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Is That An Idol In Your Pocket?

February 19, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Honesty moment—what’s the first thing you reach for in the morning? Is it your Bible or your phone?

For most people, it’s not even a question. The phone wins. Emails, texts, social media, news updates—it all floods in before our feet even hit the floor. And whether we admit it or not, that little device isn’t just a tool; it’s become our most dominant teacher.

Who’s or What’s Really Discipling You?

Discipleship is about shaping your thoughts, priorities, and habits. It’s about what you allow to guide you, correct you, and influence your decisions. So a simple equation that I like to use. Time equals devotion and if time equals devotion, then for many Jesus Followers, TikTok is their pastor, Instagram is their small group, and Google is their theologian.

We have more access to God’s Word than any generation before us. Sermons are a click away. Bible apps are everywhere. But instead of feeding on Scripture, we binge content that disciples us in distraction, outrage, comparison, and self-indulgence.

Jesus calls us to take up our cross daily (Luke 9:23), but for too many of us, the only thing we pick up daily is our phone.

Your Phone Is Winning the Battle for Your Mind

Paul tells us in Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” The problem? Our phones are shaping our minds way more than the Word of God.

Think about it:

  • Social media tells you what to care about. If it’s trending, it must be important, right? But how often do trending topics align with the things of God?
  • Algorithms decide what you see. Every scroll, every click, every “like” trains your feed to shape your worldview.
  • Your attention span is being rewired. If content doesn’t hook you in three seconds, you move on. No wonder it’s hard to focus on prayer or Scripture.

This has become far more than a bad habit. It’s spiritual warfare. The enemy doesn’t need to drag you into deep sin—he just needs to keep you distracted enough that you never grow. And the enemy is not the person who sees the world differently than you do! The enemy is the one who doesn’t want you to thrive in every area of life.

Are You Using Your Phone, or Is It Using You?

We love to say, “Phones aren’t bad, it’s just how you use them.” That’s true—to a point. But let’s not kid ourselves. Most of us aren’t using our phones to memorize Scripture and evangelize. We’re wasting hours on empty entertainment, comparing our lives to filtered versions of other people that we don’t even know! Not to mention numbing ourselves with constant noise.

Conviction moment…

  • Do you check your phone more than you pray?
  • Do you read notifications more than Scripture?
  • Do you mindlessly scroll when you could be sitting in silence with God?
  • Do you get more anxious when your phone dies than when you left the Bible on the chair at church?

If your phone gets more devotion than Jesus, it’s time for a change.

Reclaim Your Discipleship

You don’t have to throw your phone in the ocean (even though some of us might need to). But you do need to take control before it takes control of you.

Here are a few places to start:

  1. Bookend Your Day with God. Keep your phone away from your bed. Start and end your day in Scripture and prayer—before any screen. Don’t overthink this one. Tell Jesus about your day. Ask him about the day in front of you. That’s it! No fancy words. No canned jargon. Just you and Jesus and sharing what’s on your mind.
  2. Fast from the Feed. Take breaks from social media. Maybe one day a week. Maybe a whole month. Watch how your mind clears. If that makes you twitch a little, then consider setting aside no notification times. I often use the Do Not Disturb function on my phone. No emails, texts, social notifications come through at all! Ok there are a few who get emergency rights but those are very limited!
  3. Don’t Remove, Replace. If you cut out screen time but don’t replace it with time in the Word, prayer, or actual connection with other humans, you’ll just fill the gap with something else empty. It’s far too easy to fall back into bad habits if we don’t replace those with something good. Not eating donuts won’t be of much benefit if we don’t replace that with some good, healthy sources of protein.
  4. Ask: Who’s Forming Me? Before you open an app, ask, Is this helping me become more like Jesus? If the answer is no, maybe it’s time to rethink your habits. Now this one about made some of you throw your device against the wall. This doesn’t mean that all tech is bad. Hey I’m writing this on my laptop using the internet! Just set specific times when you can aimlessly graze on stuff. If it’s not in your grazing time, then fill yourself with something beneficial and filling.

It’s Time to Choose Your Master

Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24). Right now, many of us are trying to serve both Jesus and our phones—and let’s be real, our phones are winning.

But they don’t have to.

You can take control. You can change your habits. You can choose to let Jesus, not a screen, shape your heart, mind, and soul.

So the question is—who’s discipling you? Jesus? Or the idol in your pocket?

The Power of Rest

February 10, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Life moves fast, especially for busy families. Between work, school, sports, and endless errands, we often feel like we’re sprinting from one thing to the next, barely catching our breath. In the middle of this chaos, Jesus speaks a powerful invitation in Matthew 11:28-30:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

These words may sound simple, but they hold the key to experiencing the grace of Jesus in a way that transforms our everyday lives.

The Grace Found in Rest

Many of us think of grace as something we receive when we first believe in Jesus—a gift that forgives our sins and promises us eternal life. And while that’s true, grace is so much more. It’s also the unearned, constant presence of Jesus in our lives, sustaining us and guiding us through every moment.

