for dispelling the notion of a Christian meta-narrative. While most attenders are Gospel-committed people, all work toward mutuality found in the Jesus meaning of Mark 9:40 that…
Payday loans and potato chips
“Payday loans are the Lay’s potato chips of finance; you can’t have just one and they’re terrible for you.” Comedian John Oliver dropped that line during a segment on his new show Last Week Tonight back in August. The HBO…
What pastors value in lay leaders
At a recent staff meeting, a minister assigned to lead our closing segment, which I routinely call “Prayers for the Church,” gave us all a twist. She asked each minister to think of one lay leader in the congregation who…
Who’s blessing whom?
By Scott Dickison Norma is one of my favorite church members. I’m sure pastors are not supposed to have favorite parishioners just like parents aren’t supposed to have favorite children, but hear my confession. I could go on and on…