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The Mighty Will Fall

September 25, 2024 / / 0 Comments

I recently read a book titled How the Mighty Fall by Jim Collins. It looks at some of the nations significant corporations, past and present, and evaluates the rise and fall of many of them. He overlays five stages of this falling process. I believe there is something in this book for us as individuals but also for the church. What follows is how I see the principles in this book being applied to the church.

It’s no secret, the church in North America is in decline. Attendance is down, people (young and old) are walking away, and once-thriving congregations are closing their doors. If this isn’t alarming to you, it should be. And no, this isn’t just another cultural shift we can sit back and ignore, hoping it will fix itself. In fact, Jim Collins’ analysis in How the Mighty Fall provides a sobering look at what happens when organizations—churches included—refuse to address the warning signs of decline.

In his book, Collins traces the downfall of successful companies through five distinct stages: hubris (pride) born of success, undisciplined pursuit of more, denial of risk and peril, grasping for salvation, and finally, capitulation to irrelevance or death. Sound familiar? It should. These stages aren’t just reserved for businesses; they apply directly to a variety of scenarios in life including the local church.

1. Detriment of Pride

The first stage of decline, according to Collins, is the arrogance that comes from past success. For decades, the church in North America sat comfortably in the driver’s seat of culture. We built massive buildings, programs, and ministries, and we thought we had it all figured out. The problem? We became arrogant. We assumed that because we were successful in the past, we would always be successful. We took on a build it and they will come mentality. We acted as though all we had to do was hold to what we believe and the rest would work itself out.

Collins warns that this kind of pride is dangerous: “Great enterprises can become insulated by their success, becoming bloated and slow in their decision-making processes” (How the Mighty Fall, p. 26). The church’s historical position in society made us complacent. We assumed that people would keep coming, that we would remain relevant just because we always had been. Guess what? We were wrong. And that arrogance has set us on a dangerous path.

2. I Want MORE!

The second stage of decline is what Collins calls the “undisciplined pursuit of more.” We’ve seen this play out in the church in numerous ways. As numbers started to dwindle, many churches responded by starting more programs, events, and ministries hoping something would solve the problem. Remember build it and they will show up right? More opportunities means more people will be here. Bigger worship experiences, more events, more complexity. But this lack of focus is killing us. Trying to be all things to all people in all circumstances isn’t working out well.

Collins states, “When an organization grows beyond its ability to fill its key seats with the right people, it has set itself up for a fall” (How the Mighty Fall, p. 39). The church, in its attempt to stay relevant, has often stretched itself too thin, offering everything to everyone while failing to keep its focus on its core mission: making disciples. We’ve traded depth for breadth, and now we’re paying the price. We traded discipleship and evangelism for programs and teaching styles.

3. Denial

Stage three is where things get really dangerous: denial. Collins says that organizations in this phase ignore the warning signs that their success is crumbling. The church in North America has been in this stage for decades, refusing to admit that we are, in fact, in decline. We point to outliers, large megachurches, or the strength of our teaching as proof that everything’s fine. But it’s not fine. We’re bleeding members, and our cultural influence is fading fast.

Here’s a hot take for you – the church does NOT exist without people!

Collins puts it bluntly: “In this stage, internal warning signs begin to mount, yet external results remain strong enough that leaders explain away disturbing data or attribute it to external factors” (How the Mighty Fall, p. 52). Sound familiar? We’ve been explaining away the decline of the church for too long—blaming secularism, technology, or changing moral values. But the real problem is our refusal to adapt and change.

Now don’t get your undies in a bunch! We need to know what can’t be change and hold fast. The truth of the Gospel. The purity of our doctrines are key! But the forms they take on? The way they’re expressed…those are the things that we need to be constantly evaluating.

4. Grasping for Salvation

In the fourth stage, Collins describes organizations in panic mode. They start grasping for quick fixes and salvation strategies. In the church, this often looks like chasing the latest trend: new worship styles, celebrity guest speakers, or flashy marketing campaigns. Or they move to the flip side and double down on tradition. We circle the wagons and cling tightly to what’s always worked so why not force everyone to look the same? But these are just Band-Aids on a gaping wound. “Leaders desperately search for a silver bullet,” Collins writes, “but most attempts fail to produce sustained improvements” (How the Mighty Fall, p. 78).

We’ve been trying to “fix” the church without addressing the root issues. These quick-fix strategies may work temporarily, but they aren’t sustainable.

5. Tapping Out

Finally, if we continue down this road, we’ll reach the fifth stage: irrelevance or death. This is where churches close their doors for good. And yes, it’s happening. All across North America, congregations are shutting down because they refused to acknowledge and act on the early stages of decline. “Capitulation is the final collapse,” Collins warns (How the Mighty Fall, p. 94). Will that be our fate too?

It Doesn’t Have To Be This Way

If we don’t wake up, we will continue down this path of decline. The church isn’t immune to the forces that cause other organizations to fall. We must acknowledge the warning signs, face reality, and take action before it’s too late. The good news is that Collins also emphasizes recovery is possible. But it requires humility, focus, and a willingness to change.