But here’s the catch: we often miss that grace because we’re too busy striving. We think if we just work a little harder, do a little more, or hustle a little faster, we’ll find peace. Instead, Jesus tells us to stop and rest.

Real grace is found when we rest in the completed work of Jesus—not in our own efforts. On the cross, Jesus said, “It is finished.” That wasn’t just a declaration of victory over sin; it was an invitation to stop striving and start trusting.

What Rest Looks Like

Rest doesn’t just mean taking a nap (though sometimes that helps too!). True rest is about leaning into Jesus, trusting His leadership, and letting Him carry the weight of our worries.

When Jesus talks about taking His yoke upon us, He’s using an image from farming. A yoke is a wooden frame that binds two animals together so they can pull a load together. By taking His yoke, we’re choosing to walk alongside Jesus, letting Him guide us and carry the bulk of the weight.

The beauty of this yoke is that often in farming this was a training method for newer animals to the farm. They would yoke a mature and experienced animal with a younger, immature one. The mature and experienced beast would keep the immature one on task and teach them how to do the job correctly. So perhaps we too need to be yoked to someone who is more mature and experienced than we are?

Here are a couple of suggestions that I have considered in my own life:

  • Intentional Quiet Time: Even 10 minutes of prayer or reading Scripture can reset your mind and heart.
  • Letting Go of Control: Hand over your worries and responsibilities to Jesus through prayer.
  • Saying No to Overcommitment: Sometimes the most faithful thing you can do is create margin in your schedule.
  • Living in Community: Being part of a church family helps remind us that we don’t have to carry life’s burdens alone.

The Light Burden of Jesus

Notice that Jesus doesn’t promise a life without burdens—He promises a light burden. That’s because His grace changes how we carry things. When we rest in Him, we stop striving for perfection, stop carrying guilt over our shortcomings, and stop trying to control outcomes that only God can handle.

Instead, we begin to experience the joy and freedom that come from knowing we are already fully loved and accepted by Jesus. That’s grace—unearned, abundant, and freely given.

Living Restfully as a Church Community

At Living Word Galena, we’re committed to helping busy families experience this kind of grace. That’s why we prioritize being a community where people can find refreshment in worship, grow in supportive relationships, and discover the peace that comes from resting in Jesus.

We believe life works best with Jesus—not because He adds more to your to-do list, but because He invites you to lay down the heavy burdens and walk in His light and easy way.

So today, take a deep breath. Hear the voice of Jesus calling you to rest. Stop striving, and let grace meet you right where you are. His arms are wide open, and His promise is sure: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Have We Chosen Discipline Over Discipleship?

February 6, 2025 / / 0 Comments

The church, designed to be a living and breathing body of believers, sometimes feels more like a well-oiled machine—focused on efficiency, structure, and control. While organization and discipline have their place, it seems that in many cases, we’ve unintentionally elevated discipline over discipleship, uniformity over unity, professional clergy over priesthood of all believers. This subtle shift has profound implications for how we live out our faith and engage the world around us.

The Conformity Trap

One of the clearest signs of this misplaced emphasis is the tendency to require conformity to a single way of doing things. Whether it’s how we worship, what we wear, or the specific language we use to express our faith, there often seems to be an unspoken rule: if you don’t fit the mold, you don’t belong.

This mentality can stifle creativity and authenticity. Discipleship, by contrast, is about guiding people as they grow in their personal relationship with Jesus, recognizing that each journey is unique. Jesus didn’t call His disciples to become carbon copies of one another. Peter and John were both deeply faithful, but their personalities and ministries were distinct and different. Peter was bold and brash; John was contemplative and relational. Both were essential to the early church.

When we prioritize discipline over discipleship, we risk turning the church into a factory that produces uniform believers rather than a family that nurtures diverse gifts and callings. We inadvertently communicate that faith is about compliance rather than transformation.

Centralized Power in the Church?

Another outward example of this shift is the increasing centralization of church hierarchy. Many churches operate under a top-down leadership model where decisions are made by a select few and then handed down to the congregation. This model can create a rigid structure that leaves little room for the Spirit’s leading or the unique contributions of individual members.

Biblically, the church is described as a body—a dynamic organism where every part is essential and interdependent. Ephesians 4:11-12 reminds us that leaders are called to “equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” This implies a decentralized model where leadership empowers and equips rather than controls and dictates.

When leadership becomes overly centralized, it can breed a culture of passivity among members. People stop seeing themselves as active participants in God’s mission and instead become consumers of religious goods and services. Discipleship, however, calls everyone—not just the leaders—to engage in the work of ministry, using their gifts to build up the body and reach the world.

Reclaiming Discipleship

So how do we reclaim discipleship as the heart of the church? It starts by shifting our focus from compliance to transformation. Here are a few key steps:

1. Celebrate Diversity in Faith Journeys: Recognize that discipleship is not one-size-fits-all. Encourage people to explore different spiritual disciplines, forms of worship, and ways of serving. Create space for testimonies that highlight the varied ways God is at work in people’s lives. Jesus is the only way to the Father, but our tradition is not the only way to Jesus.

