One of the great concerns I have for youth in the church today has to do with a staleness I see in their faith. So many who have been raised in church, who know the answers to the main questions (or think they do) and have basically been-there-done-that, often display a lack of passion. Since I have an almost obsessive habit of analyzing things, I have wondered this summer about how to help with that. After five weeks of camp, … →

I travel a lot. Ministry keeps me busy. And, I do have a day job. I also take a day off every week which keeps me sane. When Josh was born I recall well being concerned about the danger of sacrificing my family on the altar of ministry. I never believed you had to choose one or the other. I have watched many minister’s kids grow up to resent ministry. I always believed (and still do) that my family is … →

“If you walk one step ahead you are a leader, but if you walk ten steps ahead you are a martyr.” I don’t know the originator of this quote, but I think often of its wisdom.  It’s intent is not to take away from a heroic kind of martyrdom like that we recall in the lives of believers willing to die for their faith when there was no other alternative. No, those Jesus freaks who so loved Him they would … →

Note: the following is excerpted and adapted from Join the Movement: This summer I am spending more time with young people than any summer of my life. So far the journey has been an amazing blessing. Being around so many students reminds me that the most overlooked aspect of historical movements of God regards the role of young people.  Modern movements of God often started not in a local church with a pastor but with a group of youth meeting … →