One hour a week that makes a difference

My friend Marilyn volunteers one hour a week to read with students at a low-income school through the national “Everybody Wins!” program. Here’s what she writes about her experience: “This is what I do every Wednesday at noon (Everybody Wins! LA) at nearby Leo Politi...
Church on a mission

Church on a mission

An outstanding example of a church deeply committed to meeting the many needs of its community is Lawndale Community Church of Chicago’s inner city. Their statement of mission reads: “We seek to bring Christian holistic revitalization to the environment of the...

A good idea

Brandon Hatmaker shares in his new book The Barefoot Church about a way his church created an opportunity for people to experience what it’s like to serve: “I know that sounds weird to taste need, but that’s what it is: an event designed for people to just show up and...
Book review: Barefoot Church by Brandon Hatmaker

Book review: Barefoot Church by Brandon Hatmaker

I’ll tip my hand right from the beginning. Barefoot Church: Serving the Least in a Consumer Culture is one of the best books I’ve read all year. It’s filled with great, inspiring stories that come from real life, hands-on ministry experience. If you’ve ever wondered...

Both/And

The Kingdom of God is truly both/and. There are twin dangers:  If we get so focused on the spiritual that we ignore temporal needs, we’re not living like Jesus did, and so no wonder people are critical. On other hand, we can’t forget the very last thing Jesus told us...

Principle #5: Serving the least of these

I’ve written about this on my blog before, but it really stood out as I read the gospels with an eye toward seeing how Jesus lived.  He really focused his ministry on the least of these.  I’d challenge you to take some time this week to look through the following...
A dream for the churches

A dream for the churches

I have a dream where churches are serving the world around us… not with an eye toward ourselves, our own growth, our reputation, our benefit, but with an eye outward: disinterested service that expects nothing in return. I have a dream that the Body of Christ would...