Follow Jesus. Lead the church. Change the world.
I grew up in a denomination that only read and approved the King James Version of the Bible, and viewed other translations with a great deal of skepticism. But in seminary, I began to read, enjoy, and prefer modern translations (that was also during a time when several translations were developed, including God’s Word, the … Read more
I love the beginning of a new year. While there’s nothing magical about it, there’s just something about getting a fresh start, and entering a year for the first time in history! But I also love the opportunity to look back and reflect on the year that was. On the blog, we wrote (only) 79 … Read more
Why is there a Christmas? I believe there’s a Christmas because “God’s faithful love endures forever!” That’s a phrase that appears over and over in the Old Testament (mainly in the Psalms). It includes the Hebrew word, hesed (appears 248 times in the Old Testament), which describes God’s faithful love, loyalty, and devotion. God’s faithful … Read more
What an exciting time! And, what an incredible opportunity for the Church as we celebrate Christmas—God’s rescue mission to save the world! As the Church prepares to celebrate Jesus’ birth, and offer Christ, over the next few days, here’s what I find myself praying. O God, thank you for your great love, and for sending … Read more
The latest book by Jon Gordon that I’ve read is The Seed (see previous posts on The Energy Bus and Training Camp). The Seed is about helping you find your purpose in life and at work. The book is a fable centered around Josh, a talented young man who has lost his passion at work. … Read more
Recently, Adam Weber, pastor of Embrace Church (a United Methodist Church) posted a prayer on Twitter that has stuck with me … Lord, please use us to make your name great. #thefamousOne — adamweber (@adamweber) December 6, 2013 This prayer, and this attitude, is essential for staying humble and hungry. Focusing on God’s greatness keeps … Read more
Several years ago, Paul Borden consulted with the leaders of the Susquehanna Conference. The Matthew 28 Initiative, a strategy for transforming congregations, developed out of that experience (read more at Growing Effective Churches). I’ve written about Centre Grove UMC’s experience with Matthew 28: see Transforming Congregations Through the Matthew 28 Initiative (the before) and The … Read more
Yesterday, we attended Catalyst One Day in Central PA (Lancaster). Over the years, there have been (multiple-day) Catalyst events, but in the last few years, they’ve also been conducting Catalyst One Day events. This was the second year in PA (we attended last year, as well). Yesterday’s event was the most-attended One Day event ever! … Read more
It’s hard to believe it’s been four years since we went to Korea to get Sarah! (See the day we met Sarah and our first hours with Sarah.) Actually, it’s been a little over four years, but we waited to celebrate due to a cold Sarah battled for a few weeks. Recently, we took a … Read more
The kids had plenty of opportunities to enjoy Halloween activities this week! The week began with Trunk-or-Treat at Centre Grove on Sunday. Sarah’s preschool had a party on Wednesday and Ethan’s first grade class had a party on Thursday. Last night, the kids went trick-or-treating around the neighborhood in light rain. Sarah was Super Girl … Read more