This week I welcome guest blogger, Kirk Marks. Kirk is a retired pastor, having served 30+ years in both local churches with his wife, Debbie, and in denominational administration. He has also taught theology and led a pastoral assessment center for many years. He and Debbie, along with their two daughters and son-in-law are membersContinue reading “What the Bible says we’re supposed to talk about in the church (and what we actually talk about) – Speaking life to one another, Part 1”
Tag Archives: church family
What brings you life? – Speaking life to one other, Preview
What brings you life? I enjoy coffee. A good workout or run. Most any book. A great TV show or film, especially if it’s sci-fi. I could list many more activities that bring me life. What do you notice about the direction of what I’ve listed above? The activities I’ve listed all move in theContinue reading “What brings you life? – Speaking life to one other, Preview”
The power of “with” – Caring for one another, Part 5
I recently had lunch with a friend who has been going through a deeply difficult season of life for the past two years. It all started when his wife shocked him by separating from him, and likely turning his two teenaged sons against him. She cut off communication, and they eventually moved out. She refusedContinue reading “The power of “with” – Caring for one another, Part 5″
Delegation is discipleship that builds up the church – Caring for one another, Part 4
Though I’m a leader, I sometimes struggle with delegation, as there are times when I think it will be so much easier and faster if I just handle whatever matter is before me. Getting others involved takes time, and they might not do the work like I think it should be done. Maybe you knowContinue reading “Delegation is discipleship that builds up the church – Caring for one another, Part 4”
A powerful question for church families – Caring for one another, Part 3
My wife and I recently watched the television series, New Amsterdam. It’s about a public hospital in New York City. The main character Max Goodwin is the medical director, and he asks a question repeatedly in nearly every episode of the series. (He might ask it in every episode! I didn’t keep track.). His question, which I’ll revealContinue reading “A powerful question for church families – Caring for one another, Part 3”
Be thankful for your messy church family – Caring for one another, Part 2
Are there awkward people in your church family? Perhaps people who talk your ear off, over-sharing, while you’re struggling to find a way to get out of the conversation in which they have done 95% of the talking, and it’s going on 30 minutes with no end in sight. Perhaps there are the people who have RBFContinue reading “Be thankful for your messy church family – Caring for one another, Part 2”
God hates visionary dreamers? – Caring for one another, Part 1
I want to begin with a shocking quote. At least I think it is shocking. See if you think it is shocking. Here is the quote: “God hates visionary dreamers.” How do you feel about that statement? “God hates visionary dreamers.” Thumbs up or Thumbs down? Thumbs down, right? The concept of visionary dreamers seemsContinue reading “God hates visionary dreamers? – Caring for one another, Part 1”
Overcoming “I don’t care” – Caring for one another, Preview
Ever been involved in a conversation like this in your home? Person #1: “What would you like for dinner tonight?” Person #2: “I don’t care. I’m okay with whatever.” Person #1: “But I need you to give me something to go on. What are you hungry for?” Person #2: “Seriously. Anything. I don’t care. WhateverContinue reading “Overcoming “I don’t care” – Caring for one another, Preview”
How can you spend more time praying with others? – Praying together, Part 5
The enduring practice of the earliest Christians was gathering for prayer. It was essential to their meeting together. They didn’t just demonstrate praying together, they also taught it. Consider a few passages that provide a foundation for churches to gather for prayer. Romans 12:12, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” 2Continue reading “How can you spend more time praying with others? – Praying together, Part 5”
The effect of church families gathering for prayer – Praying together, Part 4
The first Christians spent the better part of three years observing Jesus’ practice of prayer. They heard him teach about prayer. Years later when they instinctively gather for prayer over and over and over, they demonstrate for us their commitment to do what Jesus did and taught. In Acts 4, as we saw in the previous post,Continue reading “The effect of church families gathering for prayer – Praying together, Part 4”
Engaging Scripture 