Before Finn’s bedtime, we have a pretty regular routine. We brush his teeth. Sometimes he gets a bath. And then we read some books. Of course, he loves books, especially if we love the books. I’ve learned this about kids. They will love what you love. If you get really excited about something, the likelihood … More The Foot Book

Our church is known for our focus on local missions. It’s not the only thing we do, but it is something we are very passionate about. There’s no doubt that this is reflected in Allyssa and I’s leadership. But its helped us gather a community of other people passionate about serving the poor. Which means, … More It Takes a Village

I wasn’t raised poor or affluent. I was a middle-of-the-road, middle-class kid from a small town. The fact that this small town is named Hicksville is only a distraction from the fact that it’s actually a great place to raise middle-class kids. That does not say there wasn’t economic disparity. The poor in our community … More Vacation and Economics

I recently had a couple conversations with some old friends who I hardly ever see anymore. We talked (and argued) about life and ministry and politics and current events. The conversation lasted well into the night. At the end of the conversation, I began to realize something. The view these friends have of me is … More Why I’m Leaving Facebook

Allyssa and I are rather strange. But we don’t realize it until people point it out. A lot of what we do as pastors seems normal to us, but when others point it out (often as a compliment, sometimes as a complaint), we then realize that we’re not normal. We might take too much pride in … More Contribute vs. Critique

I recently finished our spring classes at Central City Church. The class I lead was an introduction to local missions. It ran alongside a class that is an introduction to small groups: local missions and intentional relationships, two of our three core values. I haven’t had much success with classes, but after a little encouragement … More Christians say “I love the poor.” I say: “What are their names?”

Please note: this post was intentionally written with a little bit of “bite.” Its tone is meant to be bold, vulnerable, with a hint of satire. Read at your own risk. 🙂 My heart hurts for the violence in this world, both what is noticed and mourned by the world, like school and police shootings, as … More Gun Control -or- Another Post to Agree or Disagree With

5 years ago, Allyssa and I started praying about planting a church.  This past Sunday we held our 11th weekly worship service. #whatajourney This church planting experience has been a journey. God has worked in amazing ways, but not often how I expected.  Some doors have just flung open. Others we have had to knock on … More Four Things That Keep Me Going

When studying scripture, I often find that strange parts of scripture are often linked to something, somewhere else, that helps bring it deeper meaning. I find this often across the Old and New testament. I have found it often enough that I tend to operate out of a simple assumption: if something is confusing, or … More Faith to Move Mountains

On Sunday, I preached on Matthew 19, verses 16 and following, where Jesus encounters a rich young ruler. The podcast is available here, but something my friend said in response is probably worth more than anything I said. One of my friends from Franklinton drove up to Grandview to join us for worship. He’s lived … More When an email says more than the sermon it’s replying to…