This past weekend at Eastbrook Church, I continued our sermon series on the book of Daniel entitled "Daniel: Apocalyptic Imagination and Exile Faith." This first weekend, "Faith in Exile," offered me the chance to introduce the book of Daniel, while this weekend I focused on the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and the fiery furnace …
Recovering Holiness
As I continue to reflect on the nature of pastoral ministry, ministry in the North American evangelical church, and questions of ministry integrity, I find myself returning often to the topic of holiness. Even writing the word holiness makes me feel a little bit "old school." However, if I hold the tension of that uncomfortable …
Five Themes of Resilient Ministry
This week, I am spending time in reflection about what it means to be a pastor, what ministry is all about, and what it means to be the church. Earlier this week I shared some insights from Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Life Together about the church and from Dallas Willard on the nature of ministry in a consumer …
Real Discipleship in a Consumer Church: Dallas Willard on the Renovation of the Church
I am entering a period of deep reflection on what it means to be a pastor and what it means to be the church. I am asking questions that I have considered for years but now approach with a deeper sense of urgency and attention. I find myself wondering over and over again: what are …
