British journalist George Monbiot has declared that we live in “the age of loneliness,” and despite all our technology, we live increasingly disconnected and lonely lives. So, what are we to do? How do we begin the work of restorying the world, of giving shape to new stories that help us live more connected and more meaningful lives? A Thread …
Telling the Easter Story: Unconventional How-Tos for Churches
Many years ago, we invited a friend to lead some simple music at the Easter service at a community center. He was early, so he sat outside strumming his guitar. The next-door neighbors heard our friend’s music and invited him into their home to play for them. He told them that he only knew how to play Christian music, but …
5 Practices for Rediscovering Civil Discourse
It has been a challenging season for me. Every time I write something it seems keyboard warriors are out in force, criticizing, abusing and telling me why I am wrong and they are right. Our Christian society is becoming more polarized, not just around political issues, but over issues of race, immigration, gender and homelessness to name just a few. …
Register Now! Free Webinar with Alan Roxburgh
“Every system is perfectly designed to get the results it gets.” It’s a well-known idiom, for businesses and organizations. It’s true for the Church, too. Alan Roxburgh’s latest book, Structure for Mission: Renewing the Culture of the Church, argues that we must look deeper than just fixing the church. We need to examine the underlying stories, metaphors, and cultures that …
How to Spot an Immature Prophet and What To Do About It
This is the second in a series of articles on recognizing immaturity in fivefold ministry and what to do about it. If you have no idea what fivefold ministry is, check out Alan Hirsch’s brief descriptions here, or JR Woodward’s video introduction here. Missional church planting isn’t easy. You’re trying to grow something from the ground up in a healthy way, but …
Announcing Praxis 2016: Shaping Disciples for Movement
The Church Planting Conference for Missional-Incarnational Practitioners Last year was our first Praxis Gathering in Washington DC. We enjoyed the rich diversity of our presenters speaking into grounded missional practices: from Alan Hirsch flipping the apple cart on movements, to David Bailey unpacking racism in the church, to Mia Chang sharing her journey of being a woman church planter, to Jon …