2. Decentralize Leadership: Empower members to lead in their areas of gifting. Develop structures that allow for collaborative decision-making and shared responsibility. This not only strengthens the church but also helps individuals grow as disciples. What are the different parts of the body passionate about and gifted at doing? Give them a lane to run in and celebrate with them as new people are able to see Jesus through new ministry initiatives.

3. Prioritize Relationships Over Rules: Jesus’ discipleship model was relational. He walked with His followers, shared meals with them, and taught them through everyday life experiences. Churches that prioritize small groups, mentorship, and authentic community as primary discipleship tools are seeing dynamic results in kingdom impact.

4. Focus on Heart Transformation: Discipline often focuses on external behavior, but true discipleship is about heart transformation. Teach and model spiritual practices that foster intimacy with God and inner change, such as prayer, Scripture meditation, and service. A simple list of dos and don’ts won’t change anyone, just look at your kiddos. There’s still an inborn tendency to do what I know I shouldn’t do (Romans 7). When we capture the heart with the truth of the law and gospel of Jesus, we see the transformation for which the Bible calls.

5. Evangelism IS Discipleship: Discipleship cannot function if it’s devoid of evangelism. A discipleship that merely focuses on conforming to rules and rituals won’t transform the way Romans 12 describes. Discipleship isn’t about me, it’s about losing me for the sake of the image of Jesus in me to shine through. Jesus says we are the light of the world and that a city on a hill cannot be hidden (Matthew 5). So let’s take the light of the good news of Jesus and shine it through our discipleship.

It’s a Movement NOT a Machine

When the church shifts back to a discipleship-first model, it becomes less about maintaining systems and more about fostering a movement of transformed lives. A church that prioritizes discipleship is a church that empowers its members to live out their faith boldly and authentically in the everyday spaces where they live, work and play.

It’s time to reimagine what the church can be—a vibrant community where people are loved, equipped, and sent out to make disciples of all nations. Let’s trade conformity for creativity, control for empowerment, and discipline for true discipleship. In the 1500s men and women walked through something called the Reformation. Getting back to the basics of who we are as the people of God. Perhaps we’ve forgotten the core tenets of that reformation movement? I believe the reformation church is the kind of church the world desperately needs.

Necessity of Rhythm with God

January 31, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Have you ever felt disconnected from God? Like you pray for things and nothing changes? Like you ask and he just doesn’t answer? Wonder if God is perhaps sleeping behind some curtain the space like the Wizard of Oz?

Establishing a consistent rhythm of Bible reading is essential for deepening our understanding of God’s will and character, and for fostering a meaningful relationship with Him. Regular rhythms of Bible reading not only reveal divine guidance but also transform our lives in profound ways.

The Bible is unique among religious texts in that it presents a God who actively communicates with humanity. I was recently directed to an article titled Out of the Silent Universe by John Stonestreet. The author highlights how the phrase “Thus says the Lord” appears over 400 times in Scripture, emphasizing that God desires to reveal Himself to us. This divine communication invites us into a personal relationship, allowing us to know not just His will but His very nature. The Bible offers more than rules and guidelines—it invites us into the very heart of God.

Why a Rhythm Matters

Doing something one time or even a few times will often ease some pain or bring some temporary feelings of change and relief. But when something becomes part of our life rhythm, it is consistent and life altering. It’s not just Bible reading either. Think about those New Year’s resolutions. Why do we quit so quickly? They don’t become part of the rhythm of our life!

Consistency is key to growth in any aspect of life, and spiritual growth is no exception. Just as regular exercise strengthens the body and consistent learning sharpens the mind, a steady rhythm of Bible reading nurtures the soul. When we engage with Scripture daily, we create space for God to speak into our lives, guide our decisions, and shape our character.

A consistent Bible reading rhythm helps us stay anchored in truth. In a world filled with conflicting messages, Scripture provides a reliable foundation. It reminds us of God’s promises, His unchanging nature, and His call for us to live lives of love and obedience. By making Bible reading a regular part of our routine, we cultivate a heart that is more attuned to God’s voice and better equipped to discern His will.

The Impact of Regular Bible Reading

Research underscores the transformative power of engaging with Scripture in a consistent rhythm. A study by the Center for Bible Engagement found that individuals who engage with the Bible at least four times a week experience significant life changes:

  • Feeling lonely drops 30%
  • Anger issues drop 32%
  • Bitterness in relationships drops 40%
  • Alcoholism drops 57%
  • Sex outside of marriage drops 68%
  • Feeling spiritually stagnant drops 60%
  • Viewing pornography drops 61%
  • Sharing your faith jumps 200%
  • Discipling others jumps 230%

These statistics highlight the profound differences between those who engage with Scripture regularly and those who do not. Regular Bible reading not only reduces negative behaviors but also encourages positive actions, such as sharing one’s faith and mentoring others. It’s important to note that this rhythm is based on four times a week. This same study showed how less than four times a week had a measurably lower effectiveness rate.

