Browsing all posts in "church".

What Scandalous Thing Have You Done?

So yesterday we suggested that simply reaching people who don’t go to church by nature is scandalous.  The very thought of reaching non churched people can offend Christians. It’s not we intend to offend, but the Bible suggests we just will.  Religious people get upset when non-religious people become the goal of a mission.
Today I’d [...]

When The World Wakes Up, the Church Goes to Sleep…

We had a great day at Connexus yesterday.  A record or near record crowd (I don’t see all the numbers Sunday)…great feedback.  Lots of new families.  As any lead pastor, staff member or volunteer might be, I was pumped as I drove home.
But then this irony struck me – hard.  We start setting up church [...]

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 [...]

Bad Church

Everyone who’s been to church has had a bad church experience.
Sure, you can find exceptions to the rule.  But most of the people you’ll meet won’t be the exception, they’ll be the rule.
What if you and I, in all of our interactions (personal and organizational), behaved as if that was true?  How would it change [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

What I Learned About Church from Bono – Part One

A constant discussion at the leadership table at Connexus Church is how to engage Christians and people with no church background during the same service.
Musically, it’s tricky.  We have a fantastic music team.  Andy Walker, our director of music, has done an unbelievable job of crafting what I think is one of the best church [...]