"Religion starts wars."

Religion doesn't start wars; people do. A sinful heart will use (and pervert) any means necessary to live out its superiority complex.

Saying 'religion starts wars' is like saying 'neighborhoods cause gang violence.' The problem is people.

Leadership and Isolation

My friend Josh Cahan posted this on his blog. I've noticed that church leaders tend to see themselves as 'leading the church' but not really a part of the church. This quote is such a great reminder that leaders need not be isolated from life of the church.

"It is important that leaders see themselves and are seen by others as part of the church. Professionalism is always the enemy of authentic gospel leadership. Leaders are not a special class set apart on their own, having to face burdensome responsibilities and forced to endure a lonely existence. Leaders cannot be detached. They must be visible believers who live their lives openly in the midst of the believing community." (Total Church by Tim Chester & Steve Timmis)

Video: Persevere

A video I shot for our church's leadership conference. We all admire leaders who have persevered through difficult times, but it's must easier admired than lived out.

The overall idea and creative work is the brainchild of Bobby Morganthaler.

Video: Follow the Follower

Here's another video I shot for our church's leadership conference. It's about the paradox that all Christian leaders live in: In order to lead well, we have to follow well.

The overall idea and creative work is the brainchild of Bobby Morganthaler.

Video: Dream Big

Here's a short video I shot for our church's leadership conference. It's about the power of vision and the necessity for Christian leaders to dream big.

The overall idea and creative work is the brainchild of Bobby Morganthaler.

So much of pastoring is praying.

Lord, it's so easy to lean on the wisdom of the world in all of its activity and striving and ingenuity. Please help me to lean first and foremost on your wisdom (1 Cor.3:18-19), to fight with weapons that are spiritual (2 Cor.10:4), and to work according to your divine power (Col.1:29).