"Superficiality is the curse of our age. The doctrine of instant satisfaction is a primary spiritual problem. The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people." -- Richard Foster in Celebration of Discipline Here's what I find remarkable about that quote - the book was first published in 1978 … 42 years ago! Jimmy Carter was President.The Colorado Rockies weren't a Major League Baseball team. It was pre-commercial internet, pre-smartphone, pre-Facebook. The quote was true 42 years ago; it's perhaps more true today. I believe the last 3 months have shown that what the world needs are Christians who think – then act – like Jesus. God does not expect non-Christians to think and act like Christ. He does expect Christians to think and act like Christ. As Christians, we’re to approach conflict and tension as Jesus would. So,…
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I'm writing this on June 4, 2020, a little over one week after the horrific killing of George Floyd. The last few weeks have been difficult and inspired many needed conversations. In an already polarized culture, we've been confronted with how differently many people see the world. As a Christ-follower, what I'm interested in this: How should we see the world? How does change happen in the challenging and painful environment we find ourselves in? I believe the Apostle Peter provides a good place to start: Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do…
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During a study break in 2017, I read "Emotionally Healthy Leadership" by Peter Scazzero. I've been a big fan ever since. It challenged me to rethink how I approached leadership, discipleship, and self-care. At this point in my life and ministry, I know I must be intentional about setting myself for maximum effectiveness. In a recent podcast, Scazzero dealt with an issue that all leaders struggle with: what it means to be successful. Here's part of what he said ... "Success is becoming the person God has called us to become and doing what God calls us to do. In other words, detaching from the outcomes and circumstances we want, and surrendering to God and his will, is success — regardless of where that takes us." Under normal conditions, it's hard for us to not confuse success with outcomes. We are wired to achieve, accomplish, and execute. When we produce…
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Some people visit the Grand Canyon and all they see is a big hole in the ground. In the same way – some people think of the church and what comes to mind is brick and mortar, worship songs, and programs for kids. They see a building. They see a particular worship style or version of the Bible or labels such as liberal, conservative, or progressive. What did the apostle Paul see when he thought of the church? Jesus. Jesus is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 29 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me. - Colossians 1:28-29 Professor at Warner University masters in business administration (mba) presenter at the WFX National Conference former president, Church Planters of the Rockies helped start 2 for-profit tech companies…
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I’m thankful for church that raised me. I’m also thankful for churches like Mountainview. Neither one is better than other – just different. Every generation of Christ-followers has a responsibility to build, equip, and extend the church in their own time and context.Watch more videos at the Mountainview YouTube channel. Looking for a Speaking Coach? The most successful people are not always the smartest people. But they have one thing in common: they communicate well. I'd love to help you become a better communicator. Click here. Professor at Warner University church planter with Stadia former former president, Church Planters of the Rockies masters in business administration (mba) helped start 2 for-profit tech companies Need a Speaker or Presenter? Interested in having me speak for your church, conference, or organization? Follow this link to learn more.
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