Life rarely turns out like we think. Leadership is not what we assume when we sign up. The goal of success is not accomplishment but relinquishment. We are told that if we do certain things, we will gain what we desire. Leadership is about acquisition. The American church has largely put all its chips in […]
We live in a secular age. Some would even say it is beyond secular and post-modern; we are now decidedly post-Christian. We don’t believe in God; we believe in science. We live in a disenchanted world where every, I would argue, nearly every Act of God is explained away in scientific terms as if God
Why Bring Kids into a World Like Ours? Read More »
We tend to think that our current cultural moment is the worst it has ever been. We tend to think that the past was much better, and things progressively worsen daily. Likewise, we tend to over-romanticize the past and long for the “good ole days.” Eric Metaxas, writing about the English Reformer William Wilberforce, said:
Revival of the Ordinary Read More »
Talking about sorrow and death is something that we, as parents, do not do well. In my experience, many pastors are not much better. I have come to understand the goodness in God’s providence. As Spurgeon would say, ” I have learned to kiss the wave that threw me upon the Rock of Ages.” This
When tragedy strikes: How to talk to kids about shootings and death. Read More »
Here is a post I wrote for Youth Worker Journal. They have an incredibly resource-rich website as well as a magazine filled with excellent articles to grow your faith and capacity as a youth worker. If you work with youth or lead family ministry the Youth Worker Journal needs to be on your radar. It
Rabbit Starvation and Missional Youth Ministry Read More »
Champ Thornton released his first book in this series, The Radical Book for Kids, nearly nine years ago. Our family enjoyed this book. It was a unique take on theology, Church history, science, history, and random fun facts and activities. It was filled with truth that was captured in beautiful illustrations. The follow-up of Thornton’s
Really Radical Book for Kids Read More »
My Favorite Podcast Today with my good friends Ryan and Hunter we launch my new favorite podcast Cross Formed Kidmin. A podcast dedicated to the development of kidmin leaders and the teams they lead. I love this podcast because it is another way to be to other kids’ ministry leaders, which I wish I had
My New Favorite Podcast and My Least Favorite Statistic Read More »
Super excited to announce the birth of our brand new….. …podcast. [cpm-player skin=”device-player-skin” width=”100%” playlist=”true” type=”audio”] [cpm-item file=”http://samluce.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/CFKM-Trailer-Final.mp3″]CFKM Trailer Final[/cpm-item] [/cpm-player] With great excitement, we announce the birth of a new podcast! After months of preparation and hard work our brand new podcast has finally arrived and is ready to be shared with the
Huge announcement! Read More »
Knowing when to quit isn’t a specialty of mine. Staying is a strength with a corresponding weakness. 2022 was a challenging year for everyone I know. Without exception, every pastor, leader, or parent would say 2022 was the hardest or one of the most brutal years they have ever lived. I have lots of speculation
What Pastors and Parents Need More of in 2023 Read More »
Kids need stories. We live in a culture where kids have heard more scary things than they ever did growing up. Kids know more about the sadness in the world than ever before. We see the outworking of this in the anxiety and worry in our kids at a younger age and in a
Lewis on the Need for Better Stories. Read More »