The time for complacency is over. Let’s stop denying the truth and start making the bold, hard decisions necessary to save the church before it’s too late. And it starts with an honest assessment of our current reality. If we can be brutally honest of our position on the lifecycle curve, we can properly address some next steps.

Stop Judging!

September 24, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Ok so hard truth we may not like to hear. Christians are really good at judging each other. I’m not talking about some polite “maybe you should rethink that” kind of critique. No, I’m talking about the deep-seated, “I’m holier than you” attitude that seeps into Christian relationships. That’s exactly what Paul was tackling in Romans 14:13-23, and let’s be real—it’s something we still wrestle with today.

The Judgement Trap

Paul opens this section with what some would call a mic drop: “Therefore, let us stop passing judgment on one another.” Bam! Paul doesn’t sugarcoat things at all does he. He knows that, left unchecked, we love to size up other people’s faith—what they eat, drink, or how they worship—and use that as a measuring stick for righteousness. Or perhaps a bludgeoning tool to beat our brother down. It’s like we’re always looking for an excuse to prove that we’re somehow “better” than the next believer.

But this attitude poisons our relationships. Paul tells us to knock it off. He flips the script and says, “Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.” (v. 13). In other words, stop acting like your version of Christianity is the only one, and focus on helping each other grow in Christ. Jesus is the only way to the Father, but you and I are not the only way to Jesus!

When Freedom Hurts

I love the idea of freedom. It just feels good when my freedom lines up with my lifestyle and passion. Who doesn’t love the idea of being free in Christ? But here’s the kicker—Paul says that sometimes your freedom can hurt someone else. In verse 15, he writes, “If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love.” What? So my personal freedom can be a stumbling block for someone else’s faith?

Yup. And that stings because we hate the idea of limiting ourselves for someone else. But Paul isn’t just talking about food either—he’s using it as a metaphor for any area of Christian freedom. Maybe you feel free to have a drink, but you’ve got a friend who’s been sober for years. Your freedom to crack open a cold one could cause them to stumble. Is your personal liberty worth the damage to someone else’s faith? Paul says no, and I sure hope we all feel the same way!

Unity

So, what’s the big idea here? Unity. Romans 14:19 lays it out: “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” Translation? Quit fighting over the small stuff and start building each other up.

Paul isn’t saying that we should all agree on everything. There’s space for disagreement and diversity in the body of Christ. But he is saying that we should stop letting minor differences tear us apart. When you prioritize peace and edification—building each other up—you create healthy, strong relationships that actually reflect the love of Jesus. That’s what people outside the church need to see.

Look at 1 Corinthians 8:9 for another way of hearing this: “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.” It’s the same idea—your rights, while important, are secondary to the emotional and spiritual health of your brothers and sisters in Christ.

Love Not Legalism

Here’s where it gets fun. When you start living with this “building up” mentality, you’ll find that relationships within the church get a whole lot healthier. Instead of being caught up in judgment, you’re caught up in love. You’re not trying to out-Christian your neighbor; you’re trying to encourage them.

Paul encourages us in Romans 14:17 to focus on the important stuff: “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” The Christian life isn’t about following a rigid set of rules; it’s about living in joy, peace, and righteousness—and helping others do the same. When we embrace that, our relationships thrive.

Major in the Majors

At the end of the day, Paul’s message in Romans 14 is clear: stop nitpicking and start loving. Focus on what matters—righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Keep the main thing the main thing. It’s ok to let the little differences slide. You’ll find that when you do, you’ll build deeper, healthier relationships.

So, next time you’re tempted to judge someone else for how they practice their faith, ask yourself this: Is my goal to help them grow closer to Jesus? If it’s not my goal, it’s time to take a step back, check our pride, and focus on what really matters—love, peace, and mutual growth.

And remember: “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” (Romans 15:7). That’s the heart of healthy Christian relationships.

Vegetables and Bacon

September 17, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Let’s talk veggies and bacon—two foods that couldn’t be more different. On one side, you’ve got your veggie lovers. They stick to the kale, spinach, and broccoli, probably starting their day with the one of those green smoothies, and wouldn’t dare put bacon anywhere near their salad. On the other hand, there are the bacon enthusiasts—crispy, salty, sizzling—who think bacon belongs on everything. And if there’s a vegetable involved, it’s only there to hold the bacon in place.

Now, believe it or not, this division isn’t just reserved for the dinner table—it’s a perfect setup for a conversation about living out our faith. And Paul, in Romans 14:1-12, does exactly that. He uses the example of food, specifically the tension between those who eat only vegetables and those who enjoy all foods, to make a larger point about the strength and weakness of faith. But before you think this is some kind of ancient argument between vegans and carnivores, let’s dive deeper into what Paul is really saying and how it can apply to our lives and the way we worship today.

The Backdrop

In Romans 14:2, Paul says, “One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables.” There it is—Paul calls out the veggie eaters as “weaker.” But why? Is he picking on those with healthier diets? Not at all. This isn’t about what’s on the plate; it’s about what’s in the heart.

