Example of social deficit? Some people talk too much and drive others away, or drive them crazy by their lack of verbal discipline. What would grace and truth look like in this scario?
Thanks Mark. That's helpful. I think the incessant talker is a tricky one because there are so many different kinds of a talking person that pushes the boundaries of social acceptance. The person who makes political comments assuming the listener is "on their side." The person who talks with a critical or negative attitude is a way that drags a conversation down. The person who doesn't necessarily talk too much, but who whose comments are off topic or tangentel to the direction of the conversation. The argumentative talker, etc. Lots of room for wisdom and discernment.
I've been going to the library for years to get sermon work done. I make little or no progress at the office. I set aside time to be interrupted (when i'm at home/at the office), and time when I can focus and think without being interrupted. If I didn't my sermons would never get finished. You can accomplish ministry by engaging people when they are appear or you can accomplish ministry by being able to think clearly and write a good sermon. I think both are important.
Thanks Leon. Nice practical strategies. I use a combination of Instapaper and Evernote for reading (and archiving). If I see an article in an email (from CT or Alban, for example), I use the plug-in to save it to instapaper (ipad app). When I have a free moment, i open up instapaper and read what's there. I have it set up that if I "like" it in instapaper, it automatically sends it to evernote which I use to archive all my readings. Evernote is easily searchable for future reference.
There are churches all around me who preach the "5 steps to happiness" method. I think our church is distinctive in that you won't find that method here. I hope it's a breath of fresh air. I think the gospel is the only authentic and life giving way to preach. Lose that and our sermons could be given in a local public school on how to be good citizens. I'm grateful that I've got another option to offer that is ultimately better, deeper, and more satisfying than 5 steps to raise your kids, etc. No conflict here.
Posted in: Rethinking the Church’s Social Practices
Example of social deficit? Some people talk too much and drive others away, or drive them crazy by their lack of verbal discipline. What would grace and truth look like in this scario?
Posted in: Rethinking the Church’s Social Practices
Thanks Mark. That's helpful. I think the incessant talker is a tricky one because there are so many different kinds of a talking person that pushes the boundaries of social acceptance. The person who makes political comments assuming the listener is "on their side." The person who talks with a critical or negative attitude is a way that drags a conversation down. The person who doesn't necessarily talk too much, but who whose comments are off topic or tangentel to the direction of the conversation. The argumentative talker, etc. Lots of room for wisdom and discernment.
Posted in: When Were You Last Filled With Awe?
Thanks Jul. This is a good practice--to look for awe filled/God filled moments.
Posted in: Gratitude Is the Heart of the Christian Life
Thank-you for these words! :)
Posted in: Work: Interrupted
I've been going to the library for years to get sermon work done. I make little or no progress at the office. I set aside time to be interrupted (when i'm at home/at the office), and time when I can focus and think without being interrupted. If I didn't my sermons would never get finished. You can accomplish ministry by engaging people when they are appear or you can accomplish ministry by being able to think clearly and write a good sermon. I think both are important.
Posted in: Thoughts on Pastoral Reading
Thanks Leon. Nice practical strategies. I use a combination of Instapaper and Evernote for reading (and archiving). If I see an article in an email (from CT or Alban, for example), I use the plug-in to save it to instapaper (ipad app). When I have a free moment, i open up instapaper and read what's there. I have it set up that if I "like" it in instapaper, it automatically sends it to evernote which I use to archive all my readings. Evernote is easily searchable for future reference.
Posted in: What's a Preacher to Do?
There are churches all around me who preach the "5 steps to happiness" method. I think our church is distinctive in that you won't find that method here. I hope it's a breath of fresh air. I think the gospel is the only authentic and life giving way to preach. Lose that and our sermons could be given in a local public school on how to be good citizens. I'm grateful that I've got another option to offer that is ultimately better, deeper, and more satisfying than 5 steps to raise your kids, etc. No conflict here.