I once asked Frank, a friend and successful financial planner, for the best advice he gave to his clients. I was shocked by his response: “Eric, I tell all my clients to calculate how much they earn during the first two work days of the month. Then I tell them to give that amount to … Continue reading The Best Financial Advice I Ever Received
What To Do When You Do Something Stupid (Even If It’s For Jesus)
This week, a mega-church in my hometown played an April Fools prank on the community. They announced the launching of their own craft beer brand as a way for them to connect with beer drinkers who don’t go to church. The video directed viewers to a website, which, if the investigated deep enough, one would … Continue reading What To Do When You Do Something Stupid (Even If It’s For Jesus)
The BEST Way To Begin Mission In The Home
In my last post, I wrote that we are called not to choose family OR mission, nor are we to try to balance family AND mission, but that Christ calls us to be families ON mission. The obvious question is this: “How do I do this?” In the ministry of Jesus, before He sent His disciples … Continue reading The BEST Way To Begin Mission In The Home
Mission Begins at Home…But Doesn’t End There
As a pastor, it can be really easy to focus entirely on mission through the church I lead while completely ignoring mission through the family of which I am a part. However, no matter how great of a preacher, discipler, and spiritual leader I am in the church, my impact as a pastor pales in comparison … Continue reading Mission Begins at Home…But Doesn’t End There
Forget The How Of Sharing Faith. Focus On The Who.
I recently came across a video of a presentation done by Dr. Charles Arn, a professor at Wesley Seminary. In it, he described the results of a research study that had asked those who had come to faith in Christ through church why they showed up in the first place. You can watch the video by … Continue reading Forget The How Of Sharing Faith. Focus On The Who.
Why You Don’t Have To Celebrate Lent, But You Should!
As a Lutheran pastor who did not grow up paying attention to the church year, there are powerful benefits to the liturgical calendar. At different times of the year, we are offered an opportunity for "disproportionate focus" on certain aspects of the faith. During Advent, we reject consumerism and lean into our hope for the Messiah who … Continue reading Why You Don’t Have To Celebrate Lent, But You Should!
Margin or Marginal?
Will you create margin or just experience the marginal? This morning, Laura and I worshipped at a church plant in the Toledo area called Soma City Church. We were blessed by a great sermon by their pastor, whose central message was that followers of Jesus are called to engage relationally with those who might otherwise make … Continue reading Margin or Marginal?
Growing A Neck
Scripture: Genesis 15:1-6 Did you know that the word "BELIEVE" doesn't mean what you think it means? The English language is the only one of the European-based languages where "believing" something is primarily an intellectual matter. In every other language, belief involves the connection of head and heart. It is not possible to say that one … Continue reading Growing A Neck
The Same Word
Scripture: Exodus 19:16-19 There is a commercial running right now for State Farm in which a married couple is shown facing two entirely different circumstances, yet uttering the same phrases. In the first, they are watching peacefully as a herd of wild mustangs grazes gently nearby. In the other, the same wild mustangs stampede past them, … Continue reading The Same Word
Everyday Amnesia
Scripture: 2 Peter 1:10-15 I am not what most people would call a "morning person." Most mornings, when I first wake up, I am downright cranky. My natural inclination is to lay in bed and forgo the excercise, family breakfast, and personal devotional time that have become my morning routine. It is not until an admonishment … Continue reading Everyday Amnesia