In the early church, especially among Jewish believers, food laws from the Old Testament were a big deal. Certain foods were clean, others unclean, and eating the wrong thing could make you unclean. Some early Christians, still tied to these food laws, stuck to vegetables to avoid breaking any rules. Others, like the Gentiles who had no such dietary restrictions, enjoyed a bacon-wrapped feast without a second thought. Paul is saying that those still bound by the old rules—those who can’t let go of the law’s limitations—are “weaker” in faith. Their faith is restricted by old regulations. But those who understand the freedom found in Christ, the freedom to enjoy all that God has made, are “stronger” in their faith.

We need to hit pause for a second when we talk about stronger and weaker. It’s not about duration in the church or how many Sundays a year one attends worship. This stronger and weaker imagery is about having a deficiency in our understanding of the gospel. Paul is saying that those who still think the rules and regs of the old covenant will save them or make them more acceptable have a deficiency in their understanding of what Jesus actually did. They’re missing the freedom that is found in the completed work of Christ.

From Food Laws to Worship Wars

Let’s move this conversation from the dinner table to the sanctuary. Just as there were food laws in the Old Testament that governed what was acceptable to eat, there are unwritten “worship laws” today that dictate what is considered “acceptable” worship.

Some people believe that worship has to look a certain way—maybe it’s only hymns sung from a hymnal, or perhaps it’s the opposite, with only contemporary praise songs led by a guitar. There’s often a feeling that if worship doesn’t follow these specific styles, then it’s somehow less spiritual or less God honoring. These preferences can be strong, but they’re preferences not prescriptions found in the Bible. In some churches, clapping during worship might feel like breaking the bacon rule, while in others, not raising your hands could feel like opting out of the vegetable aisle entirely.

But here’s the thing—just as Paul says that faith isn’t about sticking to old food laws, our relationship with Jesus isn’t dependent on one specific style of worship. Those who find themselves trapped in only one mode of worship, thinking it’s the only way to please God, might be what Paul would call “weaker.” Their faith is bound up in limitations and rules, much like the vegetable eaters of Romans 14.

But those who find freedom in Christ—the ones who understand that it’s not the style but the substance, or better yet the object of worship that matters— these are the ones Paul describes as stronger. They can worship through hymns, contemporary songs, or even in silence, knowing that the point is not about how worship looks but about whom it glorifies.

Paul’s message is clear: don’t judge those who differ in how they express their faith. “Who are you to judge someone else’s servant?” he asks in Romans 14:4. Whether you’re a veggie eater or a bacon lover, whether you prefer organ music or electric guitars, we all answer to the same Lord. And He is the master making us each His servant, not the servant of one another. The beautiful part about this passage is the reminder that God has accepted us, not because of what we eat, how we sing, or what rules we follow, but because of His grace.

In Romans 14:12, Paul brings it all home: “So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.” In other words, worry about your own faith journey, not someone else’s. Focus on your relationship with Christ, and let others do the same. If someone worships differently than you, that’s between them and God. There are multiple expressions of faith. The key is that these expressions need to be God-honoring, focus on the work of Father-Son-Holy Spirit in our lives, recognize the death and resurrection of Jesus as the only way to heaven.

Just like there’s room in the kingdom for both veggie lovers and bacon enthusiasts, there’s room for all kinds of worship styles. The strength of our faith isn’t measured by how rigidly we follow traditions or how modern we make things. It’s about understanding the freedom we have in Christ—a freedom that allows us to worship in a way that’s authentic to our hearts while extending grace to others who do it differently.

So next Sunday, whether your worship involves an old hymn or a new chorus, remember that it’s not the style that matters. What matters is that we’re worshiping Jesus—the only One who gives us the freedom to celebrate in a multitude of ways. And if you happen to enjoy a post-church brunch, feel free to add some bacon. Paul would approve.

Small Churches Aren’t Bad Churches

August 30, 2024 / / 2 Comments

In today’s church landscape, there’s a tendency to equate a church’s health with its size. Bigger is better, right? More people in the pews, a larger budget, and a grandiose building are often seen as signs of a thriving church. But is this really the case? Can a small church be just as healthy, impactful, and spiritually vibrant as a mega-church? Absolutely!

In fact, the size of a church doesn’t necessarily reflect its spiritual health or the depth of its impact on its community. A small church, which I know is fairly ambiguous term these days, can be a powerhouse of faith, love, and service. Likewise, a large church can be a hollow shell, bursting at the seams with people but lacking the transformative influence that truly matters.

Note this is not a post about large versus small churches and which is better! The point is that the size of a church is not the key metric in a church’s health. Both large and small churches can be equally healthy or equally unhealthy.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that a church’s size determines its effectiveness. But this is a dangerous and misguided assumption. Jesus never said, “Go, and make your church big.” or “Go and keep your church small.” Instead, He commissioned us to make disciples, love one another, and be the light of the world. These commands can be fulfilled by churches of any size.

