Notes on a Hashtag: #IStandWithSGMVictims

Last updated on: August 16, 2018 at 2:21 pm By Zach Hoag

Friday, on the heels of the Nate Morales conviction and the confession to covering up child sexual abuse at Covenant Life Church by former pastor Grant Layman, I started a hashtag on Twitter. I’ve never started a hashtag with any real intention behind it, and I’ve generally been wary of “hashtag activism.” But this story is so important to me. I have been closely involved in homeschool-movement and neo-Calvinist churches with abusive cultures, and I’m passionate about shining light on... Read more

Brad Sargent: My “Slate of Eight” Restitution Suggestions for SGM & CLC

Last updated on: August 16, 2018 at 2:21 pm By Guest Contributor

This is a guest post from an expert in the area of responding to abuse/unhealth within organizations/institutions, Brad Sargent. As the #IStandWithSGMVictims tag trended on Twitter yesterday in the wake of the Nate Morales conviction, Brad offered needed, concrete insights. He expands on those insights in this post. In the Morales trial, witness Grant Layman (former pastor of CLC) was questioned under oath and stated the following, according to the on-the-scene account of Brent Detwiler: Grant Layman was sworn in... Read more

#FFFF: Abby Norman

Last updated on: August 16, 2018 at 2:21 pm By Zach Hoag

I don’t want to be your white savior. When I tell you about the schools I used to teach at, the ones that burn in my heart, the ones I cannot stop thinking about on my slow drive up to my current suburban classroom, it is not so you can be impressed with me and what I used to do. It is not so you can say how hip and with it I am. I am not some sainted super-hero.... Read more

Breaking Wesleyanabaptist: A Story About (Resistible) Grace

Last updated on: August 16, 2018 at 2:21 pm By Zach Hoag

The senior pastor pulled me aside and, in his infamous dramatic baritone, directed me on how to lead the small group. “I need you to emphasize reprobation,” he said. “I believe it’s essential to understanding the gospel. And these people are way too soft when it comes to the absolute sovereignty of God. I’m a supralapsarian, you know.” The rigid small group structure of this Reformed Baptist church was such that each group had one leader and at least one... Read more

Rooted: God Has Hands [Jim Kast-Keat]

Last updated on: August 16, 2018 at 2:21 pm By Jim Kast-Keat

Hands It was an especially windy day in Jerusalem. The followers of Jesus had gathered together, unsure of their next step in living into this “age to come” that their recently departed leader had told them was at hand. And then, filled with the breath of God, they are inspired (which literally means “with breath”) to live as the people of God in a radically new way. They feed the hungry, care for the poor, and attend to any among... Read more

Rooted: Sacrament to the World [Nick Coates]

Last updated on: August 16, 2018 at 2:21 pm By Nick Coates

There’s a few every Sunday morning. Usually, when I look out at the congregation everything looks a little blurry, but a few faces typically stand. And while I’d love for these to be the faces of those with rapt attention, nodding along, grunting their primordial ‘amen’s!,’ these are the faces belonging to the people who have never been to a liturgical worship service before, and clearly have no idea what’s going on. You can tell by the combined look... Read more

Rooted: The Apophatic City [Daniel Karistai]

Last updated on: August 16, 2018 at 2:21 pm By Daniel Karistai

From time to time I enjoy playing “tourist” in my city, New Orleans. And given that we receive several million tourists every year that’s not a difficult thing to do. If I’m with my wife we will usually find something new to do, but when I’m alone I have a little bit of a ritual. I’ll hit one of my favorite coffee shops behind the cathedral on Royal Street. It’s really quite a place. You walk down a little... Read more

Rooted: Making Missional Families [Mandy Meisenheimer]

Last updated on: August 16, 2018 at 2:21 pm By Mandy Meisenheimer

Every week I deliver a Children’s Message during the worship hour at our church. The children march to the front of the sanctuary where I try my best to impart a bit of wisdom and Word in less than five minutes. It is my second favorite five minutes of the week – second only to my first cup of coffee on Monday morning. The kids are hilarious. I use props. And I slip in some of my biggest questions because... Read more

Rooted: Missional in Suburbia [KrisAnne Swartley]

Last updated on: August 16, 2018 at 2:21 pm By KrisAnne Swartley

Nine days out of ten, I feel like I am walking upstream, fighting a current that is twice as strong as my legs. I am a “missional pastor” in one of the wealthiest counties in Pennsylvania. Ours is the land of McMansions, SUVs, competitive kids’ sports leagues, malls and big box stores. My township does not have sidewalks. A classic missional practice – “walk your neighborhood!” – means taking my life in my hands as cars zip past me at... Read more

#FFFF: Brenna D’Ambrosio

Last updated on: August 16, 2018 at 2:21 pm By Zach Hoag

It is spring time in the city, and Chicago is coming back to life. Walking through my neighborhood you’ll see folks selling cotton candy and coconut water. Our park will be full of a beautiful mix of Muslim, Christian, and Orthodox Jewish children playing alongside each other. The basketball courts will be covered with teens and you can find pickup trucks parked on the side of the road selling strawberries and watermelon. Windows are thrown open and the streets will... Read more