Earlier this week, I made note of Tom Friedman’s observation that we are in a Golden Age for Makers (from his latest book Thank You For Being Late). Never before has there been such opportunity for an individual person to contribute to the world cultural output. One example Friedman talks about was the 2013 GE … Continue reading Do You Have The Maker Mindset?
Culture Making
4 Life Lessons I Learned From A Nonagenarian’s Story
You’d like Nora if you met her. She’s a lovely 96-year-old member of our church (your vocabulary word for the day is nonagenarian: a person in their 90’s). Nora would immediately charm you with her smile and her cheery demeanor; I’d bet a steak dinner on it. I’ve also found that she is very wise. … Continue reading 4 Life Lessons I Learned From A Nonagenarian’s Story
These Ordinary People Are Quietly Changing The World
Have you had one of those days where things seem to connect? That was my Wednesday. My mid-morning coffee break usually includes reading online magazines, looking for interesting and inspiring stories to add to my collection. I was not disappointed. I came across this touching article about the Belgian village of Geel. This little community … Continue reading These Ordinary People Are Quietly Changing The World
What Is The Holy Spirit Up To? A Wealth Of Gifts For The Common Good
Ours is an era of suspicion. Don’t take my word for it; read this Nov 30, 2013 article from the Associated Press about their poll of Americans, asking how much they trust their fellow citizens. The results tempt me to fear for the Republic. Now, nearly 2/3 of the American public says they really can’t … Continue reading What Is The Holy Spirit Up To? A Wealth Of Gifts For The Common Good
4 Steps To Become A Curator Of Inspiration
Curator of Inspiration: It’s not a job title – it’s a role. It’s something you do, regardless of your official position in the organization. I’ve written earlier about the Pastor as a Curator of Inspiration; this is just one of many hats a pastor gets to wear. However, it’s a fun hat, and it’s a … Continue reading 4 Steps To Become A Curator Of Inspiration
Spaceship Earth: Is it Babel or Jerusalem?
Continuing the discussion on the Age of Design….My friend Joshua Long, while ruminating on the concept of the Age of Design, had 2 contrasting scriptures come to mind: The Tower of Babel and Nehemiah 1 (where Nehemiah prayerfully undertakes the task of restoring ruined Jerusalem)And that made me think of Spaceship Earth. Yes, the ride … Continue reading Spaceship Earth: Is it Babel or Jerusalem?
God Doesn’t Call You to Prosper … God Calls You to Build
The wealth and prosperity gospel says that God wants you to prosper. But the Bible tells us something different. The Bible tells us to build. God gave an initial charge to humanity: “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of … Continue reading God Doesn’t Call You to Prosper … God Calls You to Build
The Pastor as “Curator of Inspiration”
I’m playing around with a way of framing the work of a pastor – perhaps you’d be willing to help me out? I suggest that a part of the role of the pastor is to serve as a “curator of inspiration” Let’s break it down – starting with inspiration. First, there is the theological sense … Continue reading The Pastor as “Curator of Inspiration”
Missional Made Real: My Friend Eric at ArtWorks
I made it a point to walk by the five-story-high scaffolding. One of our congregation members, Eric, sat on the first level, taking his lunch with the rest of the team of artists. Behind them, a flock of gigantic birds had begun to emerge on the brick wall. Eric and his team are part of … Continue reading Missional Made Real: My Friend Eric at ArtWorks
Move from Criticism to Creativity
Is it really all that fun to be a critic? Anton Ego says “yes”Ego is one of the villains of Pixar’s Ratatouille. You know the film – it’s the story of a kitchen rodent who has an uncanny gift for culinary achievement. It’s about a rat who is a chef. Among the many challenges our furry … Continue reading Move from Criticism to Creativity
Horizons of the Possible 