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...

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 doing stuff, but you need to pray so you’re not operating in a worldly...

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...

A ministry formed by  a few freshmen is not something that’s heard about everyday on college campuses.  When it does happen though, it’s definitely impressive and catches people’s attention.  The Honors Quad Missional Community did just that. CRM Media recently...

I’m not sure how long the term “missional” has been in vogue in Christian ministry, but it is a fairly recent focus of the Church. Though it has only come to the forefront in books and conferences in the past...

I’ve been writing this semester on “killing competition” between campus ministries. If you have been in campus ministry very long, you know there is a subtle (or perhaps not so subtle) temptation to compare your ministry with another, even a...

Entering a new culture is like admiring Austin’s Barton Springs pool from the top of the hill and then suddenly getting plunged into its icy plant-filled waters. This is no ordinary pool, and it sure is cold! When students first...

This semester I have been writing about the character traits and skills of effective missional community leaders. I wrote about missional leaders being proactive, hospitable, generous, and available. This week I will write about missional leaders being attentive.  I will reference a great...

Among all the sermons, books and blogs in the world, it seems everyone wants to talk about what appears to be concrete, the “musts,” “shoulds,” and “should nots.” But I have learned over nearly a decade of leadership and ministry...

Christians at universities popularly seek the presence of God in retreats – heading to camp sites, rural churches , or outdoorsy camps to seek God in motivational speakers,  great worship bands, and some much needed time away from our iPhones,...