No authentic relationship can begin without a proper introduction. Who are you? What kind of relationship do you want? What do you want from me? These are the foundations of an...

“Jesus Christ is Lord.” Wow. WOW! THAT’S who’s in charge! Prose is inadequate for such an overwhelming, awesome affirmation! Paul recites an early hymn to convey the magnificence of Christ’s Lordship....

“In humility regard others as better than yourselves.” Church leaders praise “servant-leadership,” and nowhere is its tension and cost clearer than in Philippians 2. Verse 3 in particular is a tall...

“What have you done for me lately?” We live in a time— thus ever it was—where the “now” triumphs over the “then.” Certainly life moves forward. Living today and not yesterday...

“I don't want you and him making all the decisions.” So snapped a church leader at me about the trustee chair, after our trustees adopted a security measure in the wake...

“What shall I do with this people?” Most of us have said that. Is there anyone who hasn’t at least thought it? Pastors, congregations, parents, children, leaders, and followers: What shall...

“You’re not the boss of me!” Most of us have said or been told this expression of desired autonomy. Part of maturing personally and spiritually is self-differentiation. If we are not...

“Who’s in charge?” Explicitly or implicitly, it’s a question asked in households, businesses, government, and churches. As ministry moves into the heart of fall program activity and nominating committees prepare their...

Jesus never calls the landowner “God” and neither should we. Like every parable, this one does its best work when it’s not locked down ahead of time, no matter how many...

Today’s parable is so familiar to church-going Christians that it seldom receives a fresh hearing. Once you know the punchline, the story is just the vehicle for getting there. But if...