Many churches these days are trying to appeal to people by highlighting what God can do for them. Is it possible to tell people what God can do for them without selling out God and turning him into a cosmic fairy godmother?
Author: Paul
Is the American Dream an American Idol?
The American Dream has been put on a pedestal in movies, TV, and commercials. It’s more or less assumed that everyone in America is in pursuit of the American Dream. I’d like to hear your thoughts on 2 questions today: 1) What is the American Dream? 2) Is it consistent with Biblical Christianity?
Anti-Consumerism: Worst Church Outreach Strategy Ever?
If our churches are going to reach self-centered consumers “where they’re at,” don’t we have to appeal to their selfish desires?
Are Churches Bait-and-Switching People?
Are churches essentially bait-and-switching people when they say “come to our church because of what is in it for you” to get people in the door and then turn around and say, “Christianity is not about what’s in it or you but it’s about loving, serving, sacrificing, and giving to others?” And does that even work?
Book Review: The Divine Commodity
In The Divine Commodity, Skye Jethani challenges the reader to take a look at the way American consumerism has impacted the American Christian worldview.
#Cultivate09, #Story09 Participants – What’s Changed?
Cultivate was a tremendous experience. But, let’s get to the bottom line… what’s changed? If you were at Cultivate and/or Story, how is your life going to be different because of the experience? Here’s what’s changed for me.
Blogging Live from #Culitvate09
Today I’ll be blogging live from the first ever Cultivate Conference in Chicago over on the Christian Web Trends blog. Cultivate is being described as less of a conference (which tends to be a few people speaking and the vast majority sitting back and listening) and more of a series of “organized conversations” for participants to discuss issues related to church communications. Check it out if you’re interested.
Roll Out the Barrel – Tomorrow is Oktoberfest!
Tomorrow Jennifer and I will host our 12th Annual Steinbrueck Oktoberfest. What started as a church small group activity in our first apartment back when we were newlyweds, has grown into an epic party that tests the capacity of our average-sized home. One year I think we topped 150 people.
While I love hosting Oktoberfest and have a great time every year, there is one thing I really hate about it.
But first let me tell you what I love about it and why we do it.
Time to Shut It Down?
Often times I think we hang on and keep doing things long after we should have stopped. We’ve all seen the aging sports star who just won’t retire… but it’s scary to shut something down.
Service Is Not Our Highest Calling
In The Careless Society John McKnight takes a look at the service economy in the United States and how its rise has led to the decline in community. But the real gem in this book is the last chapter titled “Christian Service.” It rocked my world by proposing a revolutionary alternative to serving others.