Two years ago I left behind an old friend. The standby of my college years and partner with me on adventures from rockclimbing to hiking bit the dust. You see for nearly 7 years I lived, adventured and traveled in Chaco sandals. With 2 pounds of arch-supporting rubber I loved my inch of sandals guarding... Continue Reading →
A slightly shocking encounter with Jesus
Serving a cash stretched church I indulge in a fantasy. One Sunday, in the middle of the sermon, a super rich and young man will enter the back door of the church. Interrupting the service he will ask "Pastor what must I do to be saved?"Knowing my scripture I will reply just what the Paul... Continue Reading →
A few thoughts on Bill Hybels
October 12, 1975 Bill Hybels founded Willow Creek Community Church. 43 years later Willow Creek averages 25,000 people per Sunday. In 1992 Bill Hybels led the founding of the Willow Creek Association and the Global Leadership Summit. Today the summit averages nearly half a million attendees annually. Calling this man a giant in the Church... Continue Reading →
What I learned about leadership today
When I write the word "leader" what do you think? Living in the church world I think of my role as a pastor and other elders at Cornerstone Bible Church. As a consumer I think of CEOs I admire like Howard Schultz of Starbucks and Steve Jobs. As an American I think of our controversial... Continue Reading →
What I think about the YMCA pool closure
Tonight I learned that our YMCA will close their pool after Labor Day. Until further notice. Our YMCA has a wonderful pool used for an array of classes and swimming enthusiasts and swim lessons. Our YMCA pool sets us apart from planet fitness, anytime fitness, and other gyms in town. Many love and some only... Continue Reading →
Why I didn’t share my vacation on social media
My summer newsfeed fills daily with pictures from beaches to mountains of friends on adventures. While I enjoy great stories and rejoice with my friends sometimes I struggle. I chose not to share pictures of vacation and instead showed my family and here's why. Envy and Monotony When a friend posts 247 photos of their... Continue Reading →
What a pastor should remember on vacation
Between packing sunscreen for the Plainfield waterpark and running socks for the Frankfurt 5k my writing time got squeezed short recently. I think it's a sign of right vacation priorities. Since I didn't have time to make my own list I asked several friends. Today's list originates with much older 😀 and wiser pastors than... Continue Reading →
8 Things to Remember When Your Pastor Takes a Vacation
My dear church, Behind my personal faith, marriage, and children, my role as your pastor stands as my greatest honor in life. I love every week the challenge and privilege of bringing God's love and words to you. But this week my role as husband and father eclipses that of a pastor. I am leaving... Continue Reading →
The best bang for your church advertising buck.
Today I delivered 100 invites to 100 families in 47 minutes. It didn't cost a penny more than the cost of paper and toner. I personally talked to over a dozen people inviting them to church. 80 plus more families had the chance to hear about our church and read a friendly invite. Advertising on... Continue Reading →