Browsing all posts in Connexus.

The Questions You Ask Tell a Story

I just posted some questions that excite me on the Connexus blog.  I love it when people ask me about what I’m preaching on a particular Sunday.  In so many cases, they’re asking because they are bringing a friend and want to know in advance that it’s going to be a great day.
I get excited [...]

Heart Attack

So I’m going to share a little piece of my world with you today.
One of the hardest battles I face internally is related to my heart.  Like you, I’m most effective when my heart is fully engaged.
But over time, it takes work to keep your heart fully engaged.  It usually unfolds this way – starting [...]

Good Church

Some great discussion on the blog and even some Facebook comments on this week’s Bad Church post.
If you’re like me, it’s so much easier to spot what’s wrong than to engage what’s right.  In part that’s human nature, in part it’s a product of being disappointed more than once, as Irene so aptly pointed out.
I’m [...]

Slow Death or Deep Change

Talking to a friend of mine last week who shared a blunt observation: every organization faces one of two options – slow death or deep change.
It hit me hard because it was so stark.  But it also hit me hard because it’s so true.
Even successful organizations who are not intentionally going through deep change are [...]

The Hardest Thing I Do

I think the hardest thing I do every day is not to build or sustain momentum for the church. It’s not writing messages, or even giving leadership to our team.  The hardest thing I do is to keep the church outsider focused. 
That actually shouldn’t surprise me because the hardest thing I have to do [...]

Losing Hope, Finding Hope?

So we’re gearing up for a December series on hope at Connexus.  Here’s the tension for the series:  Everywhere I turn in the Bible I read about hope, and yet hope seems so absent for so many Christians and those who don’t believe.
I twittered about hope last week and got a surprising number of DMs [...]

Why Bono Might Be a Better Preacher Than Most of Us

I’m thinking Bono might be one of the most effective communicators of our day. Better than most preachers, actually. 
More than a few musicians stand for something, but is there anyone who has gotten the message out more widely and clearly than Bono? 
So why is Bono effective?  Three primary reasons catch me:
1. The themes he uses [...]

What I Learned About Church From Bono – Imminence

On U2’s current tour, it would be easy to get lost in the sheer size of the spectacle.  The sense that what we’re dealing with is huge is very real. 
It’s also why people get hung up on God.  I have conversations every day with people who think of God as an idea – as a [...]

If You Were the Preacher

We’re planning out 2010 right now at Connexus and that means a brand new season of preaching is coming up.  
Question: what subject do you most want to hear us preach about in 2010 at Connexus?  What issue are you facing? What question never gets answered?  What’s the area of greatest concern for your friends?
This is [...]

A Bias Against the Bible?

This post isn't about the media or 'secular' society.  It's about people who say they follow Jesus and our attitude toward the Bible.
The last month has brought me into contact with an attitude I've seen over the years that just doesn't seem to go away.  The attitude?  Nearly everybody wants to hear from God, but [...]