Experiencing God Through His Word

The Bible is more than a rulebook—it’s a living, breathing testament to who God is. Through its pages, we encounter His faithfulness, mercy, justice, and love. We see His heart for humanity and His desire for a relationship with each of us. By spending time in Scripture, we get to know God on a deeper level. We move beyond simply knowing about Him to truly knowing Him.

God’s Word also speaks into the everyday moments of our lives. When we face challenges, Scripture provides comfort and guidance. When we celebrate victories, it reminds us to give thanks. Through regular reading, we build a reservoir of truth that we can draw upon in any situation.

If we think of the truths of the Bible like arrows, our goal should be to have an arrow of truth for every lie the devil brings to our lives. Some find it surprising, but there’s a truth in the Bible for every situation we find ourselves in throughout life. This is why that regular rhythm is so vital. This can be a daunting idea, so here’s a quick list of some practical steps. No matter where we are in our rhythm, we can always be more intentional.

Practical Tips for Establishing a Bible Reading Rhythm

  1. Start Small: Begin with a few verses or a short passage each day. As you grow more comfortable, increase the amount of time you spend reading.
  2. Set a Specific Time: Choose a time of day that works best for you, whether it’s in the morning, during lunch, or before bed.
  3. Create a Dedicated Space: Find a quiet place where you can read without distractions.
  4. Use a Reading Plan: Following a plan can help you stay on track and ensure you’re reading a variety of Scripture.
  5. Journal Your Thoughts: Write down what stands out to you, questions you have, and how God is speaking to you through His Word.
  6. Pray for Understanding: Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your reading and help you apply God’s Word to your life.

The Eternal Impact

Incorporating regular Bible reading into your daily routine can lead to a more fulfilling and spiritually enriched life. By engaging with God’s Word consistently, you open yourself to His guidance, wisdom, and transformative power. This practice not only deepens your relationship with God but also equips you to navigate life’s challenges with faith and resilience.

As the research indicates, the benefits of engaging with Scripture are both profound and far-reaching, impacting various aspects of our lives and relationships. When we prioritize time in God’s Word, we become more like Christ, reflecting His love and truth to the world around us.

In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, establishing a rhythm of Bible reading is a lifeline. It grounds us in God’s truth, strengthens our faith, and draws us closer to the One who loves us unconditionally. So, pick up your Bible today and discover the life-changing power of God’s Word—your life will never be the same. If you’re looking for a plan to use or a little help in that rhythm, here’s a reading plan and a daily podcast from the church I serve. In 3 minutes we gain insight into that day’s reading, lifting the fog on some of those challenging sections of the Bible and applying them to our daily lives.

Three Things Your Elders Should Never Do

January 30, 2025 / / 1 Comment

Effective leadership in the church starts with wise and spiritually grounded elders. These individuals play a crucial role in shepherding the congregation and ensuring the church stays focused on its mission while grounded in the Bible. I’ve been blessed in my ministry to have fantastic men surround me in this capacity!

In my experience, there are three major pitfalls that elders must avoid in order to lead well. None of these are theological or biblical but very much practical.

1. Majoring in the Minors

It’s easy for elders to get bogged down in the nitty-gritty details—what color the carpet should be, how many donuts to order for Sunday morning, or micromanaging individual ministry programs. But that’s not their primary calling.

Elders aren’t part of the church structure to make sure your pet ministry happens without a hitch. They’re not there to lobby for their pet project. Actually when elders function in the biblical capacity, they aren’t really involved in the nuts and bolts of any one particular ministry.

Elders are tasked with overseeing the big picture of the church’s mission and spiritual health. When they spend too much time on minor details, they lose sight of the broader vision.

I’m reminded of Acts 6, when the apostles delegated the daily distribution of food so they could focus on prayer and ministry of the Word. The apostles knew this was a very important aspect of ministry, but they also knew that if they were the ones doing it – something else would suffer. So they found others who’s gifting was organization and administration of these kinds of services. That’s a perfect example of staying focused on the right priorities for their position.

Nothing wrong with food distribution or folding bulletins or donut management. Just not the right focus for the elder when he properly functions in the role.

Bottom Line: Elders should prioritize prayer, teaching, care, and vision-setting. Leave the day to day tasks to capable ministry leaders. Not only does this allow you to do your ministry of elder properly, but it also allows others to be elevated to serve!

2. Lone Ranger Syndrome

Eldership is a team sport, not a solo gig. When an elder starts acting independently—making decisions on their own or driving personal agendas—it creates confusion and division. The elder, as I’ve always understood it, is an extension of the pastoral office. Where I can’t be, sometimes they can. When an emergency arises, they can often respond faster than I can. When someone is hurting, they might be able to see something I can’t see. But it only works if we walk this role together.

