In 2007, I had coffee with a church planter in New York City who had recently moved there from Dallas, TX. This was at the height of the urban church planting craze and I was looking to plant in an…
Are Smart, Educated Women Still Called to the Church Nursery?
Before I went to seminary, I worked as a regular volunteer in children’s ministry. My church at the time was small, so I taught Sunday school lessons to a “one-room schoolhouse” of tiny primaries and spunky middle-schoolers. After completing my…
When Jesus Doesn’t Calm the Storm
As a missionary kid growing up in Guatemala, I survived the destructive effects of a massive earthquake and a major military coup. As an adult now living in Houston, I have survived the destructive effects of a hurricane. But I…
The Holy Calling of Wealth Creation Isn’t So Simple
At a conference in March 2017, the Lausanne Movement and Business as Mission Global issued the important, helpful, and much-needed “Wealth Creation Manifesto.” While this manifesto is reflective of important biblical themes, it ignores others and ultimately fails to provide…
The Parable of the Lost Pointer
Jesus means these words, found in Luke 15:4, metaphorically. Speaking to the Pharisees about his penchant for keeping unsavory company, Jesus is really talking about lost sinners, not sheep. But the power of a parable depends upon our ability to understand…
Hurricane Harvey Is Here. Time for Christians to Show What We’ve Learned Since Katrina.
If current projections hold true, Hurricane Harvey will be the strongest hurricane to strike the United States since Katrina, Rita, and Wilma hit in 2005. A decade ago, maybe your church volunteered, planned a short-term mission trip, gave money, or…
Our Two Spiritual Time Zones
“As we have heard, so we have seen in the city of the Lord Almighty, in the city of our God: God makes her secure forever. Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love.” –Psalm 48:8–9 Iwoke…
How to Talk About Race with Your Kids
Children naturally notice differences—and that is a good thing. My toddler is incredibly aware of the fact that his mommy is brown. He is really into colors right now, and we’re constantly talking about them. I ask him questions like,…
Challenges to Becoming a Multicultural Church
One of the biggest issues in our culture is race relations. I write about it often, and the latest #Charlottesville incident reminds us of the brokenness we face in this area. One of the biggest knocks on the Church is that 11:00…
Propaganda’s ‘Crooked’ Balances Raw Humility with Prophetic Fire
With bold, prophetic fire, Los Angeles–based rapper Propaganda starts his new album, Crooked, with a daring claim: “Some heroes unsung and some monsters get monuments built for ’em / But ain’t we all a little bit a monster? We crooked!” In…