Transformation into Christlikeness is Possible: Dallas Willard

While preparing for a retreat with Eastbrook Church's student ministry, I came across this excerpt from Renovation of the Heart by Dallas Willard that hit home to me. Given some of my recent reflections on the nature of pastoral leadership in North America (see "Five Themes of Resilient Ministry" and "Five Steps for Overcoming the Dark …

The Church in Transition: Kent Carlson on bursting wineskins

Near the end of the book Renovation of the Church: What Happens When a Seeker Church Discovers Spiritual Formation, Kent Carlson summarizes some of his deepest concern about the challenges of the church in North America. While I'm not sure I agree with his final driving metaphor about "wineskins" bursting all over the place, I do …

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 …