Scripture always talks about elders in the plural for a reason. God designed leadership in the church to be shared, ensuring accountability, diverse perspectives, and collective wisdom. Even God is a singular, yet plural God. One God in three persons is how we describe it. The first not good in the Bible was when Adam was alone. Elders are the same.

So often we set pastors, church workers and elders out on an island and hope for the best. Even in our schools and seminaries we teach these men and women to be Lone Ranger forgetting that even he had his trusty companion.

Bottom Line: Healthy churches have elders who lead together, making decisions prayerfully and collaboratively alongside the pastoral staff.

3. All for Them, None for Me

Elders are often so focused on serving the church that they neglect their own spiritual health. This is dangerous territory. You can’t pour from an empty cup. You can’t give what you don’t have. And you can’t lead beyond where you are.

If elders aren’t regularly in the Word, spending time in prayer, and nurturing their relationship with Jesus, their ability to lead spiritually will negatively impacted. And everyone will see it. You can only hide this for so long before it will catch up to you. Plus, elders are called to be examples to the flock—how can they model spiritual growth if they aren’t living it themselves?

It’s like the airline imagery. You know when you totally tune out as the flight attendants are going through the safety information. In the event that the cabin loses air pressure the face masks drop from the ceiling – yeah now you can hear it can’t you! Then the line comes…if you’re traveling with little children, put the mask on yourself first then your child. Most parents are like No way I’m letting my baby go without oxygen. The hitch here is if we don’t do it in this order, we might pass out and not be able to take care of our kiddo!

Likewise, if elders aren’t caring for their own spiritual lives there won’t be anything left to give the members of the church they are called to serve.

Bottom Line: Elders must prioritize their personal spiritual growth to effectively lead the church.

Elders who avoid these pitfalls will be better positioned to guide their congregations toward a thriving, Jesus-centered future. Let’s pray for and support our church leaders as they strive to major in the majors, work together, and keep their own hearts tuned to the Spirit.

Uncomplicated Prayer

January 29, 2025 / / 1 Comment

Prayer can sometimes feel daunting. Maybe you’ve found yourself sitting in silence, unsure of what to say, or wondering if God even hears you. You’re definitely not alone. Many of us struggle with knowing how to pray, how to come before God with more than just a list of needs, and how to truly hear from Him.

When words fail or when our hearts feel restless, Scripture offers a profound guide to lead us into deep, meaningful prayer. One method of prayer that I have found extremely meaningful is to use one of the Psalms, which have served as the prayer book of God’s people for generations. Psalm 1 is a good place to start. It paints a vivid picture of two paths—the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked—while inviting us to delight in God’s Word. This is actually a prayer I prayed over my children before I went to bed for many years as they were growing up. As we reflect on each verse, we can transform this ancient text into a personal, heartfelt prayer.

Verse 1: “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.”

Lord, help me to walk in Your ways today. Guard my steps so that I don’t stray into paths that lead me away from You. When I’m tempted to conform to the world’s patterns, strengthen me to choose righteousness. Surround me with godly influences, and keep me mindful of the voices I allow into my life.

Verse 2: “But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on His law day and night.”

Father, teach me to delight in Your Word. Let it be like sweet honey to my soul. As I read and reflect on Scripture, help me not just to gain knowledge but to encounter You. May Your truth shape my thoughts, decisions, and desires. I long to meditate on Your Word, not just in fleeting moments, but throughout the rhythms of my day.

Verse 3: “That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.”

Lord, plant me by the streams of Your living water. Nourish my spirit so that I may bear fruit in Your perfect timing. When seasons of drought come, keep my faith strong and unwavering. Let my life be a testament to Your sustaining grace, flourishing even in challenges.

Verse 4-5: “Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.”

Father, protect me from becoming like chaff—empty and rootless. Keep me grounded in You, with a heart that seeks righteousness. Help me to trust Your justice and leave judgment in Your hands.

Verse 6: “For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.”

Thank You, Lord, for watching over my path. Even when I cannot see the way ahead, I trust that You are guiding me. Lead me on the path that brings life and joy in You.

Praying through the Psalms allows us to engage with God in a deeply personal way. Psalm 1 reminds us that prayer is not merely a ritual but a journey—one that roots us by streams of living water and aligns our hearts with God’s eternal truth. As you meditate on these verses, may your prayers flow freely, drawing you ever closer to the One who watches over your way.

Evangelism: The Heart of Discipleship

January 23, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Evangelism is not a program, a ministry, or an optional add-on to our Christian walk. It’s not reserved for the extroverts, the theologians, or the church staff. Evangelism is an integral part of discipleship—it’s the outflow of a life transformed by Jesus. When we understand this, evangelism moves from being something we “do” to being a natural part of who we are as followers of Jesus.

At its core, evangelism isn’t about delivering a perfect presentation or debating theology. It’s about relationships. Jesus didn’t hand out flyers or host seminars. He sat at tables, walked along dusty roads, and entered into the messiness of people’s lives. He listened, loved, and shared the truth of God’s kingdom in ways that were personal and relational.

