Keeping Our Distance

Recently, I was reading in Exodus 20 and the words describing what followed the giving of the Ten Commandments grabbed my attention … 18 All the people were seeing the thundering and the lightning, and heard the sound of the horn, and saw the mountain smoking—and when the people saw it they trembled with fear … Read more

Prayers for the Church: Vision

The Church needs vision! I’m nearing the end of a lengthy series of posts, offering prayers for the Church focusing on different areas (see list and links below). According to Bill Hybels, “Vision is a picture of the future that produces passion” (see my post on Hybels’ book, Courageous Leadership). Hybels calls vision “a leader’s … Read more

You Can’t Do it Alone!

Recently, I re-read Exodus 18 where Moses receives a visit by his father-in-law, Jethro. It’s a well-known story, especially among Christian leaders. It’s often used to make a case for team-building and delegation. After observing Moses do all of the work by himself, Jethro advises Moses to find and equip capable people to share the … Read more

Gathering or Scattering?

As I look back over the past twenty-five years of following Jesus, clearly my greatest passion has been God’s mission — engaging in it and leading others to engage in it, too! I’ve always been challenged by Jesus’ first words after the resurrection: “As the Father sent me, so I am sending you!” (John 20.21, … Read more

York, Maine 2013

We just returned from vacation in Maine (where we went in 2011 and 2012). The kids enjoy going to Maine. They talk about going there through much of the year, even though it’s far away and the water is cool (water temperature was 57-59 degrees last week). Last year, it took them a few days … Read more