Category Archives: Leading Change

To be a disciple is to be on a mission from God. (It’s a mission that’s even bigger than bringing blues music to the masses.) It’s about restoring the reign of God over the world. It’s bringing into its fullness … Continue reading →

So we’ve been in a preacher search since July of last year. It’s been an interesting experience. We’ve spent a lot of time with a lot of preachers, listened to a lot of sermons. (If listening to sermons makes one … Continue reading →

Imagine that you’ve been hired as minister of spiritual formation. Or that you’re the deacon charged with spiritual formation. Or that you’re an elder or minister who believes spiritual formation is an essential element of the Christian life. How do … Continue reading →

A few years ago, I learned a new church term: “spiritual formation.” In fact, for a while, my congregation had a man on staff called “minister of spiritual formation.” It’s all the rage. The classic text in support of this … Continue reading →

So am I opposed to the notion of elders being shepherds? Well, yes and no. There is unquestionably a deep need for elders to be more involved in the lives of the members. Whether its counseling, comforting in times of … Continue reading →

Let’s talk a little more about power. In the secular world, most fights are about money, sex, or power. I asked the elders at Tulsa what the church fights they’d seen are usually about — not what those involved say they … Continue reading →