Monthly Archives: May 2005

Just back from seeing the movie (actually, just back from seeing the movie, putting kids to bed, trying to fix my email, fixing my email, then fixing what I messed up when I tried fixing my email). I’ve seen a … Continue reading →

My mission – and the mission I challenge my church to – is to make disciples who become disciple-makers. Jesus is calling people of all ages to follow him. Here are some ideas from Christian Smith’s recent book, Soul Searching: … Continue reading →

I first ran across Seth Godin while reading Fast Company a few years ago. His new book is just out and the title alone has provoked me: All Marketers Are Liars. Back in 1988 George Barna wrote Marketing the Church. … Continue reading →

I heard yesterday that 75% of the freshman class at the local high school failed the Math TAKS test. At this stage it doesn’t mean they have to repeat the grade, but it’s still pretty serious. Throughout the district the … Continue reading →

In response to Donald Haynes’ recent proposal in the United Methodist Reporter, a useful discussion has ensued over at WesleyBlog. In one of the comments David writes of the challenges facing the current system: Third, congregations (in general) have a … Continue reading →

In part one, I suggested that Biblical wisdom is parasitic on the narrative of who God is and what God has done and is doing. I suggested that many of the church growth maxims can be best understood as abstractions … Continue reading →

The Bishops have just finished their meeting. They are focusing on making disciples. Sounds good to me. Even better, they say: The bishops will develop a teaching plan for the church, and measurable goals will be provided for encouraging local … Continue reading →

If you’re a parent in America today, you probably experience stress from a multitude of sources. Disciplining children (teaching them both what to do and what not to do) is difficult. Relating to your kids when they’re not talking to … Continue reading →

Pioneer sociologist of religion Max Weber wrote about the routinization of charisma in religious groups. A movement would start, led by a charismatic figure. Once the charismatic figure either passed beyond charisma or left the scene, the movement needed to … Continue reading →

The NFL needs to get over the mandatory marketing of coach’s clothing and permit Nolan to wear a suit if he so chooses.