How Our Family Really Learned To Pull Together

Wouldn’t it be great if our families (your’s and mine) lived in such a way that we actually showed what God’s original idea for family was–and his true heart for everyone? Yes it would…and it can!

I’m not much of a sports guy and never really have been. I tried my hand at various sports as a kid and while in middle and high school, but alas, I had neither the genes nor ambition to be very good or super-competitive at sports. Now my son, on the other hand, is more of a natural athlete—especially when compared to me. (more…)

Halloween Brings the Mission to Your Doorstep

Depending on your faith community or brand of spirituality, Halloween and trick-or-treating may be controversial for some of you. But no one can argue that when a national tradition literally lines kids and parents up at your doorstep, that has to be a good time to roll out the red carpet for mission.

 

Regardless if you really love this tradition and go all out, or if you’re less into the whole dress-up and party thing, and whether you call it Halloween, Trick-or-Treat, Harvest Party or whatever, here are 7 things you can do to leave a lasting impression on people and really prime the pump for future missional opportunities:
Click to download the Ultimate Guide to Halloween on Mission for Free.

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Lifeschool 187: Why Jesus Didn’t Make Disciples in a Classroom

Something isn’t working. More and more we’re seeing people leave the church because it seems less relevant to them, and they are not being discipled in the normal aspects of everyday life. Jesus… can you help us?!

This week on the Lifeschool Podcast, we look into why Jesus didn’t make disciples in a classroom or only sitting in rows at the temple once a week. And we’ll show you the discipleship environment he created. (You’ll want to live the same way too after hearing this!)

jesus didn't make disciples in classroom
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The Biggest Mistake You Can Make in Disciple-making!

Discipleship and mission gets derailed because we forget to begin at the beginning or “begin to begin again”. I can’t believe how many times I’ve made this huge mistake in my disciple-making and development of leaders. [You can avoid this!]

A disciple-making analogy: You take your kids out to your garage, let’s say they are ages 8, 10 and 12 years old. And out there you show them a catalog with a picture of a beautiful armoire or large wooden cabinet.

Super detailed and inlayed and gorgeous! Next to the armoire is a stack of very nice wood and veneers and there are lathes and table saws. Every kind of woodworking tool imaginable. Then you tell your kids to get after it and start making armoires. Maybe a dresser or two while they’re at it.

But here’s the problem: they have never been taught how to make furniture or build cabinets. They were never apprenticed into these types of skills. (more…)

Lifeschool 186: Why Our Leaders Need to Reimagine the Church

The Church has been run in much the same way for decades; we’ve run programs, services, built buildings, and held conferences. I wonder if we’ve really achieved the thing that is most on the heart of God?

This week on the Lifeschool Podcast, we talk with author and movement leader, Nic Harding, and try and explain why our leaders need to reimagine the church as it functions today.

leaders need to reimagine church
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Lifeschool 185: How Do We Love Mercy and Do Justice?

It seems like it only takes a few seconds being on social media or TV to see people crying out for justice. We often speak of “getting justice”, but the Bible speaks of “doing justice”.

This week on the Lifeschool Podcast, we discuss the command in scripture to love mercy and do justice… and if our cultural understanding and experience of justice is lining up with God’s heart and hopes.

how do we do justice
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