Categories
faith ministry

Jesus’ Pastoral Care (1 of 2)

What kind of pastoral care did Jesus provide? I was challenged to consider this question by a co-worker last week who used the story of Lazarus as an example. Here are the opening lines of this narrative from John 11, TNIV: 1 Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village […]

Categories
changing lives faith leadership

Care Retreat / Advance

Today I am with members of the Congregational Care Team at Resurrection on a semi annual (or is that bi annual…) team retreat that happens twice a year. A little help on terms? In any case it is a time to look back on the year and plan for the year ahead. Overall an excellent […]

Categories
changing lives church

Church = Spiritual Formation

I believe that the primary role of the church is spiritual formation. Through worship, teaching, classes, serving, conversation, care, accountability and many other specifics the faith community that is the church is about forming the souls closer to the image of God. This journey of sanctification moves us closer toward perfect love of God and […]

Categories
annual conference renewing the church united methodist church

Micro Church Demonstration and Pilot Groups

Last week was an exciting week in developing the concept of using the worship stream at http://live.cor.org to facilitate small groups gathering for worship. Along with others, I was in conversation with leaders from two annual conferences, a local church in Wichita and an existing Resurrection based home group. Each of the annual conferences indicated […]

Categories
question and response

Why are there gaps in Jesus’ timeline in the Gospels?

Last week, I received several questions from a Resurrection member who had been using a DVD series to study as a part of a small group. I will take some time today and over the next few days to respond as I believe that there may be others who are interested as well. Always feel […]

Categories
question and response

Why did Jesus preach for such a short period of time?

Last week, I received several questions from a Resurrection member who had been using a DVD series to study as a part of a small group. I will take some time today and over the next few days to respond as I believe that there may be others who are interested as well. Always feel […]

Categories
faith question and response

Non-biblical support for Christian claims about Jesus?

Last week, I received several questions from a Resurrection member who had been using a DVD series to study as a part of a small group. I will take some time today and over the next few days to respond as I believe that there may be others who are interested as well. Always feel […]

Categories
renewing the church united methodist church

Micro Church: New Church Start (5 of 5)

I believe that over the next several years, micro churches will become an important part of renewal within The United Methodist Church. While there are many different settings in which micro churches might thrive, I believe that the greatest potential may be in planting new churches. As micro churches continue to multiply and grow, leadership […]

Categories
renewing the church united methodist church

Micro Church: Existing Congregation (4 of 5)

I believe that over the next several years, micro churches will become an important part of renewal within The United Methodist Church. I believe that existing congregations could be a place where a micro church could flourish. Utilizing a live stream of worship could enable existing congregations to begin another worship service with a small […]

Categories
renewing the church united methodist church

Micro Church: College (3 of 5)

I believe that over the next several years, micro churches will become an important part of renewal within The United Methodist Church. I believe that colleges and universities have great potential to be a place where micro churches will flourish. In residence halls and public spaces, there exists a community that is already in close […]

Categories
renewing the church united methodist church

Micro Church: Home (2 of 5)

I believe that over the next several years, micro churches will become an important part of renewal within The United Methodist Church. I believe that homes have great potential to be a place where micro churches will flourish. It may be easier to invite someone that is new to faith into one’s home rather than […]

Categories
renewing the church united methodist church

Micro Church: Renewing the Mainline Church (1 of 5)

I believe that over the next several years, micro churches will become an important part of renewal within The United Methodist Church. Micro churches will be supported by existing congregations that use web technology to live stream worship, such as http://live.cor.org. These existing churches will encourage and equip local leaders of a group of 10 […]