Progress To A Transformed Christian Life
I work at a Christian university that has developed quite a culture. A culture that they are very proud of. I have worked at two others Christian, Baptist universities and DBU is unique in its commitment to Christ-centeredness and Servant Leadership. Maybe you have been a part of a church with a rich culture with... Continue Reading →
Our Apprentice Experience Community has started our second round of readings and questions in preparation for Gathering 2 in March. One of the first Soul-Training exercises we were asked to complete based on our readings was to write a letter to God starting with the words, "Dear God, the life I want most for myself... Continue Reading →
During Gathering 1 of the Apprentice Experience, Keith Matthews listed out nine obstacles to Spiritual Growth (Growing Up). When he was done, he asked each of us to rank our top two obstacles. My top obstacle was the last one on his list - Lacking the confidence that God will really speak to me. As... Continue Reading →
You may think that you have never practiced Spiritual Disciplines. You would be wrong. If you have celebrated Christmas, then you have practiced Spiritual Disciplines. All that music, all of those candles, all that giving, all that singing, all of that charity focus, all of that family celebration, all of that scripture reading, all of... Continue Reading →
Since I started writing this blog back in May, the blessings have been profound and the challenges have been heavy. Here is a sample: I have tried to manage being a parent to three girls in various stages of life. One is months away from graduating high school, one is just entering her teens, and... Continue Reading →
We are about to enter the Do Not Be Afraid season. Everywhere you turn in the Christmas story is someone being told to not be afraid. Mary is told to not be afraid, Joseph is told to not be afraid, and then the Shepherds are told to not be afraid. What was going on that... Continue Reading →
"God wants partners not puppets." Jan Johnson, one of our master teachers at the Apprentice Experience, made this statement in a talk on God's love during Gathering 1. There is nothing about a puppet that is independent or free from the one who controls it. Puppets can't move, talk, or participate in a story without... Continue Reading →
Yesterday in my own church, a visiting retired missionary told the story of a missionary he knew that was hampered in his own efforts to disciple believers because he said that he was never discipled himself. Discipleship is simply learning to do the things that Jesus said to do. American church culture has created a... Continue Reading →
One of the things mentioned last week was that our primary orientation as a follower of Christ is as a student. Some form of the word disciple, learner, student, or apprentice is used 264 times in the New Testament while the term Christian is only used three times. Scripture tells us that the people... Continue Reading →
Last week had a little bit of everything. 29 people from all corners of the country converged on Wichita, Kansas for five days of study, worship, reflection, direction, fellowship, celebration, conviction, relationship developing, and encouragement.Some of us were pastors, some of us were lay people, some needed deep restoration and healing, some were working toward... Continue Reading →
Grow Up Blog 