Cradles and the Cross
Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” John 21:16 Last week, I took care of my grandson while my son and …
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Springtime Snow and Sad Days
This post originally appeared on the author’s blog on May 21, 2019. Yep. It snowed. Quite a bit, actually. Summer break starts on Friday, the community pools open on Monday, and we are in several inches of snow in Colorado. …
Finding Sacred Space in the Upper Room
Sunday night. A group of friends huddle inside their upper room, doors locked, afraid. Can you blame them? Two days ago their friend and teacher was brutally and publicly executed. No wonder they’re hiding. I doubt I’ll ever understand the…
Relinquishing Our Programs for Happiness
To go spiritually deep, and not wide, invites us to come to terms with a cluster of vulnerabilities we all share—three instincts that touch our deepest human longings: control, affection, and security. This orientation is so pervasive in the human …
The Treasonous Act of Small Children Waving Branches
This post originally appeared on the author’s blog at catherinemcniel.com. Like many churches, we have a Palm Sunday procession to mark the beginning of Holy Week. When I dropped my Kindergartner at her class [on Palm Sunday several years ago], …
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Party of One, This Way, Please!
Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. Philippians 2:4, NLT “You can’t have a ministry here for women only!” the older woman scolded. “This is a family church, and we don’t want …
Your Quarantine Reflections Matter
This article originated from a Facebook post from NavPress author Leslie Leyland Fields, who has been teaching and publishing stories around the world for 30 years using a dynamic, spiritually formative writing process. Dearest Friends, Please don’t miss these moments! …
Eight Natural Means that God Uses to Call Leaders
Throughout the Bible, we see God use multiple methods to call leaders. For Moses, it was a burning bush. For Samuel, it was a voice in the night. For Esther, it was the wisdom of a family member. For Saul-turned-Paul, …
Fighting Clean: Tips on How to Argue Well
One thing I have always struggled with is learning how to fight clean. In my family of origin, we won arguments by any means necessary: belittling, demeaning, and making the other person feel as small and as insignificant as possible …
When It’s Time to Change Your Course
When we experience challenges, it is perfectly normal to question our calling, or at least to consider whether it is time to make a change from our current ministry. In fact, I would argue that these questions are an important …