The issue of “relevance” seems to be a two-edged sword. On the one had, who doesn’t want to be relevant? Relevant can mean–having sensible or logical connection with something–like that which is currently being discussed. And the church should be part of the conversation. Relevant can also mean–having some bearing on or importance for real-world …
Author: Steve
I love to study the Bible and I love to engage with others in learning. I had been privileged to do this on a regular basis through church ministry and through part-time teaching at a local Bible colleges.
Helping individuals learn to feed themselves through their own study of God’s Word is joy-giving to me. Influencing groups to do life and church from a biblically grounded, theologically faithful perspective is my passion.
Lessons from a Missions Trip (part 2)
One of the reasons I went on the Dominican Republic Missions Trip was because I could go with my whole family. It was a student ministries trip so both boys could have meaningful active roles and Mary Anne and I could also have significant roles. I would highly recommend to anyone who wants to grow …
Lessons from a Missions Trip (part 1)
I spend two of the last three weeks in the Dominican Republic on a missions trip with 22 students and 5 other leaders. Some observations. The church we went to serve with in the Dominican Republic has done a wonderful job of training leaders. They have a group of 22 leaders that serve as the …
Worship Evangelism or The Church and Cultural Relevance part 1
Attached is an article that I think is worth reading. It was originally in the May/June 2007 issue of REV Magazine, but I found it through one of the blogs I read–blog.worship.com. Worship Evangelsim by Sally Morgenthaler It continues to amaze me that we (the church generally) have turned worship–which should, by definition, be focused …
Engaging Culture part 2
In order to engage our culture in a strategic way, we must invest our influence with intentionality. In thinking through this concept we may at times walk a tight rope. So let’s look at biblical instruction on this issue. First, notice the progression in thought 1 Corinthians 6:12 “All things are lawful for me,” but …
Engaging Culture part 1
How should we relate to our culture? This is a subject that comes up regularly in the church as well as in conversations with parents. Since our culture does not espouse the same values we do, and in many instances is opposed to our values, how should we relate? What should we allow our children …
Vacation vs Rest
For the past two weeks I’ve been on vacation. In our society, when you say your “going on vacation” the natural question is–“Where are you going?” Last summer as a family (along with my parents, my sister and her kids) we “went on vacation” visiting great canyons and mountains out West. It was a wonderful …