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 live in a world of perpetual outrage. We march for war and against war. We march for women and for babies. We block streets to save whales, turtles, and the polar ice cap. Long after we are too old to march or too sick to care about the turtles, we will realize too late
The Most Subversive Thing You Can do is Start a Family 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 »
Marijuana is a drug that is becoming increasingly legal and increasingly popular among young people. While it may seem harmless, marijuana can have severe consequences for the developing brains of children and teenagers. As a parent, it is essential to understand the risks associated with marijuana use and to have open and honest conversations with
Parents, you need to talk to your kids about Marijuana. 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 »
One of the more difficult things I have had to do in my years of pastoral ministry is talk with kids about death. Explaining death and sorrow to kids has a profound influence on kids and a refining influence on us. Recently a friend of mine gave me a book to read written by Jonathan
Helping Kids Deal with Sorrow and Death. Read More »
I have been a part of the children’s ministry conversation for over 20 years. Several years ago, I was in a conversation with a few friends where we coined the term “Kidmin.” Initially, I saw the issues of parent involvement in the discipleship of their kids as an issue that was founded in children’s ministry
Parents as Partners Read More »
It has been almost two decades since my grandfather died. He was elderly, but his death was sudden. I remember getting the call and, somewhat stunned disbelief made the journey back to the family farm for his funeral. Many emotions accompanied that trip, but of all the things that stood out to me, what I
The Impact a Bible Can Have Read More »
We live in a world that is hyper-political and completely tribal. As I type this, there is now a mask-wearing tribe and “non-maskers.” We have successfully politicized public health and a worldwide pandemic. We also live a world that values experience over and above objective truth. Truth is relative, and experience is authoritative. We have