We can follow His model through a simple yet powerful three-story approach to evangelism: Their Story, Your Story, God’s Story.

1. First Story Is Their Story

Stories are so important! They are memorable and often filled with deep meaning. Every person you meet carries a story—filled with joys, struggles, dreams, and questions. Before we speak, we need to listen. When we genuinely care about someone’s story, we reflect the love of Jesus.

Ask questions. Get to know what makes them tick. What are they passionate about? What challenges are they facing? What’s their story of faith—or lack of it? This isn’t a manipulative tactic; it’s an act of love. People are longing to be heard and understood.

Starting with their story builds trust. It shows that we value them as people, not as projects. And it often opens the door for deeper conversations about meaning, purpose, and hope.

2. Share Your Own Story

Once we’ve listened, we can share. But not in a way that preaches or overwhelms. Share your story. What difference has Jesus made in your life? How has His grace carried you through your own challenges?

Your story doesn’t have to be dramatic. In fact, the quieter moments of faith—the peace in a storm, the joy in the mundane—often resonate the most. Keep it real. Be vulnerable. Let them see how Jesus meets you in your humanity.

When we share our stories honestly, we bridge the gap between their struggles and God’s hope. We show them that faith isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being redeemed.

3. Connect Their Story to God’s Story

Finally, connect the dots. This is where we help people see how their story fits into the greater story of God’s love.

God’s story is one of redemption, grace, and purpose. It’s the story of a Savior who left heaven to rescue us. A story of a God who turns brokenness into beauty and offers eternal hope to all who believe.

Help them see how God’s story speaks into their struggles and longings. If they’re feeling lost, point them to the Good Shepherd who leads and guides. If they’re overwhelmed, share the peace that passes understanding. If they’re searching for purpose, invite them to discover the God who created them with intention and love.

This step isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about pointing them to Jesus and trusting the Holy Spirit to do the rest.

Evangelism in Everyday Life

This three-story approach—Their Story, Your Story, God’s Story—isn’t a formula to follow; it’s a rhythm for life. Evangelism works best when it’s organic, relational, and rooted in love. When we make this rhythm part of our daily rhythm, people’s lives (including our own) will be transformed by the greatest story ever lived.

As disciples of Jesus, we’re called to make more disciples in the going moments of life. This isn’t just a command; it’s an invitation to join God in His redemptive work. So, listen deeply, share authentically, and connect boldly.

Evangelism isn’t an event, a ministry or a program. It’s simply walking with others toward Jesus—one story at a time.

The Lie I Believed

January 21, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Millennials, the generation that traded hard work for avocado toast and a subscription to Netflix. Don’t forget Gen Z. They’re glued to their phones, TikToking their lives away, incapable of holding a meaningful conversation unless emojis are involved. And now, we have Gen Alpha — the kids so tech-savvy they’ll probably code their homework into existence while asking Alexa and Siri to make their lunch. These generations, with their need for instant gratification and disdain for tradition, are clearly the reason the church is declining, right? Wrong.

For years, I believed the lie that these younger generations were destroying the church. It was easy to point fingers. Millennials, with their church-hopping and preference for podcasts over pews, seemed to have abandoned the faith of their parents. Gen Z’s obsession with inclusivity and questioning authority appeared to dilute the gospel. And Gen Alpha? Well, they’re too young to critique… but give them a decade, and surely they’ll ruin it in their own unique way.

This line of thinking gave me a convenient scapegoat for every challenge the church faced. Attendance drops? Blame Millennials. Disengaged youth? That’s on Gen Z. A lack of respect for church traditions? Just wait till Gen Alpha grows up. But then, something happened: I realized this mindset wasn’t just wrong. It was dangerous.

The truth hit me like a sermon I wasn’t ready to hear: these generations aren’t the problem with the church. They are the church.

Let’s take a closer look at these outcast generations. Millennials (born 1981-1996) value authenticity. They grew up watching institutions crumble and have little patience for hypocrisy or empty rituals. They want faith that’s real, messy, and transformative. Gen Z (born 1997-2012) grew up in a hyper-connected world and carry a deep burden for justice and inclusivity. They ask hard questions, not to tear down the church but to ensure it stands on a solid foundation. And Gen Alpha (born 2013 and later)? They’re growing up with unprecedented access to information and creativity. Their approach to faith may be digital and innovative, but it’s no less sincere.

The lie I believed blinded me to the beauty of these generations. Their priorities and quirks aren’t signs of a church in decline; they’re opportunities for a church reborn. But here’s the catch: unless we value these generations as the present church, we’ll never value the uniquenesses that they bring to the church, and they’ll always be on the outside.

When we treat younger generations as outsiders, we communicate that they’re not yet ready to lead, serve, or shape the future. But these generations don’t want to wait for their turn. They’re ready now. Millennials are planting churches, leading worship, and creating discipleship resources that impact a digital world. Gen Z is mobilizing social justice initiatives and finding creative ways to share the gospel online. Gen Alpha may be young, but their enthusiasm for learning and community lays a foundation we can’t ignore.

