Planned & Unplanned Discipleship

What does biblical discipleship look like? Is it found in a Sunday school class? Or perhaps in a worship service?  What about Bible study groups? While all of these may contain discipleship, discipleship is not necessarily contained in them. Discipleship could be divided into two main categories: planned and unplanned. Planned discipleship specifically calls aside …

MJ, Discipleship & Missions -Part Two

God created us in His image to reflect His glory (see part 1). And His goal is to see His glory cover the earth as His image is spread to all nations. Habakuk 2:14 states, “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the …

What is Your Community Mission?

When missionaries are commissioned to plant a church, they are expected to reach the community to which they have been sent. For instance, a missionary sent to a suburb of Omaha, Nebraska is expected to reach the people in that particular area through community engagement. Many times this takes shape as a service project such …

What Should Christians Say to Homosexuals About Homosexuality?

This is part 2 of “How now should we talk to our gay friends?” The first part talks about the “how,” or “posture,” of Christian conversation. This part (2) will address the “what,” or “content,” of our conversation.    I need to admit is the tension I feel while writing. On the one hand, I …

MJ, Discipleship & Missions -Part One

You’ve seen the logo. No matter your age or interests, most likely you recognize the Michael “Air” Jordan logo. It is Nike’s goose that laid the golden egg. Created in 1985, it is officially known as the “Jumpman” logo. For years it exclusively branded a line of “Air Jordan” basketball shoes and apparel. Today, however, …

Ready to Hand Over Your Baby?

In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul instructs Timothy, “…what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”  What a great summary of a spiritual legacy! Paul describes four generations of discipleship in this verse.  He starts with himself (what you have …

We Love Gay People

Several years ago, I published this article in a denominational paper. Needless to say, it received mixed reviews -some positive, some negative. Nonetheless, I think the issue is just as important as it was then -and certainly more relevant. I look forward to hearing your feedback.   Let’s put this in perspective. Fact: Homosexuality is …

Attention Please!

Billy is having trouble in math class so his parents hire a personal tutor.  They know that individual attention will be more effective than group instruction. Discipleship is the same way. To be effective, it requires intensity that cannot be found in large crowds. Disciples must have the undivided attention of their disciple-makers. Part of …

How, Then, Should We Speak to Our Gay Friends Now?

The Supreme Court of the United States has ruled on same-sex marriage. In the days following, many Christians have written various responses. Many are filled with good information regarding the biblical definition of marriage as between one man and one woman. Other responses have focused on the future implications of the SCOTUS ruling on US …