I had lunch with Ron at a nice restaurant in Brea, CA last week. We caught up on life, family, jobs, and spiritual “things.” That last item probably wouldn’t have taken place a few years ago. Ron’s in a different place. So am I. We had a meaningful and encouraging conversation. What a difference a few years makes. [featured-image single_newwindow=”false”] … Read More
Does your church produce saints? Is there evidence in your life, due to the efforts of your church, that you are becoming like Jesus Christ? Perhaps you’d like to be on an intentional journey of becoming a saint but are being held back by your church’s theology, teaching, or practices. I’d say, go for it anyway. [featured-image single_newwindow=”false”] Pseudo-Saint Some … Read More
I have written, or observed being written, over a dozen mission statements for evangelical churches and organizations. These efforts involve thought, prayer, debates, research, committees, drafts, and word-smithing. However, I’ve never heard or read of any evangelical Christian church or organization whose primary purpose was to produce men and women to be like God – men and women we’d call … Read More
It seems such a basic & easy question – What does it mean to be a Christian? Yet, there is a lot of confusion. Ask 10 people and you may receive 10 different answers. What would your answer be? [featured-image single_newwindow=”false”] Christian = Christ Being a Christian is being like Jesus Christ – a “Christ-one.” According to Jesus Himself … Read More
I was sitting with a college president a number of years ago at a Black Angus Steakhouse. The topic of a recently fallen prominent Christian leader came up. The president commented that perhaps a reason for the man’s failings was that, “He began to read his own press releases.” In other words, he started to believe what others where saying … Read More
Leading people is a challenging and rewarding process. It takes heart and skills that few possess well. There is much to learn as you lead. However, you often learn best from your mistakes. Perhaps, my mistakes will help you avoid making the same mistakes. [featured-image single_newwindow=”false”] Some of you who knew me during my pastoring years may say, “Only 37?” … Read More
Today I want to connect godliness to leadership. If you have any influence on others, you are a leader. If you are a leader, you want to be the best leader you can be. If you are a Christian leader, you want to influence others towards God. You want not only to influence people by your words. You want to … Read More
I wonder what it would be like to be godly. I mean really like God. Not in a mean, despotic, controlling way like some people might think. That’s a false understanding of God anyway. But, in the way seen in Jesus. He became man so that in some way humans could walk a journey to become like God. [featured-image single_newwindow=”false”] … Read More
Caring for soul and body has been of great interest to me most of my life. I think it’s the interest of most human beings. There are few who do this kind of work well. When you find one, it’s good to get to know him or her. Today, I introduce you to a man who did this so well … Read More
Today I write a “challenge the status quo” post. These never sit well with some folks. Others love the challenge. I can’t please everyone. I don’t try to. My hope in writing this kind of post is to disorient you a bit. That’s a good thing. Jesus did it. I’m not Jesus. But I like his methods (usually!?!). [featured-image single_newwindow=”false”] … Read More
