It is a question that is being asked by educators. It is being asked by politicians. The corporate world spends untold amounts of money trying to answer the question.  Religious leaders are also involved in this discussion. At least those who are really leading and not merely “keeping house” are asking the question. What’s the question? How do we connect? Educators wonder how to best connect with students.  Politicians want to connect with voters. Those who have a product to sell or a service to offer want to connect with consumers and those who would benefit from what they have to offer. What about those of us who preach and teach God’s Word? Increasingly, I…

As a preacher, I am reminded often of the need for balance in preaching. We need to preach “hard” sermons and encouraging sermons. Preach from the Old Testament and the New Testament. Preach first principles and theologically rich concepts. Certainly, it is a challenge, but it also ensures that there is never a lack of material! But preaching is not the only part of our worship in which balance is needed. In the songs we sing in worship, we also need a balance. As you read this article, consider the last few Sunday worship services. Don’t just think of one week, but consider a few. Over time, a congregation should…

This summer, I was able to go on my first mission trip outside of the United States. Every year, our youth group goes to the City of Children in Ensanada, Mexico, where they conduct two Vacation Bible Schools; one for the youngest kids and one for all the school age children. They also complete a service project, do benevolence work out in the city, and play with the kids from the orphanage. I’m not going to lie: It is hard work! In the interest of full disclosure, the original reason I signed up for this trip was because our son, Luke, wanted to go and there was no way I…

Since the explosion of Twitter a few years ago, the social media world has become enamored with hashtags. Events, groups, and even major movements all try to come up with a hashtag that can be used to spread the word on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and elsewhere. Some of these hashtags have become very well-known and have helped build movements through the use of social media. As with anything else in social media, it is easy to try to reduce a major philosophy, movement, or belief to something extremely short. Twitter allows a little over 100 characters; not exactly the type of space needed to discuss a strong ideal. Instagram is based…

It is pink day or blue day or green day. Wear this color to raise awareness for this cause or that. You just received a Facebook challenge from a friend to do pushups, or have water poured over your head, or you are supposed to copy and paste a certain message to your wall. Everybody wants to raise awareness about everything these days. It may be cancer, or something political, or some travesty, or some compassionate plea for those who are hurting and need support. This is all fine and good. But I would like to raise awareness about a few things myself. 1. I want to raise awareness that…

I once heard a basketball coach make a statement that might be good for some of the rest of us to remember. Specifically, he was talking about various strategies that might be employed against him and his team by their opponents. In the process of discussing this, he said: “You can’t trick us because we are not paying attention.” As he went on, what he was talking about became apparent. His quote meant that he had convinced his players that his style of play would win against anybody. The players were then trained to concentrate on perfecting that style of play in each game. His thinking was that this single-minded, focused effort would overcome any…

Scrolling through Facebook, Instagram, and other social media outlets, I see statements like the following on a regular basis. “Getting ready to watch Wicked with my husband. God is good.” “Here’s our new van. God is good.” “Enjoying a hamburger with my little girl. Just the two of us. God is good.” These are not actual quotations, but very well could be. From dates to new houses and cars to big vacations, we are quick to throw the little tagline at the end of our updates: “God is good.” But there seems to be something missing, and I think it speaks to a very troubling issue about how we view God.…