A small church with a few dozen members can have a profound impact on its community if it is focused on fulfilling Christ’s mission. This kind of church doesn’t need to be big to be healthy. In fact, some small churches are thriving, filled with passionate believers who are deeply committed to living out the gospel in their daily lives.

On the flip side, a large church can be unhealthy if it loses sight of its true purpose. Just because a church has thousands of members doesn’t mean it’s fulfilling its mission effectively. A mega-church might have a massive budget, a polished worship team, and state-of-the-art facilities, but these things alone don’t define its health for the good or bad. If it’s not fostering genuine discipleship, building authentic community, or making a lasting difference in the lives of its members and neighbors, a church of any size is missing the mark.

True Metrics of a Healthy Church

In his book Small Church Essentials, Karl Vaters challenges the assumption that bigger is always better and offers insight into how small churches can thrive. Vaters emphasizes that church health should be measured by more than just numbers. He provides practical guidance for small churches and highlights key metrics that define a healthy congregation, regardless of size.

Here are four alternate essential metrics for measuring the health of a congregation based on Vaters’ work:

1. Authentic Relationships:
One of the strengths of a small church is its ability to foster deep, authentic relationships among its members. In a small congregation, people can know each other personally, pray for one another by name, and offer support in times of need. Healthy churches prioritize building a loving, caring community where people feel known and valued. This relational closeness is often difficult (although not impossible) to achieve in larger congregations, where it’s easier for people to slip through the cracks. A healthy church—regardless of size—focuses on cultivating genuine relationships that reflect Jesus’ love for all.

2. Spiritual Growth:
A healthy church is one that prioritizes the spiritual growth of its members. Discipleship isn’t just about attending church services; it’s about growing deeper in faith, knowledge, and obedience to Christ. A small church can be a fertile ground for spiritual growth, offering opportunities for mentoring, Bible study, and personal accountability. Healthy congregations are intentional about helping their members grow in their relationship with God, regardless of the size of their Sunday attendance.

3. Community Engagement:
A truly healthy church is outwardly focused, actively serving and engaging with the community around it. We often call that evangelism in church world. Small churches often have the advantage of being deeply embedded in their local context. They may not have the resources to run massive outreach programs, but they can have a big impact by meeting specific needs, building relationships, and being a faithful presence in their neighborhoods. A church’s health is not just measured by what happens within its walls but frequently by how effectively it extends Christ’s love beyond them.

4. Shared Leadership:
Healthy churches empower their members to step into leadership roles. In a small church, there’s often more opportunity for individuals to contribute their gifts and take on responsibilities. This can be a powerful catalyst for growth, both for the individuals involved and for the church as a whole. A healthy congregation actively invests in raising up leaders who will continue to serve, lead, and expand Jesus’ mission for His church. It’s not about having a superstar pastor or a large staff; it’s about equipping every member to live out their individual calling.

The health of a church is not measured by how many people show up on a Sunday morning. It’s about the depth of relationships, the spiritual growth of disciples, the impact on the community, and the development of leaders. Whether your church has 50 or 5,000 members, these are some things that we can’t ignore.

It’s time we reject the assumption that small churches are less effective or less important. And equally we need to reject the notion that large churches are shallow and water down the Bible. A large or small church can be a powerful force for good, bringing transformation to its members and community. Instead of focusing on numbers, let’s focus on what really counts: faithfulness to Christ’s mission. When we do that, size becomes secondary, and true health and impact emerge.

People Movers

August 29, 2024 / / 0 Comments

My plane arrived in Baltimore on a Saturday evening. I had a small enough window of time to make my connection for my flight home that I was a little concerned about the distance I had to travel to my new gate.

As soon as I deplaned, I made my way into the concourse and saw my new gate number. A10. Not bad if I was in the A concourse I thought. Considering I was the farthest gate in C concourse and I had about 25 minutes to get to my gate, I decided to make every opportunity possible to use those cool people movers.

You know what I’m talking about right? The floor moves in the same direction you’re already going so that you can maximize your travel speed and efficiency getting to your gate closer to on time than not. Well it helped my moving with purpose to become even more speedy than I normally am. You guessed it. I’m the guy who walks my normal speed on these suckers. Why not double my speed!?!

Well the other day I got to thinking about those people movers. What a great idea. They take me where I’m already going. They just do it more efficiently and with less friction than if I were to walk there myself.

The reason I was in the airport was because I was spending time with some new and old friends who all work for the same network to which I’m connected. We’re called the FiveTwo Network and we are a group of Jesus-loving people who help churches move toward a thriving future.

It’s like being people movers but for churches.

We’re not taking you somewhere that you’re not already going. The church has pretty clear directives. We don’t bring the teachings of the church, you should have that locked in already. We don’t tell you how to do church either. That’s based on your context, congregation and church affiliation. We are simple people movers, moving you in the direction you’re already going.

Through a series of questions and onsite visits along with an immense amount of time digging through information we receive from you, we find out where you’re headed. Then we fire up that cool people mover and off we go. Together. In the same direction.

