Becoming Great in the Social Sector (church)

Last updated on: July 10, 2012 at 2:36 pm By Kurt Willems

The following is a book review/overview. I’d like to hear your thoughts on the concepts presented… In his book “Good to Great and the Social Sectors: why business thinking is not the answer,” Jim Collins begins with the provocative statement: “We must reject the idea–well–intentioned, but dead wrong–that the primary path to greatness in the social sectors become “more like a business (1).” This suggestion comes out of the deep-rooted conviction that most businesses are not structured in a way... Read more

Creationism: a bridge too far

Last updated on: July 10, 2012 at 7:54 am By Kurt Willems

Creationism: A Bridge Too Far It should be a given that theological students are taught early on to consider the historical context, writing style, and author intention when trying to understand the bible. It seems somewhat surprising to me then that evangelicalism is still having debates about creation and evolution. It is clear that those who find it necessary to defend creationism are concerned that any limiting of a literal view of Genesis is an attack on scripture as... Read more

What the World thinks of the USA

Last updated on: July 5, 2012 at 10:13 pm By Kurt Willems

Interesting video… one not to be ignored. Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy Read more

Just Jesus & Unjust July 4th: Why I Don’t Celebrate Independence Day (Annual Unpopular Post)

Last updated on: July 4, 2013 at 3:10 pm By Kurt Willems

*Repost from 2011 photo © 2009 Alessandro Valli | more info (via: Wylio) Guys can do stupid things. Add explosives to the equation and the idiocy quotient increases exponentially. Such was the case every 4th of July during High school. A group of about 20 guys would get together to BBQ and play with illegal fireworks. At any unsuspected moment while taking a bite out of a burger, an M-80 could be lit under your seat, a sparkler thrown at... Read more

ReKnewing our Picture of God with Greg Boyd

Last updated on: July 1, 2012 at 9:39 pm By Kurt Willems

Greg Boyd invites believers and skeptics alike to consider a renewed picture of God. I hope you enjoy this video! Greg Boyd has started a new online ministry page that I think is going to be really exciting. This video is sort an introduction to the vision of ReKnew.org. I hope you will check it out! Here’s some information about the project: Throughout the world, people are re-thinking what they thought they knew about the Christian faith. It is an... Read more

The Resurrection is Good News for Women

Last updated on: July 1, 2012 at 9:21 pm By Kurt Willems

The resurrection is good news for women. In John chapter 20 Mary Magdalene is depicted as the first witness of the empty tomb. We don’t know much about this Mary. At various times in church history, the assumption was that she was both the sinful woman who used her hair to wash Jesus’ feet with perfume (Luke 7.37) and sometimes as Mary, the sister of Martha. Both connections would be convenient for us to learn about her background, but almost... Read more

Will you still be free When America Dies? (powerful stuff)

Last updated on: July 1, 2012 at 9:29 am By Kurt Willems

This was so good… Check it out! Read more

What did St. Francis mean by “Preach the Gospel at All Times?”

Last updated on: July 1, 2012 at 9:27 am By Kurt Willems

I was really impressed by my friend Jamie Arpin-Ricci‘s article over at the Huffington Post. Check out this excerpt and then follow the link to the rest of the article! Source: Huffington Post “Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.” This is, perhaps, the best known and most commonly quoted statement made by St. Francis of Assisi. It might surprise some to discover that he did not, in fact, say this. At least not as far as... Read more

Greg Boyd on Charismatic Gifts in his church

Last updated on: June 30, 2012 at 9:51 am By Kurt Willems

This is one of the best sermons I’ve ever heard on the issue of charismatic church. In the churches that I will be helping to plant, we will definitely embrace elements of this tradition along with the Anabaptist values. Let me know what you think! Read more