Twilight. . . .
What’s the most humiliating thing a father can do to his 16-year-old son? I think I figured that out. It went down last week. I’m laying on the couch in our family room. My head is propped up on two…
Read More
Cultural Encounters of the Weekend Kind. . . .
If you’ve been around us long enough you’ve no doubt heard me mention the classic faith and culture quote from theologian Karl Barth: “Every Christian should start their day with the Bible in one hand, and the newspaper in the…
Read More
3 Million?!?. . . .
There’s a reason why this is what it’s come to. We’ve been swimming in the marketing soup for so long that we don’t want to climb out of the pool. In fact, for Baby Boomers and beyond, it’s a part…
Read More
And the winner(s) is (are). . . .
Okay. This wasn’t easy. Last week I posted a blog inviting you to give us your reasons why you should be the person who wins the free registration to next month’s National Youth Ministry Conference in Columbus, Ohio. If you’re…
Read More
There’s Gotta Be Something More. . . .
I’m just finishing another one of those books that prophetically rocks my happy and satisfied little world. . . . making me restless and uneasy. It’s Michael Horton’s latest. . . Christless Christianity: The Alternative Gospel of the American Church.…
Read More
Interact. . . Learn. . . . Maybe Free!
I’ve had an awesome week. I’m teaching a seminary class on youth culture. Seven awesome students who I trust are being challenged, stretched, and equipped for deeper youth ministry. I won’t hesitate to say that I’m the real winner in…
Read More
Handy Randy. . . .
I remember hearing some confusing and troubling comments from grandparents when I was a kid. Someone would bring up the topic of declining health or advancing age and then say something like, “I’m ready to go.” Ready to go? My…
Read More
Follow me. . . .
“All eyes on me, please.” I’m afraid we’re only going there more and more. We should be sad, sorry, and ashamed of ourselves. Our marketing fed posture of consumption (“Give me what I want now or I’ll change the channel”),…
Read More
Watch and read. . . .
I’ll be playing catch-up on my Christmas film list. I only got out to see one of the movies out of the many I was hoping to catch during vacation. I think I made the right choice. . . .…
Read More
Now I can die. . . .
It’s usually the content of humorous reflections on previously unfinished business that when finally done, leads us to act like our lives are complete. . . even though we know deep down inside that isn’t even close to the truth.…
Read More
Spine-Tingling Reality. . . . .
There’s a tradition at our church that I absolutely love. On the Sunday before Christmas, our service ends with the singing of the Hallelujah Chorus, that thrilling piece from Handel’s “Messiah.” Members of the congregation who can sing – and…
Read More
Should I laugh, cry, or what. . . .?
Got a great YouTube link from my buddy Mike Flavin this morning. It features Alec Greven, our culture’s new relationship guru. It seems that Alec’s struck gold – most likely literally – by writing and speaking about how a man…
Read More