It’s super rewarding to see a church move from acting like they’re stuck in airport traffic in a busy concourse to watching it start to thrive. New programs. New ministries. Sometimes new staff. New people. New budgets. More people engaged in the same mission. Same church. Same teachings. Same Jesus. Just everyone moving in the same direction together.

The idea is simple. You don’t have to do it alone. And frankly you don’t have to come up with it by yourself either. There’s a people mover (for churches) that’s already been created that is able to help more efficiently and effectively move the local church in the direction it’s already going.

Ok so full disclosure here. If your church is moving in a direction that’s not biblical or just unhealthy, we’ll certainly let you know and can offer some help with that as well.

But more often than not, we’re already going in the same direction you are because our values are Jesus’ values. Our goal is all about growing Jesus’ kingdom by helping churches find hope and health and letting them thrive in an ever changing culture.

Well, I got to my gate with time to spare. Mostly thanks to the people mover (and a little help from a flight delay- just in case you’re curious planes need pilots or they don’t go anywhere).

If you’re in need of a people mover for your local church, let me know. We’re all about helping churches move more efficiently and effectively toward a thriving future.

Dream Big or Die Trying

August 28, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Never let your memories be bigger than your dreams. This quote, often attributed to American businessman and author Doug Ivester, strikes at the core of what it means to live a life of faith. If you’re clinging to the past, reliving your glory days in church or in life, you’re missing the point of the Gospel. Your memories, no matter how blessed, should never outshine your dreams.

God didn’t save you so you could sit comfortably reminiscing about what He’s done in the past. No! He saved you to be a vessel for His ongoing work, to dream bigger and aim higher. If your best spiritual days are behind you, it’s time to confront a harsh truth: you’re spiritually stagnant. And that’s not just disappointing—it’s a betrayal of the calling God has placed on your life. We’ve been saved from our sin, for an eternal future. There has to be a past, present, and future to our faith lives.

The Coffin of the Past

We love to get cozy with our memories, don’t we? Remembering those mountaintop experiences, the powerful moments when God moved in undeniable ways. But comfort can quickly become a coffin. When you prioritize your memories over your dreams, you’re choosing to live in a tomb of your own making, ignoring the fact that God is the God of the living, not the dead.

This isn’t about dismissing what God has done; it’s about recognizing that He’s not done yet! Your past should inspire you to press forward, not hold you back. If you’re stuck in yesterday, you’ll never be ready for what God wants to do in your life today, much less tomorrow. The past should ignite your faith, not extinguish it. If you’re not pushing forward with the dreams God has placed in your heart, you’re sliding backward.

We must be careful of small dreams—those tiny, comfortable aspirations that sound safe. They don’t stretch you, they don’t require much faith, and they don’t really demand that you rely on God. But that’s exactly what makes them dangerous. Small dreams breed complacency. They lull you into a false sense of security that has nothing to do with the bold, radical faith that Jesus calls us to live.

And even worse, small dreams are contagious. They spread through congregations like a virus, turning vibrant communities of faith into museums of past glory. But God didn’t call us to play it safe. He called us to step out of the boat, to walk on water, to move mountains. A life of small dreams isn’t really living by faith—it’s merely existing.

The Fear of Failure

Let’s face it: most of us are afraid of dreaming big dreams because we’re terrified of failure. We’d rather play it safe than risk the possibility of falling short. But playing it safe is the surest way to guarantee that you’ll never see the fullness of what God has in store for you. If you’re not willing to risk failure, you’re not really living by faith. If you can accomplish it without God’s intervention, then you’re not living in the wildness of a Jesus filled life.

Failure is not the enemy; it’s often the very thing God uses to shape us, to refine our character, and to draw us closer to Him. Every time you fail, God’s grace is there to pick you up, to teach you, to propel you closer to the dreams He’s given you. But if you’re too scared to dream big, you’ll never know the joy of seeing God move in ways that only He can move. Think of Peter walking on the water. If Peter did what Peter could do, he never would have gotten out of the boat. But seeing the bigger dream Jesus had for him, Peter was able to get out and stroll across the sea (until he stopped looking at Jesus and looked to comfort again instead).

If your dreams don’t require God’s intervention, they’re not big enough. If your goals don’t make you fall to your knees in prayer, begging God for guidance and strength, you’re not aiming high enough. We need to set goals that make people question our sanity, that force us to rely on God like never before. That’s where the miracles happen. That’s where faith comes alive.

Dream big, or don’t bother dreaming at all. Dream big, or resign yourself to a life of spiritual mediocrity, where your memories are your only source of comfort. Dream big, because God has promised to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).

So, what’s it going to be? Will you let your memories dictate your future, or will you dare to dream bigger than you ever have before? The choice is yours, but be warned: choosing to live a life where your memories outshine your dreams is choosing to settle for less than what God has planned for you.

We need to wake up. Dream big. Step out in faith. And don’t stop until our memories are nothing but stepping stones to something far greater that God is doing in our lives.

