How do you join civic action with the work of faith? I look forward to discussing this with you in the upcoming (free!) workshop “Faithful Discipleship in a World of Activism” (September 14th, 1p ET / 10a PT).

Did you know that the Bible never refers to itself as God’s Word? Of course, the Bible is a primary means by which we can know God’s message and God’s Son, but we must distinguish the two concepts. Because God’s words, rightly read, point us toward God’s Word.

If you’re feeling tired, worn down, and anxious, you are not alone. But how do you persevere? How do you minister when your own emotional health as a leader is suffering?

In this workshop we will look at Biblical and practical ways leaders can remain healthy - or return to health - no matter the season.

There comes a day when a wall is simply too high to get over with the usual means. This is a mercy. It is an opportunity. It is God’s means to “crucify our ministry” and bring us into greater awareness of our union with Him.

Bivocational ministry -- like so many other aspects of life -- often leads to an outcome unexpected by those who pursue it.

“I remember lots of laughter and tears in that community. Above all, I remember Jesus’ presence. Being part of that community helped Jesus go from blurry to clear.”

God made us interdependent as men and women. His vision for his church is that we would partner together. We are mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, called to steward the good news of Jesus Christ.

Communicating the gospel is difficult work, but when you break it down into “goal and hurdles,” the work can be shared.

What is Lent, and what might it look like for less liturgical churches to participate?

Asked how his faith and comedy overlap, Stephen Colbert talked about love, sacrifice, and how death is not defeat. As a comedian, I love this approach to humor, and think it’s a great starting point for any Christian trying to navigate their field.

Do you feel like your organization's discipleship efforts are scattered? Do people seem unaware of the ways you try to help them grow... no matter the number of times you tell them?

Matt Stevens introduces a creative strategy to help church/org leaders focus your discipleship and give language to your ministry efforts.

But we are involved in the story of God. We have a role to play because the Creator God has invited us to take up our part in his drama. This is where the third lens, a missional lens, comes into the hermeneutical process. The Bible is not simply pointing us to who Jesus is, but also to what Jesus came to do. The Scriptures are all about both the identity and mission of Jesus.

Surely, Jesus meant it when He said the weary find rest in Him. There must be something to Him saying, “My yoke is easy and my burden light.” It can’t be that we’re meant to do Kingdom work feeling endlessly empty and continually anxious.

Paul compares discipleship to the hard work of farming and encourages us to persevere and trust the sovereignty of God.

“Family” is hard. But if we look at the images God uses for His people in the New Testament, we see that He refers to the Church as His body, as a temple or spiritual structure in which God the Spirit dwells, and as a field. But by far the overarching metaphor for the Church is one of family.

In fact, it is impossible to fulfill many of the Bible’s commands outside of deep relationship and shared life with other followers of Jesus. We are designed to be dependent on God and others. We need help reclaiming the depth of that dependence.

Above all, life in the family of God is a daily act of worship. So let’s find a group of folks to go with us, and let’s pray for the Spirit’s help in difficult steps on this journey.