Warmth Rather than Light

People join churches more because they want warmth than light. We like to think it's our stunning proclamation of the truth that keeps them in the ...

Silas, Paul's Co-Author?

Silas is first mentioned at the Council of Jerusalem (49). As "one of the leading men among the brethren," he was chosen as diplomatic envoy ...

Titus, Paul's Troubleshooter

Titus probably gets the Pauline service award with 20 years as Paul's co-worker.

Titus was born a Gentile, and when he became a Christian he did not ...

"The Church Did This to Me"

When I visit newcomers, I try to elicit the-church-did-this-to-me stories, because nearly everybody has one.

Ministry in the Parking Lot

I learn about the effectiveness of my ministry by watching people in the parking lot rather than in the pews.

Responsibility for the Church

I beg you, do not look upon [this parish] as a steppingstone, but rather say: Here I shall stay as long as it pleases God; if it be his will, until I ...

Welcoming Throughout the Building

Welcoming isn't just something done at the door; it's something everyone does all over the building.

Where's the Human Connection?

I had a delightful, fifteen-minute telephone conversation last Tuesday. Actually I shouldn't call it a conversation. It was more ... well, I'll ...

Emotional Needs Come First

Meeting the emotional needs of people comes first. They want to know, "Do you like me?" and "Can I find a place here?"

What Kind of Freedom?

A limitation of freedom is given by the fact of fellowship because the individual is created for community. No one lives alone from the fact that he has ...