Wake-Up Call for the Church

August 27, 2024 / / 0 Comments

The church is bleeding members, and young women are leading the exodus. A recent USA Today article published on August 13, 2024, highlighted a grim reality: Americans are becoming less religious. But it’s not just a general decline. There’s a specific and alarming trend that should have every church leader’s attention—young women are walking away from the church, and they’re not looking back. I know full well that some people won’t like this message, others will think I’ve lost my noggin, and a few might resonate here. But the fact of the matter is ignoring the problem won’t make it go away. We need to do something and we need to do it fast.

Why Are They Leaving?

The answer isn’t what many will want to hear and others will flat deny this is real but the church has failed to create a space where young women feel valued, heard, and seen. They’re not leaving because they’re lazy or even because they’re uninterested in faith. They’re leaving because the church in many cases doesn’t recognize their worth. It doesn’t challenge them to take ownership of their faith or provide them with opportunities to lead.

The church has become a place where women are almost expected to be seen but not heard. They’re given roles that keep them in the background at best —hospitality, children’s ministry, maybe a women’s Bible study leader if they’re lucky. But when it comes to real leadership, when it comes to making decisions that shape the direction of the church, they’re often sidelined. And according to the article, young women are tired of it.

It’s time for a revolution in the church, in more ways than one but we’ll stay focused on this one topic. This isn’t about simply checking off a box to say, “We have women in leadership.” It’s about fundamentally rethinking how we structure leadership in the local church to empower women to take ownership of their faith while recognizing them for their contributions.

Ownership of Faith

Young women today are more educated, more connected, and more passionate than ever before. They’re not interested in a passive faith system that has them making jello salad as their contribution to the body of Christ. They want to engage and be engaged. They want to lead. They want to make a difference. But the church has often failed to provide them with the tools and, even more so the opportunities to do so.

It’s time to stop treating young women as though they’re merely the future of the church. They are the church…right now. They have a voice, they have ideas, and they have the ability to lead. But are we listening? Are we giving them the space to take ownership of their faith? Or are we holding onto structures that keep them in the background? Have we taken one Bible verse and broadened it so far that it no longer means what it says?

Recognizing the efforts of young women in the church isn’t just about saying “thank you” or giving them a pat on the back. It’s about giving them the same respect, authority, and leadership opportunities that we so freely offer to men. It’s about acknowledging that the church cannot survive, let alone thrive, without their contributions.

When young women see that their efforts are recognized, that their voices are heard, and that their leadership is valued, they will stay. They will invest in the church, they will bring others along, and they will lead the way in making the church relevant for future generations. Women have quickly become the gatekeepers of spirituality in their homes.

Church, it’s time to wake up. The exodus of young women from our congregations isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a warning. If we continue down this path, we risk losing an entire generation of women who could have been powerful leaders, teachers, disciples, and disciple-makers. We must act now to rethink our structures, to give women the ownership of their faith that they deserve, and to recognize them for their invaluable contributions.

This isn’t about filling pews. It’s not even merely about the survival of the church. If we fail to act, the church will continue to shrink, not because of external pressures, but because we refused to acknowledge the gifts and callings of half of the body of Christ. But it only changes if we wake up and cherish each part of the body as integral to the rest of the body.

It Was an Answer I Wasn’t Expecting

August 26, 2024 / / 1 Comment

Have you ever prayed for something and got an answer you didn’t expect? Maybe you were looking for a solution, but God gave you something that seemed way off course. All too often God’s answers don’t always line up with our expectations, but they are exactly what we need.

Romans 12:9-21 hits pretty close to home with what it looks like to live out our faith calling. It’s where the rubber meets the road. We love the idea of following Jesus, but when it comes down to living out these commands, it’s like, “Hold on, God, that’s not what I was expecting!”

Hypocritical Love

Verse 9 sets the stage: “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” Sounds simple, right? But the reality is, this love isn’t the watered-down, feel-good emotion we often chase after. No, this love is genuine, selfless, and sacrificial. It’s the kind of love that Jesus showed us when He gave up His life for ours. Oh and don’t forget he did it while we were still sinners. That’s an answer I wasn’t expecting!

We didn’t deserve that kind of love. If we’re honest, many of us don’t love like that either. We slap on a smile, shake hands on Sundays, but our hearts are far from this sincere, no-strings-attached kind of love. God’s calling us out on our hypocrisy. He’s saying, Stop faking it. Love people like I love you. That is certainly a tough pill to swallow.

Serve NOT Be Served

Look at the next few thoughts from Paul. “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord” (v. 11). We love the idea of serving God, but when it comes to serving in the midst of our daily grind, to the sacrifices, to the inconveniences, that’s when we start dragging our feet. Jesus served us in the ultimate way by laying down His life. He didn’t just talk about serving—He did it, and it cost Him everything.

Now, God expects us to serve like that. This isn’t about signing up for the easy stuff or doing the bare minimum. It’s not giving those unwanted canned yams that have been in the pantry for a decade to the food pantry and calling it generosity. This is about getting down and dirty for the kingdom. Serving others even when it’s uncomfortable, even when they don’t deserve it. That is definitely an answer we were not expecting. But it’s the answer we need if we’re serious about following Jesus.

