“The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.”   Acts 11:21 These words were used by Luke to describe the church at Antioch. Their story starts like this: Now those who had...

On February 7th, a group of students plus a group of my adult friends gathered to watch the “Compelled by Love” documentary about Rolland and Heidi Baker’s life and work in Mozambique. There were many amazing things in the movie...

This semester I’ve been writing about how prayer and mission are inseparable.  Sometimes the “prayer people” can look at mission people and think “you’re all about planning and strategizing, but you need to pray so you’re not operating in a...

At The Austin Stone we are deeply convicted about the role of missional communities for effectively carrying out the life and mission of our church in the city of Austin. This conviction is especially true when it comes to the...

When Jewish psychiatrist Viktor Frankl was arrested by the Nazis in World War II and put in Auschwitz, the infamous death camp, he was stripped of everything: property, family, possessions, and a manuscript he had spent years researching and writing...

This year I have been writing about the character traits and skills of effective missional community leaders. I wrote about missional leaders being proactive, hospitable, generous, available, and attentive.  This post will look at how missional leaders are persevering. per·se·vere continue in a course...

Look over your shoulder after you take your next sip of that latté. The man sitting three tables back that glances occasionally in your direction is likely with the king’s security force. We think he is also the one who...

Jesus said that we should give alms a certain way. He didn’t say it was optional, or we should do it when we feel like it, or if we think the person is worthy, or if we think the person...

May God be a light for you in dark places, when all other lights go out. Walking through New York City, you cannot miss being surrounded by the enormous flashing billboards, neon lights, and the array of advertisement convincing you...

Sometimes, being grateful is a choice. Actually, gratitude is always a choice. Jealousy versus Gratitude We choose to be grateful, despite the fact that someone else may have more friends, more money, or a “better” life. As a Christian, I...