Why Is the Culture of a Disciple Making Church So Important?
“Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” That statement, attributed to the most influential management guru of our time, Peter Drucker, describes a reality that church leaders must face in the pursuit of creating disciple making churches. A disciple making church culture is what your church actually does in disciple making; strategy is your plans on paper. […]
Let’s Talk About the Word ‘Woke’
The word woke has had a curious life. Like so much slang, it was introduced by Black people, co-opted by youngish white people, and then ruined by oldish white people. Its meaning has changed over time. The expression goes back as far as May 20, 1962, when William Melvin Kelley used it in the New […]
The Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock: 3 Questions to Ask About the Way We Build
“The wise man built his house upon the rock.” By “rock,” Jesus meant his teachings. Unfortunately, it is very possible to hear the teachings of Jesus but not to put them into practice. When we only hear—and don’t obey—Jesus’ teachings, we find ourselves cycling through the same bad decisions and experiencing spiritual stagnancy for years. […]
Preaching and Cultural Issues?
We are living through rapid cultural change. Many are turning from historic Christianity. Many are adopting Marxist and intersectional feminist ideals which turn them cynical toward biblical teachings. Progressivism now dominates the major institutions of society. David Young’s new book Resilient: Standing Firm in a Hostile World is a vital call and guide for Christians […]
A Cautious Defense of Boycotts
By now I’m sure that most of you are aware of the Bud Light/Dylan Mulvaney debacle. Just in case you haven’t heard, let me bring you up to speed. In an effort to make the brand more inclusive and less “fratty,” executives partnered with actor-turned-transgender celebrity Dylan Mulvaney for a small ad campaign. Mulvaney, who […]
Ash on the Altar: Reflecting on Our Affinity for Idols
Have you ever read through the Old Testament, muttering, “Why do the Israelites keep setting up shrines to pagan gods?” They trembled at the foot of Mt. Sinai as it burned. They were guided through the wilderness by pillars of fire and smoke. Ample food sprang from the desert wastes for forty years. They experienced […]
Contentment with Godliness Is Great Gain?
Scripture says that godliness with contentment is great gain. This means that our typical human quest for happiness works backwards from what actually works. If we want happiness, we need to get on the path that leads there, and the path is one of contentment. Do you find it odd that some of your privileged […]
John Cooper of Skillet on Resilient: Standing Firm in a Hostile World
John Cooper is the lead singer of the band Skillet and an outspoken advocate for the counter-cultural ways of Jesus. Recently, John wrote the foreword for David Young’s new book Resilient: Standing Firm in a Hostile World. You’ll appreciate reading John’s wisdom in this foreword and seeing his appreciation for David Young’s Resilient. This will […]
