Author Archives: admin

Now for a word from you local potluck . . . .

Posted on November 7, 2010 by admin

I just got back from an after-worship potluck at Eugene Friends Church. From what I hear from most friends my age, I think I must be in the minority: I like potlucks. Even though I like the food (I DO … Continue reading →

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When all else fails . . .

Posted on November 3, 2010 by admin

Hey, I just finished Andy Stanley’s book! And apart from the quibbles (see earlier posts), I loved it. I especially loved the last chapter where he answered the question all preachers face: what do I do when it’s almost time … Continue reading →

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I got nervous

Posted on November 3, 2010 by admin

I’m torn between really liking Andy Stanley’s Communicating for a Change and being frightened by some of his assertions. “Presentation trumps information (page 146)” makes me nervous. I’ve taught  novice preachers to remember several sermons that were all presentation and … Continue reading →

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Small Churches; Contemporary Sermons

Posted on October 31, 2010 by admin

Yesterday I started reading Brandon J O’Brien’s  The Strategically Small Church. I had commented on a blog post about it, and one of my commenters suggested I actually read the book. It’s a short book that gets right to the … Continue reading →

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Remembering My Real Goals

Posted on October 27, 2010 by admin

Here’s my Tuesday status for Facebook: “Life is pretty good. I never set out to make a bunch of money, and have accomplished that — having not much money. I did hope for a few friends and to impact a … Continue reading →

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I Wonder About Stanley’s Scripture Selection

Posted on October 27, 2010 by admin

“While I’m a firm believer that all Scripture is equally inspired, observation tells me that all Scripture is not equally applicable. Consequently, preaching for life change requires that we emphasize some texts over others (Communicating for a Change, page 96).” … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible and Theology, Pastoral Ministry | 1 Comment

I Resonate with Stanley’s Passion

Posted on October 27, 2010 by admin

What motivates how we preach? I was riveted by this statement in Communicating for a Change (page 88). “Every single person who sits politely and listens to you on Sunday is one decision away from moral, financial, and marital ruin.” … Continue reading →

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Can We Do Both?

Posted on October 27, 2010 by admin

I was challenged by the bigness of Psalm 68. Not so much the number of verses; but the number of values. The first value is holding high standards: “Arise O God, and scatter your enemies. Let those who hate God … Continue reading →

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Handling Unemployment, Part 2

Posted on October 25, 2010 by admin

I was celebrating how well God is bringing me through joblessness when I got snagged on Psalm 65:1 in my devotions this morning. As I read the Psalm, I asked “Is there anything that overwhelms me?” “Rejection,”  answered my heart, … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible and Theology, Mark's Blog, My Personal Journey | 2 Comments

Handling Unemployment, Part 1

Posted on October 25, 2010 by admin

I was visiting with a friend Saturday who remarked, “You seem surprisingly cheerful in spite of the fact that you say your unemployment bothers you.” For the most part, I think it’s honest to say that I don’t feel badly … Continue reading →

Posted in Mark's Blog, My Personal Journey | 1 Comment