I’ve got a new article up at the Huffington post called How to Shrink Your Church. It’s re-posted on the Jesus Creed blog where there is a really good discussion happening in the comments. This is certainly touching a nerve with some people. Lots of questions about what faithfulness actually looks like. I say faithfulness is like pornography – it’s difficult to define, but you know it when you see it. Faithfulness defies definition because it is always occasional, local,... Read more

So Mel Gibson is on a long losing streak. After separating from his wife of 26 years in 2006, it’s been one embarrassing blunder after another. He’s been arrested and caught saying terribly offensive things. He’s been accused of misogyny, racism, antisemitism, and homophobia, all for good reasons. And when questioned about his actions, his beliefs, his statements, and missteps he has not fared well. The more he stepped in it, the more everyone piled on. One wonders where his... Read more

So, I wrote this book for Cascade books called An Evangelical Social Gospel?: Finding God’s Story in the Midst of Extremes. The book is about the nexus of the personal and corporate aspects of the Christian faith & how they have to be held together in order for Christianity to be intelligible. I’m trying to offer solid theological footing for those who are attempting to envision a different kind of faith-life than the one they grew up with. The writing... Read more

I just read a blog post saying that Mark Driscoll’s church “Mars Hill,” has legally protected the rights of their church name & is seeking legal action to force other churches to stop using that name. I really hope it isn’t true, but it sort of sounds like Driscoll. Hopefully the pastor of the other Mars Hill will scan the cease & desist letter to confirm. Here’s part of the story from the blog: The third Mars Hill I know... Read more

Hey Friends! My editors at Cascade tell me that one of the best ways to promote your book on Amazon.com is to have people who have read it log on to their Amazon account and write a review. So that’s your assignment for the week! Log onto Amazon.com and find An Evangelical Social Gospel, then write a review! It doesn’t even matter if your review is good or bad – speak your peace! Thanks in advance for helping me to... Read more

I’m finishing up reading Walter Brueggemann’s book, “Disruptive Grace,” this morning. Chapter 14 begins with this quotation: Here is an idea about the vocation of the church: To dream the impossible dream; To speak the impossible word; To act the impossible act. Brilliant. Brueggemann is a freak of nature… ts Read more

For a couple of years now I’ve been trying to find some time to read some of what Peter Rollins is writing. I still haven’t gotten around to it, although I’m about to order his newest book. It is called Insurrection: To Believe is Human To Doubt, Divine. Here’s a little clip of his provocative style – let me just say that I love all things British, Scottish, and Irish – so I’m predisposed to think Rollins is brilliant. Plus... Read more

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I’ve got a new article up at the Huffington Post called The Irony of the Tea Party. It’s going to be interesting to watch the reaction. Hope you’ll read it & pass it on to a friend! Here’s an excerpt. As the country gears up for the 2012 presidential election season it seems obvious it’s going to be ugly. When it’s all said and done billions will be spent trying to differentiate (i.e. mudsling, smear and annihilate), opposing candidates in... Read more

I’ve got a new article up at the Huffington Post about the failures of the mega-church model. I couldn’t say all that I wanted to say in the article because of the limits of space. A couple clarifying things I will add here are addressed specifically at some of the comments & the tweet from Rick Warren. I have spent most of my professional life living between the worlds of the small church and the mega-church. In Satellite Soul, we... Read more