Perspectives on a Missional Life
The desire to create and rule one's own kingdom is an ancient struggle of the heart. All the way back to our friends, Adam & Eve in Genesis... The temptation to want to be in control... wise... all-knowing... god-like... This temptation hisses in the garden and eventually rings in the ear of man. The consequent fall of man due... Continue Reading →
The Vinedresser will attend to the vine in order to cultivate an environment that will bear the most fruit. Pruning is a necessary part of care for the vine to thrive and flourish. When God, the Vinedresser, looks at your life He knows what you need to produce fruit. He knows what to prune and... Continue Reading →
Follow me. And I will make you fishers of men. Matthew 4:19 Simon Peter is called to follow Jesus in the midst of tangled nets, the taste of salty sweat on his tongue, fish slime, the snap of the sail, the cadenced pulse of the waves, and the customary burdens of the daily life of... Continue Reading →
Be Like the Bird Be like the bird, who Halting in his flight On limb too slight Feels it give way beneath him, Yet sings Knowing he hath wings. by Victor Hugo Just as the bird has a rhythm of alighting on a branch to rest, let us develop a rhythmic flow of rest that... Continue Reading →
Our current culture has manifested a heightened awareness of diversity and gender issues which gives the church an opportunity to demonstrate and model clear and sacred responses amid the clashing secular voices. One area where the church’s beauty is displayed is in God’s design for men and women to be partnered in ministry to advance... Continue Reading →
Our church culture is one which often inadvertently marginalizes singles. Let’s begin to intentionally and strategically create communities that honor the image of God in single adults – not as an afterthought, but as a purposeful focus. If half of our population is single (never married, separated, divorced, or widowed), then we need to realize... Continue Reading →
There is always a tension between the natural unfettered growth within ministry and demonstrating progress and success for accountability purposes as you strive for excellence. The typical measurements of “success” have been centered around numbers - how many conversions, how many baptisms, how many churches planted, etc. Though those are all very good aspects of growth,... Continue Reading →
I was recently asked for a list of "Best Practices" for a Partner or Sending Church. As I researched, I did find some helpful articles, books, and info. See list and links below. In addition, I reached out to all my favorite church planting folks. I got this top 10 list from Robby Partain and tweaked... Continue Reading →
There are some significant questions to ask when you are leading or participating with a missions team - either here... or there.... Take time to be in sync with your mission partner on the ground and explore these 5 questions: Does my team have its own agenda? Or are we following the lead and the... Continue Reading →
Have you ever watched a roaring lion? …the immense thunder of the roar… the reverberation of sound that seeps to marrow of your bones… the flash of teeth made for tearing flesh... The Bible warns us in 1 Peter 5:7-9: Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring... Continue Reading →
Richard Stupart's "7 Worst International Aid Ideas" is an excellent article about misunderstanding cultural needs and ministering ineffectively. This cross-cultural ministry "mismatch" is most often unintentional and with a well-meaning heart and passion. One can have good intentions in their ministry efforts cross-culturally and yet cause significant damage or detriment in the ongoing Christian ministry.... Continue Reading →
Pastors, team leaders, and volunteers going on mission need to be concerned about the increasing trend of crisis situations when traveling overseas. Obviously, Mexico and the border have been a recent concern for us here in Texas, and then the team detained in Haiti has been a strong reminder that despite our benevolent intentions, things can... Continue Reading →
Missional Mayhem 