A Supper In Cell 92 with Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Last updated on: August 16, 2012 at 9:23 pm By Kurt Willems

The current Christian landscape in America is a war torn battlefield; daily blogs are launched like scud missiles at perceived ideological adversaries; renowned pastors are revered as decorated generals who are marshaling their congregants for battle; Conservative and Liberal authors, plus those in between and beyond, are ever busy devising top-secret publications designed to finish off the other side for good; all while the innocent lay Christian is caught between the fray, occasionally becoming theological collateral damage. But is this... Read more

Favorite Blue Like Jazz / Don Miller Quotes to Celebrate the New Movie?

Last updated on: June 15, 2013 at 9:32 am By Kurt Willems

The contest for the free copies of Blue Like Jazz the movie is over. The names of the winners are: Sarah Lauren Elzi DeLeon Aaronoph davidforeman Jas-nDye Even if you didn’t win, I invite you to purchase your own copy of the DVD here on Amazon. I personally enjoyed watching this movie with my wife. It was hilarious, interesting, authentic, and impactful. I highly recommend it! It would be a great movie to watch with a college group, small group,... Read more

The Gospel: in 1 word, 3 words, & 30 words (@Bruxy Cavey)

Last updated on: August 14, 2012 at 10:43 pm By Kurt Willems

HT: Tim Day I got to spend some time with Bruxy at the North American Brethren in Christ General Conference this past July. When I asked him about what he has been reading lately, he responded “I’m reading everything I can get my hands on about the Gospel.” Here, Bruxy unpacks the broad scope of what he understands the core of the Gospel to be. He offers some great thoughts here. What do you think? Where do you agree? How... Read more

Recycling Hymns Creatively – Wayfarer (check these guys out!)

Last updated on: August 13, 2012 at 9:30 pm By Kurt Willems

Hi there, we’re Wayfarer. We live in Seattle and do something a little different than most bands: we take lyric sets from old, largely forgotten hymns or Southern Spirituals, and we write entirely new music to those lyrics: melodies, chords, arrangements, etc. We call it “Repurposed Hymns & Spiritual Songs.” This last January, we traveled to Thailand bringing some of these fresh ideas and songs to some friends who had prepared a small tour for us. Seattle musician Mark Isakson... Read more

God is throwing a party and everyone is invited! (Rob Bell)

Last updated on: August 12, 2012 at 9:51 pm By Kurt Willems

***If you want my thoughts on Rob Bell and Hell, here’s where you can start. That is my “Hell Series.” After reading that, then you can check out this post that specifically addresses the theology of Love Wins. Read more

Win Free Copy of Blue Like Jazz Movie DVD (easy!)

Last updated on: August 15, 2012 at 9:52 pm By Kurt Willems

CONTEST IS OFFICIALLY OVER! Hi friends! I’ve been invited to give away 5 copies of Blue Like Jazz the Movie! I watched the movie while it was in theaters and personally loved it! Great movie to watch on a Date Night. Now, you can own a copy of it for your self. 1) The DVD / Blu-Ray is available as of this past Tuesday, August 7th. If you don’t happen to win, I think you should pick up a copy.... Read more

Francis Chan – How To Experience The Holy Spirit

Last updated on: August 9, 2012 at 8:01 am By Kurt Willems

God, I Thank You I’m Not Like Those Others: The Meta-Sin of Culture Wars

Last updated on: August 7, 2012 at 11:37 pm By Kurt Willems

Permit me—even forgive me if need be—for tampering with Scripture for a moment to make a brief but vital point: Jesus also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt… The conservative Christian, standing by himself, was blogging thus, “God, I thank you that I am not like other people: ignoring God’s clear commands against homosexuality, not upholding Scripture as inerrant and infallible, giving an ear to biological evolution for... Read more

N.T. Wright on Why Women SHOULD be in Pastoral Roles

Last updated on: August 6, 2012 at 8:02 am By Kurt Willems

Early in my undergrad studies, I came to the realization that I had never wrestled with the issue of whether or not women should be pastors. At the church I worked at during this season, we did have one woman on staff called a “Pastor to Children and Women.” But, I had never been part of a church where women regularly preached or even functioned as lead pastors. I now, after much study and prayer, believe that women are to... Read more

Developing a Culture of Creativity in Your Church

Last updated on: August 2, 2012 at 3:07 pm By Kurt Willems

When you read the word creativity, what comes to mind? If I put it in context and said to you, ‘John’s very creative’ what would you think? Would you think John was an artist, maybe a musician? What if I added the fact that John was a Pastor? Would that change how what you thought about John? If I said, ‘Pastor John is very creative’ what would you think? How would you envision Pastor John? Chances are you would think... Read more