Discussion Questions: 1. How does the concept of being the “wrong person” for the job resonate with you in your own life or leadership roles? 2. Do you agree that salvation is about becoming the person God meant us to be? Why or why not? 3. What are some common interferences that prevent us…
Discussion Questions: 1. How can churches effectively identify adaptive challenges and bridge the gap between the church and the community? 2. In what ways can churches listen to the hopes, longings, dreams, and joys of the community they serve? 3. Why is it important for churches to pay attention to changes in the community…
TIMESTAMPS: [00:04:46] Navigating cultural allegiances as Christians and leaders. [00:07:25] Defining culture: soil or force field? [00:11:52] Culture’s magnetism shapes human perspectives and questions. JH Bavink identified “magnetic points” that religious thought always engages with. These points are meaning, power, ethics, religion, and aesthetics. They represent questions about connectedness, choices, goodness, facing anxiety, and…
TIMESTAMPS: [00:05:41] Scot McKnight grew up in a Baptist dispensationalist church but lost interest in eschatology after college. He became intrigued again during his Ph.D. studies on Jewish apocalyptic literature. [00:08:07] Scot McKnight discusses how he came to view the book of Revelation as part of the Jewish world at the time and not…
One of my favorite things to do with a team of leaders is “dwelling in Scripture.” This is a simple lectio divina exercise that works great with groups. How “Dwelling in Scripture” works What I love about the practice of dwelling in scripture is that it requires absolutely zero preparation. So often, we who…
TIMESTAMPS: [00:00:00] Imperfect church filled with various people. [00:04:21] “You can’t separate Jesus and the church.” [00:06:47] Pain leads to withdrawal from community. [00:13:07] American church challenges: which, minorities, margin, influence, opportunity. [00:14:45] Call to Christ, city, world, and each other. [00:20:49] Adjustment, persecution, scattering, faithfulness, cultural distinctives, discernment, courage. [00:22:18] “Surrendering control and…
When I think about toxic influences, I think about “toxic assets.” I learned this term during the recession of 2008. The assets refer to mortgage loans. As the housing market collapsed the value of the properties fell below the value of the loans. Suddenly, these loans became liabilities because the houses that secured the loans…
Ever feel like people expect you to be perfect? Or maybe you expect others to be perfect? Or maybe you find yourself feeling shocked or taken aback or disappointed when your family or your friends or your congregation fall short of your expectations. I’ve certainly been there. On both sides. Those expectations are what we…
TIMESTAMPS: [00:00:00] The Importance of Low Anthropology in Leadership [00:08:35] “The Fallout of a High Anthropology: Burnout, Vulnerability, and Loneliness” [00:15:12] “The True Nature of Love and Grace” [00:18:29] “Embracing Limitations and Doubleness as Humans” [00:23:44] “Churches Struggle to Meet Community’s Needs” [00:32:09] “Finding Freedom and Grace in Low Anthropology” [00:35:36] “Leading Ministries in…