If the church is struggling, it’s not because these generations are present. It’s because we’ve failed to embrace them. We’ve clung to traditions that no longer resonate, resisted change, and dismissed their contributions as trivial or misguided. Instead of lamenting what these generations lack, the church should celebrate what they bring: innovation, passion, and a hunger for authenticity.

So how do we do this? Start by listening. Ask Millennials what they need from the church, and you’ll hear words like transparency, vulnerability, and community. Engage Gen Z in dialogue, and you’ll discover their fierce desire to see faith lived out in action. Pay attention to the Gen Alphas in your life; their questions and ideas often carry wisdom beyond their years.

It’s time to stop believing the lie. These generations aren’t the death of the church; they’re its lifeblood. They don’t just represent the future; they are the present. And unless we value these generations as the present church, we’ll never value the uniquenesses that they bring to the church, and they’ll always be on the outside. Invite them in. Honor their contributions. Build a church where every generation thrives — together.

5 Trends Most Likely to Disrupt the Institutional Church in 2025

January 14, 2025 / / 2 Comments

The institutional church is standing at the crossroads of tradition and transformation. Cultural shifts, technological advances, and evolving societal values are shaking the foundation of how churches operate. If church leaders fail to adapt, the disruption may leave them irrelevant.

Before we get all freaked out, listen carefully. I’m NOT saying the gospel becomes irrelevant. The challenge is the institutional church as the carrier of the gospel grows largely irrelevant in the eyes of the world when we miss these key moments in the cultural landscape.

Let’s dive into five trends most likely to disrupt the church in 2025 and how leaders can lean into these challenges with bold, proactive strategies.

1. Hybrid Church Fatigue

While the pandemic forced churches to move into an intentional online presence, many leaders have struggled to maintain momentum in hybrid ministry. All you have to do is tap into the local church live stream and you’ll quickly see that many online church offerings lack innovation and feel like a tired, secondary option. As a result, in many situations people are starting to disengage altogether.

Solution: Stop treating online ministry as an afterthought. Instead, invest in crafting compelling digital experiences tailored for an online audience. I know that sounds super techy so think of it like this.

The iPhone you’ve used for your livestream can quickly be updated to a more user friendly option giving different capabilities at a reasonable price. Provide some interactive elements to the worship service by at a minimum acknowledging those who are joining through the online platform. Try to foster a genuine online community by asking questions and taking prayer requests through your online channel whether it’s YouTube or Facebook this isn’t terribly difficult. We have to start thinking of Online Church not just as a livestream but as a mission field of its own. Assign dedicated staff (or volunteers) to oversee digital discipleship and rethink what it means to “gather” online.

2. The End of Casual Attendance

The days of casual church attendance are vanishing. People either commit deeply to a community or drift away entirely. We used to see people jump into worship every once in a while. That’s really not the case anymore. Most people are either fully committed to the life of the local congregation or they’re totally disconnected.

Solution: Focus on depth over breadth. Churches need to prioritize discipleship and connection over attendance metrics. Yes attendance is important because that’s an easy one to measure, but if all we measure is backsides in chairs on a Sunday we’re missing the greater meaning of what God calls us to be about as churches. Offer small groups, intentional discipleship gatherings, and opportunities for members to serve meaningfully. Create environments where people feel invested in the mission of the church rather than merely entertained on Sunday mornings.

3. Mistrust of Institutions

Institutional mistrust is rampant, and the church is not immune. Younger generations, in particular, are skeptical of hierarchical organizations, due to scandals and hypocrisy. Engaging in life changing relationships centered on Biblical teaching move beyond the institutional model and get to the heart of what many are longing for in our culture today.

Solution: Transparency and authenticity are non-negotiable. Share your financial reports openly even if they don’t look tremendous! We also have to own our past mistakes and model humility. Another really important method is to empower lay leaders and flatten decision-making structures to demonstrate that the church isn’t about power, but about people. Highlight stories of impact in your community to rebuild trust and show that your church is a force for good.

4. Cultural Polarization

The institutional church is becoming increasingly caught in the web of cultural and political polarization. Churches need to be extremely careful that aligning too closely with any specific ideology risks alienating half the congregation while diluting the Gospel.

Solution: Center your message on Jesus, not politics. Foster spaces for nuanced conversations that don’t demand uniformity but encourage unity. Equip your congregation to embody grace and truth in their lives rather than parroting talking points from the world gurus in the social media realm. Model what it means to “be in the world, but not of the world.” Serving people in real, life-changing ways bridges the polarization that we typically feel in this cultural climate.

5. The Volunteer Crisis

Volunteers are the lifeblood of any church, but burnout and apathy are driving people away from serving. Without volunteers, ministries grind to a halt. The refrain seems to be repeating over and over again. Volunteers have stepped away from their roles at seemingly record pace leaving church staff and any remaining volunteers to do increased workloads.