Mercy Over Justice

And here’s the kicker: “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse” (v. 14). This one might cause us to pause just a little bit longer. God wants us to bless the people who hurt us? That sounds crazy doesn’t it! But that’s exactly what Jesus did. On the cross, He said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). That’s a mercy we weren’t expecting!

We want mercy for ourselves, but judgment for others. We want God to deal with our enemies, not bless them! But God flips the script. His mercy for us is the model for how we should treat others, even those who hurt us. Mercy isn’t earned; it’s freely given—just like it was for us.

Romans 12 is a blueprint for a life that is completely counter-cultural. It calls us to be living sacrifices, which means laying down our lives for the sake of God’s Kingdom. Loving without hypocrisy, serving without hesitation, and showing mercy without limits—none of this is what we naturally want. It’s not the answer we were expecting. But it’s exactly what God expects of us because that’s what Jesus did for us.

This quite frankly is the hard road of discipleship. And it’s the only road that leads to experiencing the real life that God intends for us. So when God gives you an answer you weren’t expecting—when He calls you to love the unlovable, serve the undeserving, and show mercy to the unforgivable—remember that He’s asking you to do exactly what He’s already done for you.

God’s love is radical. Jesus’ service was sacrificial. His mercy is limitless. And He’s calling us to do the same. Don’t shrink back from the unexpected answers. Lean into them. They are the path to real life, the life you were created for.

Live it. Serve it. Show it. No more excuses. No more playing church. It’s time to be an unexpected answer in someone else’s life.

Imagine That!

August 14, 2024 / / 1 Comment

If You Can’t Imagine It, You’ll Never Accomplish It – Albert Einstein.

Albert Einstein, one of the greatest minds of the 20th century, wasn’t just talking about complex theories when he said this. He was tapping into a core truth that many overlook in their day-to-day lives: the power of imagination. It’s not just a child’s plaything or a daydreamer’s escape or that ride at Epcot with the purple dinosaur. Imagination is the starting point for every significant achievement in human history.

The Birthplace of Reality

Before anything can become reality, it first has to be imagined. Think about that for a moment. Every innovation, every breakthrough, every great work of art or architecture—began as a thought, a vision, a spark in someone’s mind. If you can’t see it in your mind’s eye, if you can’t picture the outcome, then what exactly are you working toward?

You see, the problem with most people isn’t that they lack the ability or resources to accomplish great things. It’s that they lack the vision, the imagination. They’re stuck in the mud of reality, afraid to lift their eyes and dream of what could be. And that’s a tragedy because imagination is a muscle. If you don’t use it, it atrophies. But if you exercise it, if you stretch it and push it beyond its comfort zone, you’ll be amazed at what you’re capable of.

We live in an age where creativity isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must-have. The old ways of doing things are crumbling, and those who can imagine new possibilities are the ones who will thrive. If you’re still relying on rote memorization, following the same tired routines, or sticking to the “this is how it’s always been done” mentality, you’re already behind.

Creativity is the currency of the future. Innovation doesn’t happen without it, progress stalls in its absence, and leaders emerge from it. The world is crying out for fresh ideas, for new solutions to old problems, and for individuals bold enough to imagine what others can’t see.

Stop Playing It Safe

Here’s where it gets real. Playing it safe is the fastest way to mediocrity. If you’re not willing to step out of your comfort zone, if you’re too afraid to take risks, then you’re sentencing yourself to a life of the ordinary. And let’s be honest: the world doesn’t need more ordinary.

Do you want to leave a mark? Then you need to be willing to dream bigger than you ever thought possible. You need to tap into the wild, untamed parts of your mind where creativity and imagination run free. Stop worrying about whether or not it’s practical. Practicality is overrated. The Wright brothers weren’t practical when they imagined humans flying through the sky. Steve Jobs wasn’t practical when he envisioned a world where technology was intuitive and accessible. They were visionaries. And guess what? Visionaries change the world.

Imagine the Life You Want

This isn’t just about business or innovation either; this is about your life. What kind of life do you want to live? Can you imagine it? Can you see it in vivid detail—the places you want to go, the things you want to achieve, the impact you want to have?

If not, you need to start there. Spend time each day imagining the possibilities before you. Get specific. Picture yourself in that future reality. Feel it, taste it, breathe it in. Because if you can’t even imagine it, how on earth are you going to accomplish it?

Don’t wait for permission to dream. Don’t wait for the perfect moment to start creating. The perfect moment is a myth. The only thing that matters is that you start, right now, using the greatest tool at your disposal—your imagination.

Make Imagination Your Superpower

Albert Einstein wasn’t just a genius because he was smart; he was a genius because he allowed his imagination to soar. He saw beyond the immediate, beyond the obvious, and dared to dream of what could be. And that’s exactly what you need to do if you want to accomplish anything meaningful in your life.

So, what are you waiting for? Stop limiting yourself to what has been and what is. It’s time to start imagining what could be. Your future is as bright as your imagination allows it to be. Dare to dream, dare to create, and most importantly, dare to imagine a world where your vision becomes reality. Because if you can’t imagine it, you’ll never accomplish it.

No More Apples

August 13, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Think you’re just an apple in a basket, waiting to be picked or discarded? Wrong. You’re an orchard in disguise, brimming with potential that could feed nations, change lives, and alter the course of history—if you’d just wake up to it.

I recently heard the line Within every apple there’s an orchard. I did not come up with this and its origin is unknown, but I feel there’s power in this thinking. This isn’t just a feel-good quote to throw on social media and forget. It’s a battle cry, a declaration of war against mediocrity, and a direct challenge to the excuses you’ve been feeding yourself for too long.

The Apple Mindset

Too many people are stuck in the “apple” mindset. You know the type. They see themselves as small, ordinary, just trying to get by without making too much noise. They’ve bought into the lie that they’re just one in a million—replaceable, forgettable, insignificant.

But here’s the truth: you’re not just an apple. Inside you is the seed of something far greater. You have the power to grow, to expand, to become an orchard—a force of nature that can produce fruit for generations to come. The potential within you is limitless, but it’s useless unless you recognize it and do something about it.

We can’t stop there either. If you’re a Christian, this concept hits even closer to home. Within every Christian, there isn’t just potential for personal growth—there’s the potential to build a whole community of faith. Just like the orchard in the apple, there’s a church, a body of believers, a thriving community within you waiting to be cultivated.

Too many Christians walk around with a small vision, thinking that faith is a private matter, something personal and contained. We treat ministry like it’s something we can hire someone else to do for us. But the truth is, Christianity is meant to be lived out…in community…by everyone! Your faith isn’t just about you; it’s about the people where you live, work, and play.

Your faith isn’t meant to stay locked in the walls of your heart or the pews of a church. It’s meant to grow, to spread, to multiply. Just like an orchard starts with one apple, a thriving community of faith starts with one believer—one person willing to plant seeds of love, kindness, and truth in the lives of others.

Stop Settling

The problem is, most people settle for the apple when they could have the whole orchard. They settle for a paycheck when they could have financial freedom. They settle for good when they could have great. Why? Because they’re scared? Because they don’t believe in themselves? Because they’ve been conditioned to think small.

You need to start thinking like the orchard, not the apple. The orchard doesn’t just survive—it thrives. It doesn’t just exist—it expands. It takes up space, it demands attention, and it produces more than enough. The orchard is the picture of abundance, and that abundance is within your reach. It’s easy to see the limits of scarcity but Jesus took our scarcity and showed how abundant it truly was.

How to Cultivate Your Orchard and Your Community

I know I poke holes in status quo a lot on here. So here are some practical steps for shifting that focus. How do you tap into this orchard within you? How do you break free from the apple mindset and start living up to your true potential—both in your personal life and as a follower of Jesus? Here are a few thoughts:

  1. Imagination: First, you need to see the orchard. You need to believe that there’s more to you than what meets the eye. You need to imagine what life could be if you stopped settling and started striving. As a follower of Jesus, you need to see the community within you and believe that your faith can impact others.
  2. Farming Framework: Understand that the orchard doesn’t appear overnight. It takes time, effort, and patience. But it all starts with the seed—your potential. Nurture it, protect it, and watch it grow. In the same way, start small in your own circle—share your faith, serve others, and watch as your impact multiplies. Look at the relationships that already exist in your life. Why do you think God put those people here at this moment?
  3. Nike: Stop waiting for the perfect moment, the perfect opportunity, or the perfect conditions. Just Do It! Start planting today. Take action, no matter how small, toward your goals. Every seed you plant today is a tree that will bear fruit tomorrow. Don’t just attend church—be the church. Get involved, serve, and lead. Move from observing the faith in others and start owning the faith in you.
  4. Perseverance: Don’t give up when things get tough. Orchards face storms, droughts, and pests, but they survive because they are deeply rooted. Be resilient. Stay the course. In your faith, hold on to God’s promises and continue to sow seeds of righteousness, even when it’s hard.
  5. Harvest: Finally, don’t be afraid to reap the rewards of your hard work. When your orchard starts to bear fruit, don’t apologize for success. Share it, enjoy it, and let it inspire others to cultivate their own. As a Christian, celebrate the growth of your community and continue to foster the faith in others. Raise up new leaders and begin leaving a legacy of discipleship for those that will come after you.

You can sit there and let life pass you by, or you can realize that you’re carrying an orchard within you. You can choose to stay small, or you can unleash the abundance that’s been inside you all along.

Don’t let another day go by without tapping into your true potential. Don’t waste another minute thinking you’re just an apple when you could be so much more. The world needs your orchard—it needs what only you can provide.

And as a Christian, remember that your faith is the seed of something far greater. It’s the foundation of a community, a church, a movement. It’s time to stop thinking small and start cultivating the orchard within you.

Within every apple there’s an orchard. It’s time you start believing it.

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