How to Stifle a Culture of Call

Here’s an obvious thing: those who discern a call to ministry, do so in a variety of ways. The shape that a calling may take is unique to the gifts, life experience, and interests of the particular person discerning it. For as long as most church structures have existed, the primary form that such aContinue reading “How to Stifle a Culture of Call”

We’ve Tried Nothing and We’re All Out of Ideas

You’ve likely seen them if you’re a regular TV viewer. They tend to show up as online ads as well, including various streaming platforms if you haven’t chosen the commercial-free package. They often start with some touching scenes or images of people showing love to one another, or talking about their struggles with loneliness orContinue reading “We’ve Tried Nothing and We’re All Out of Ideas”

Coffeehouse Contemplative Book Excerpt: It’s All Spiritual

Below is an excerpt from my book Coffeehouse Contemplative: Spiritual Direction for the Everyday. When my family sits down to eat dinner, my son is very particular about the position of the food on his plate. He has a standing decree that each element making up the meal on any given evening must not touchContinue reading “Coffeehouse Contemplative Book Excerpt: It’s All Spiritual”