As a small group leader there is no better way to get people involved and to elicit deeper, more meaningful conversations than to ask powerful questions. Jesus did this frequently (“Who do you say that I am?” “Do you love me?” Etc.). Some good conversation starters which I like to use in my leadership-discipleship coaching … More Powerful questions

Seems like it would better be called Horrible Friday, right? But, anything done according to God’s plan and for his Glory must be good. It was a plan set in motion by a loving God since mankind first sinned and turned away from Him, our creator. God loved us enough that He sent his only … More What’s so Good about Good Friday?

“A new commandment I give you…” The word “maundy” is derived from an old French-English word “mandatum” (mandate), meaning command. In the upper room with his disciples on the night before his crucifixion, Jesus said, “A new commandment I give you, to love one another as I have loved you.” He demonstrated an example of … More Our Maundy Thursday mandate

Not a haven for saints. Question: What is the church? Contrary to the misconception of the many, the church is not a haven for saints, not a meeting place for “perfect” people. The church is more like a “hospital” for sinners. And that includes you and me, everyone. For, as the apostle Paul said (claiming … More A hospital for sinners…

WordPress (the host of this blog) gives me the capability to see what country my web site visitors are from. Occasionally I have Chinese viewers, but rarely Russian. Interestingly, after my last blog on my Naval Aviation flying experience during the Cold War, I had a Russian visitor to my site. Welcome, comrade! I always … More Who’s listening?

A bit of a departure from my usual blog entry, below is an excerpt from an upcoming book for which I would greatly value your unvarnished criticism/feedback. I’m trying to judge general interest, including non-aviators. Thanks in advance! It was at the height of the Cold War back in the late 1970s. We were a … More An Air & Sea Story

That can be an uncomfortable, or even confusing, question for many. What does “discipling” even mean in a Christian context? When faced with tough questions like this it’s helpful to look to our model, Christ, for the answer. He discipled 12 individuals (and many more). We may not have the abilities of Christ… or do … More Who are you discipling?

“Come and see!” That is the Biblical model. Come with me and see what the Lord is doing. I recall being surprised by a CT/Barna poll which indicated that a majority of people when asked why they don’t attend church, answered “No one invited me.” Many unchurched think of the church as an invitation only … More Invite someone [Small group TIP]

Not enough hours in the day? Frazzled? Living a hectic pace without enough time to “slow down and smell the roses”? Both the Bible and current physics (cosmology/quantum theory) point to the fact that time itself is infinite. If an infinite God controls time itself*, will he not provide you and me with all the … More Slow down to speed up

Hospice care, COVID or ICU isolation… Medical crises are an opportunity for us to demonstrate God’s love. “Prayers and presence.” Just being there means so much to the critically ill and their families. I’ve also found that reading “God’s Promises” