The Myth of “Insufficient Resources”

I've been part of a couple of conversations lately about whether or not we still need denominations or associations of churches. Many times, supporters of these associations cite the benefits of smaller churches partnering with larger ones to be more effective in missions. There may be a good reason to ...

A Good Way To Start

As I encourage churches to get involved in international missions, one thing that often comes up is the question of where to start. With thousands of people groups in the world, and millions of potential places of service, where do you start? Most missions organizations would tell you to engage a ...

What Are You Waiting For?

I've spent quite a bit of time talking with leaders of small, nontraditional churches in major urban centers in the United States. Many of them are just getting started in ministry and planting churches. I understand that starting a church takes time and energy.So when I ask these guys about ...

Churched Out

Lately it seems that everyone I talk to is tired of church. Some are actively involved- teaching Sunday School, attending Bible Studies, even leading worship. Others have given up church altogether, opting instead for isolated and lonely personal ministries outside any organized body of believers.These people are not where they ...

Between 2% and Porterhouse

My team had an interesting discussion over the last couple of days. This isn't as remarkable as it might sound, but while most people spend Christmas talking about football and shopping, our team talks about ecclesiology. Who says we aren't committed to our jobs? (And no, there is no truth ...

A New Field of Service

So here I am- a continent, three cultures, and two months since my last post. A lot has changed. For starters, I'm still working with the IMB. Our regional leadership has been a tremendous support as we've begun the "About Europe" meetings and worked to launch the Upstream Collective. My ...

The UpStream Collective

Several people have asked about what's next for me. The truth is, I don't know. I still don't know what I'm going to do for a living after we arrive in the U.S. Sure it sounds irresponsible and immature to up and leave a perfectly good job and regular paycheck ...

The Only Thing Harder Than Arriving? Leaving.

I'm not the sensitive emotional type. I never cry at weddings. I hate romantic comedies. I think that pictures of babies in flower pots should be considered cruelty. I don't save souvenirs, birthday cards, or mementos. As I pack up to leave the field, I'm experiencing this strange sensation- emotion. ...

The Devil Is In The Details

In the comments section of my last post Now Tell Us How You Really Feel, a reader asked about some of the details of my transition from the field back to the United States. In the past, I haven't written as much about these sorts of details; partly to protect ...
May 6th 2008
Tags: Uncategorized 5 Comments

Now Tell Us How You Really Feel

I'd like to thank everyone who's sent emails and comments in support of our move. I'm not sure what it means when people seem to be glad you're leaving, but I'm going to take it as an encouragement. One thing that many people are asking is whether I'm going to really ...

Search

The archives run deep. Feel free to search older content using topic keywords.