By Josh Brundage The other day at my university, there was a hellfire and brimstone preacher standing outside the student center, yelling at those passing by. He was shouting at the top of his lungs, and some men around him were holding signs condemning people from certain walks of life. The man was yelling about … Continue reading Why I Don’t Want to Be a Christian Anymore
By Sarah Fujimoto Redemption begins with honesty. Lately I’ve been confronted by me not going there. It seems my interests and desires the past few years continue to evolve. Yet, at times I feel like I am stuck in a certain room of a big house, knowing that if I confront the other areas I … Continue reading The Gathering in Philadelphia: Experiencing Freedom Through Art
By AJ Sherrill Distance is rarely a remedy. When applied to emotional poverty it perpetuates depression; in marital poverty it creates independence; in governmental poverty it produces dictators; in spiritual poverty it fosters autonomy; and in economic poverty it generates permanent class distinctions. It is the latter example that we will focus our attention on … Continue reading Closer Than You Think: A Reality About Poverty
By Jeff Goins, Editor It’s Easter evening as I write this. Maybe it’s the significance of the holiday or the fact that I just returned from a nine-day mission trip to Costa Rica, but I’m a bit contemplative this afternoon. After twenty-four hours of being back in the States, I’m already settled again, but inside … Continue reading We Were Meant to Be Wrecked
By Sarah Fujimoto I found out this morning of a serious diagnosis in my immediate family. Not knowing how to react, what I was thinking or feeling, I just sat there numb. I have never experienced something to this level with someone that is so close to me. So I sat and I cried. Not … Continue reading Art Heals
By Matt Larson Jesus said some pretty powerful words to Peter: “I also say that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” (Matthew 16:18). The more I think about this verse, the less I view God’s version of church as our … Continue reading Church on Mission: Changing the Way We Think About Church
By Josh Casper Part one of a two-part interview with Chris Heuertz: There are certain people in life that you meet and have the opportunity to share a good conversation with, and this conversation is usually one that leaves you feeling a little conflicted, convicted, and overall… thankful. I’ve had the opportunity of listening to … Continue reading Simple Spirituality Interview with Chris Heuertz, Director of Word Made Flesh
By Jeff Goins, Editor Mark Oestreicher is the President of Youth Specialties, professional speaker, and author on the subject of youth ministry in the church. We just sat down for an interview with him regarding his new book Youth Ministry 3.0: 1) In a couple sentences, what is the main theme and reason behind writing … Continue reading Youth Ministry 3.0: Eight Questions with Mark Oestreicher
By Karen Swank He was only four years old, but he already had developed a very effective technique: he grabbed another child’s arm, twisted it around behind her back, and then lifted it fast and hard. Every time he did it, she was left helpless, standing bent over and completely unable to extricate herself. I … Continue reading Insecurity and the Googly-Eyed Monster
By Brooke Luby You don’t have to go far to experience the affects of depression. Even if it’s not something we would consider our selves prone to, It’s all around us, whether it’s the severely medicated type, or just an occasional bad day. Our world is broken, and our souls are broken. Not everything is … Continue reading Words of Solomon: Meaningless, Meaningless