Solution: Rethink how you recruit and care for volunteers. Get people connected in service as fast as possible. The quicker people get connected in service the more the culture of the church shifts toward service as a whole. Focus on matching people’s gifts and passions with their roles, and celebrate stories as often as possible. Offer clear expectations, manageable time commitments, and regular encouragement. Most importantly, remember that volunteers are not a means to an end; service is a key aspect of discipleship.

Turning Disruptions Into Opportunities

These trends may feel like threats, but they’re also tremendous opportunities if we allow them to be. The Gospel doesn’t change, but the methods of delivering it must evolve. Here are three overarching principles to guide your leadership:

  1. Innovation Requires Risk: Safe leadership leads to stagnation. Don’t be afraid to try new things, even if they fail. Failure brings the opportunity for growth. Build a culture where experimentation is celebrated.
  2. Mission Over Method: Keep the mission front and center. Methods can and should change, but the call to love God and love others remains constant. We have to be ready and willing to release what’s not working while holding firmly onto the gospel message.
  3. Relational Connection Is Key: Programs don’t change lives; people do. Invest in relationships at every level of ministry.

The disruption facing the institutional church in 2025 is real, but so is the opportunity to rise above it. The question is: will you adapt and thrive, or resist and decline? The choice is yours. I’d love to connect with you to chat through these disruptions and what they mean for your ministry context.

Jesus Should Not Be First

January 13, 2025 / / 1 Comment

Jesus does not want to be first in your life. That might sound shocking, but it’s the truth. Jesus doesn’t ask for first place—He demands the only place. Why? Because He’s not interested in being a slice of your life’s pie chart. He’s not satisfied with being another line item on your endless to-do list. He’s not here to share space with your career, hobbies, relationships, or even your family.

The first commandment makes it painfully clear:
“You shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3)

The Hebrew here is intense. “Before me” literally means “in My face.” God’s saying, “Don’t you dare put anything in My face that tries to compete with Me.” He’s not interested in your priorities; He’s claiming everything.

Here’s the harsh reality: we’ve turned our lives into idol factories. We’re constantly elevating good things—family, work, fitness, finances—into god things. And we love to rank them:

  1. God
  2. Family
  3. Career
  4. Hobbies

That’s a nice, neat little list isn’t it? It feels spiritual. It feels balanced. But it’s a lie. If Jesus is just a “first among equals,” you’ve completely missed the point. He’s not “first.” He’s everything.

Let me say it another way: If Jesus isn’t your everything, He’s nothing. He doesn’t share the throne. He’s not a consultant for your life plan. He’s the King who demands full allegiance.

The Danger of “First”

When we say Jesus is “first,” what we really mean is, “I’ll give Him a little time, energy, and attention, but I’ve got other stuff to do.” We check the box by going to church, reading a quick devotional, or tossing a few bucks into the offering plate. Then we get back to building our own kingdoms.

But Jesus doesn’t want a piece of your life—He wants the whole thing. That’s why He said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)

Deny yourself. Not rearrange your priorities. Not carve out a little Jesus time. Not give Him first dibs. Deny yourself. That means your dreams, your goals, your plans, and yes, even your family, take a back seat to Him.

“No Other Gods” Means NO Other Gods

If we’re being honest, we all have gods in our lives. Some are obvious, like money, success, or relationships. Others are sneakier, like control, comfort, or even religion and tradition. And every single one of them is a direct violation of this first commandment. God doesn’t want your idols managed—He wants them destroyed.

Jesus says it this way. “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” (Matthew 6:24)

There’s no middle ground. You can’t serve Jesus and your career. You can’t serve Jesus and your ego. You can’t serve Jesus and your comfort. You can’t serve Jesus and your tradition. It’s Him or nothing.

So what does it look like to live with Jesus as the only? It’s simple, but it’s not easy:

  • Surrender daily. Start each day by laying your plans, desires, and ambitions at His feet. One way to do this is through prayer. Just start your day with Lord today I need… Then fill in the blank and let God take it from there. Only caveat is that blank has to be something you cannot touch, so no Porsche or Lambo friends!
  • Hold everything loosely. Your family, career, possessions, and even traditions are gifts from God, not gods themselves. Treat them accordingly. When these things help you serve God, they are good things. When they distract you from God, they are god things.
  • Obey without excuses. Stop bargaining with Jesus. When He calls, answer. When He commands, act. No more excuses. It’s time for full on devotion.

Living this way will wreck your life—in the best way possible. It will strip away the false gods you’ve been clinging to and replace them with the only One worth worshiping.

Ok, so here’s the bottom line. Jesus doesn’t want to be first in your life. He wants to be the only. The first commandment isn’t a suggestion; it’s a declaration of war! War against every competing affection in your heart.

So stop ranking Him. Stop fitting Him into your schedule. Stop treating Him like a task to check off. Tear down the idols, clear the stage, and let Him reign as the one true King.

Because if Jesus isn’t the only, He isn’t anything.

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