This coming Sunday at Eastbrook Church we begin a new preaching series entitled "United," which explores the essence of what it means to be the church. The church is most fruitful when it’s fully united. Jesus’ dream for the church is full unity. What a divided world needs is a united church. Join us for …
Recovering Pastoral Practice [Five Smooth Stones for Pastoral Work by Eugene Peterson, part 1]
I first stumbled into the work of Eugene Peterson in the 1990s through his translation work with The Message. It was not too much later, however, that a pastor and mentor introduced me to his writing on pastoral ministry, sometimes referred to as Eugene Peterson's Pastoral Library. About three years ago, I re-read and steadily …
A Prayer inspired by the prophet Haggai
LORD of hosts, Almighty King of all the earth, You are worthy of all our praise and deserve the best of what we have to offer. Help us to give careful thought to our ways, that we may not be found wanting in presenting all of who we are and all of what we have …
Following the Spirit and not our Feelings: Evelyn Underhill on Calling and Desire
Just a few days ago, I came across this extended quotation from Evelyn Underhill from her fine little book, The Spiritual Life. Underhill speaks to the interface of our calling and our desires, and the challenge our feelings can bring to truly following God's call upon us. I had originally read these words about three …
Continue reading "Following the Spirit and not our Feelings: Evelyn Underhill on Calling and Desire"
Recovering Prayer [Working the Angles with Eugene Peterson, part 4]
For the majority of the Christian centuries most pastors have been convinced that prayer is the central and essential act for maintaining the essential shape of the ministry to which they were ordained. With this strong word, Eugene Peterson begins his exploration of the first of the three angles of pastoral ministry: prayer. Peterson suggests …
Continue reading "Recovering Prayer [Working the Angles with Eugene Peterson, part 4]"
Matthew Erickson 