A common theme with our hopes and fears was around how the Church responds to this multi-layered crisis we find ourselves in. Our fear, of course is that the Church will fail to live into its calling as the body and bride of Christ and that our work as pastors will be...
This is why I’m grateful for the season of advent. Advent means coming or appearing, and it is a season that shapes our expectations. It reminds us that the world waited a long time for Christ’s first coming and that when he came it was not in the way they expected....
Prepositions matter! 1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us to “give thanks in all circumstances.” I’m really glad the command isn’t to “give thanks for all circumstances.” There are lots of things I cannot and even should not give thanks for this year, but in the midst of...
Looking at scripture, I see two interrelated things. First we take it to the Lord. I have often said the Lord prefers our anger to our apathy. We can and should tell God about our frustrations and disappointments, even if on some level they are with Him. We see people...
First, “I don’t know.” Truthfully, I hate having to say “I don’t know” but the truth is I don’t know. I don’t know all of what God is doing in this moment in our history or exactly how we should respond. Yet when I admit I don’t know I put myself in a position to...
Determining which button He has pushed will deeply impact the way we live. If it is a “pause” button, we pause, try to learn the lessons He has for us, hold on as patiently as we can and go back to “normal” once He hits the “play” button again. Yet if it is the...
Reflection by Pastor Jon Heeringa At the same time I maintained my normal devotional life and coming out of vacation I notice I’m not nearly as stressed. In fact, I have a greater assurance that God has things well in hand. There is truth in the old song “Turn Your...
Reflection by Associate Pastor Billy Our country (and world) has entered once more into a conflict called racial injustice that has always existed, but from time to time raises its voice to a level that causes notice. I am not afraid of conflict. Let me share why. I...
Book Review by Brad Jenkins As I tried to make sense of what was happening, I stumbled across the Twitter feed of Jemar Tisby, a Christian historian, author and speaker who studied theology at Reformed Theological Seminary. An image of his most recent book, “The Color...