Strategically Small

An Outreach Magazine Article (Published on April 18, 2022)

Jesus was a masterful leader. He was intentional. Purposeful.

When we think of his influence, and how his message continues to grow thousands of years and billions of followers later, we are in awe because he did not do the successful, popular or inspiring things. He did not seek fame. He did not lord his power over others or try to establish an empire on earth. He did not have social media or the benefits of technology.

Jesus was true to his teachings, even when it was difficult for his audience to hear:

“Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me” (Matt. 10:37).

“Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead” (Matt. 8:22).

“Anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27).

Simply put, Jesus did not go big. On the contrary, oftentimes when he had a large crowd or performed a miracle, he drew away for times of rest.

In those sacred moments, Jesus taught his disciples the truths about the kingdom of God, and informed them of the purpose to which they were called…

Read the FULL Outreach Magazine Article here: https://outreachmagazine.com/features/discipleship/45038-strategically-small.html

The Words of Women

An Outreach Magazine Article (Published on March 8, 2022)

Not long ago, a publisher asked me to contribute to a Bible study series tentatively titled God Hears Her. I thought, If God hears women, then that would certainly compel men to listen to and read more about the testimonies, wisdom and truth that comes from the mouths of women. 

Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Throughout the world, women are continually marginalized, denied education, violently assaulted, verbally and emotionally abused, stripped of wealth and forced into marriages. Prevailing patriarchy is the norm that keeps the voices of women silent in corporate boardrooms, academic classrooms and, unfortunately, even the church. But our just and loving God is not ignorant of these schemes. God hears women. 

Read the FULL Outreach Magazine Article here: https://outreachmagazine.com/features/leadership/70688-the-words-of-women.html

Worship, Renewal, Redemption

An Outreach Magazine Article (Published on January 7, 2022)

When we think about worship, our minds easily go to the religious songs we sing about God. Worship includes that spiritual practice, of course, but it involves so much more. Worship is intentional embodiment; it is when we lend our entire beings in the presence of God—who is always with us and in us—affirming the reality of our identity. 

All people are created in the image of God. We are people created to worship the creator, God. We—our minds, bodies and souls—are vessels that display that goodness of God’s divinity and beauty of his creativity. With this embodiment and with our work, believers display the good news that the kingdom of God is at hand, that he has rescued us from the snare of our common enemy and is making all things new. God is alive and steadily at work in our broken world, and he has invited us into his great redemption story.

This is the reason that worship cannot be limited to specific songs that we sing in certain settings. Worship is a daily exercise of our faith…

Read the FULL Outreach Magazine Article: https://outreachmagazine.com/features/leadership/70101-worship-renewal-redemption.html