Dallas Willard is responsible for one of the most significant paradigm shifts of my life: realizing that the “cost of discipleship” is actually lower than the cost of non-discipleship. In other words, discipleship to Jesus is the best “deal” we get as human beings.
[Read more…] about The Cost of Discipleship Vs. the Cost of Foolishness
Dealing with a narcissist is confusing and disorienting. As a pastor (and just a person), I’ve encountered a few people that, in retrospect, I think manifested narcissistic tendencies.
Being able to see the patterns has been helpful for me, so I can know better how to manage my own anxiety about the relationship, and relate to these kinds of people in a better way.
[Read more…] about 6 Signs You Might Be Dealing With a NarcissistDear pastors,
I’m with you. I see you. I know how hard you’re working. I know how much you care. I know the deep commitment you have to your calling. It’s your calling that sustains you though hard seasons of ministry, times when stones are thrown your way and times when people you care deeply for walk in and out of your life.
In the midst of this pandemic, I’ve noticed a response from some Christian leaders that strikes me as unhelpful (and unhealthy). I admit it is something in me as well, so I’m not just pointing fingers but seeking a more excellent way.
[Read more…] about Seeking Control During the Coronavirus PandemicWhen I slow down with others so I can hear their stories, I often find out where people are really at in life: what they’re celebrating and what they’re struggling with. And because people are more influenced by what they want than what they think, there’s simply no way to disciple someone if you can’t talk about desire.
[Read more…] about Why Listening is a Key Practice For Evangelism
(This is the second story of what it sounds like to share the gospel of allegiance to Jesus in real life. You can read the first one here.)
I was recently talking with a few of my friends in the neighborhood about life and faith. One of my friends appeared a little agitated and then blurted out, “I’ve been meaning to ask you about this. All this talk about God and what he is like and what he might want from us. Who’s to say God just doesn’t want me to be happy? If I enjoy going to strip clubs and seeing naked women why wouldn’t God be okay with that? Maybe your view of God is just too narrow, Gino. Maybe your God is no fun.”
[Read more…] about Proclaiming the Gospel of Allegiance: Another Story
