In 2009, a husband and wife from my church, both full-time teachers, took sabbaticals to spend an entire year as substitute missionaries in Kenya. Because theirs were full-year sabbaticals, they received 50% pay. Another option would be to take six-month sabbaticals at 100% pay, which is standard for teachers. But the school in Kenya, RiftContinue reading “Are sabbaticals an unnecessary indulgence? – The Sabbath Year, Part 1”
Tag Archives: missionary
Is three weeks enough time to start a church? – 1 Thessalonians 1:1–3, Part 2
Paul is very troubled about the Christians in Thessalonica. Why? Two reasons: too little time and too much pressure. First, time. He was only with them for about three weeks. That is such a short amount of time. How could they possibly learn to be followers of Jesus in three weeks? I’ll grant you thatContinue reading “Is three weeks enough time to start a church? – 1 Thessalonians 1:1–3, Part 2”
What would you say “No” to, if Jesus asked you to do something? – 2 Samuel 24, Preview
Imagine Jesus shows up at the door of your house one evening, and though you are shocked, of course you let him in. You ask if he needs anything, such as a drink, food, a place to sit and relax or sleep, anything. He responds, “Actually, I do need something. I would like you toContinue reading “What would you say “No” to, if Jesus asked you to do something? – 2 Samuel 24, Preview”
The importance of taking a new risk for the mission of Jesus – 2 Samuel 23:8–39, Part 5
My wife and I each turned 50 this past year. That milestone birthday is just another day on the calendar, and it is a time for reflection on the past and hope for the future. In that sense, turning 50 was like a New Year’s Day. Each New Year’s Day, many people review the pastContinue reading “The importance of taking a new risk for the mission of Jesus – 2 Samuel 23:8–39, Part 5”
How Jesus wants us to get in the zone – 2 Samuel 23:8–39, Part 2
Have you ever heard a sports announcer say, “They are in the zone. They can’t miss.” I often hear that about a basketball player like Caitlin Clark who drains long-range three-point shots over and over and over. “She’s in the zone!” It is a thing of wonder to watch a player in the zone. InContinue reading “How Jesus wants us to get in the zone – 2 Samuel 23:8–39, Part 2”
How to view life through the lens of joy – Advent Joy, Part 2
When I am going through a difficult situation, my #1 response is “I want this to be done.” It could be when I am out on a four mile run. I want it to be done. It could be a big project, like my forthcoming book. I want it to be done. It could beContinue reading “How to view life through the lens of joy – Advent Joy, Part 2”
Can you figure out this modern parable? – 1 Samuel 18 & 19, Preview
See if you can figure out the meaning of this modern parable: A missionary comes upon a Samoan, who is lying around on the beach. MISSIONARY: Look at you! You’re just wasting your life away lying around like that! SAMOAN: Why? What do you think I should be doing? MISSIONARY: Well, there are plenty ofContinue reading “Can you figure out this modern parable? – 1 Samuel 18 & 19, Preview”
Giving people another chance with gracious, truthful love – Encourage one another, Part 5
How will Paul react? Remember the situation? In the previous post, we learned that in Acts chapters 13-14, Barnabas the Encourager and Paul embark on the first missionary trip of the early church, and they take John Mark with them. But mid-trip, John leaves them to return to Jerusalem, where his mother lives. Time passes, and PaulContinue reading “Giving people another chance with gracious, truthful love – Encourage one another, Part 5”
Perspective in the middle of tough times – Psalm 96, Part 3
In Psalm 96, verses 2 and 3 instruct us to proclaim God’s salvation day after day. This is the same idea that is encapsulated in the word “evangelism,” which is about proclaiming Good News. The psalmist reminds us that we have Good News story to share, and in verse 3 he describes it as declaringContinue reading “Perspective in the middle of tough times – Psalm 96, Part 3”
Why we need to see ourselves as links in a missional chain – John 13:18-38, Part 2
Leadership is lonely, or so some say. As a pastor since 2002, I have felt that loneliness from time to time. Frankly, some loneliness is self-imposed. “I can do it better myself,” we think. Or we don’t want to put in the work to involve others. Maybe we struggle to release our grip on aContinue reading “Why we need to see ourselves as links in a missional chain – John 13:18-38, Part 2”
Engaging Scripture 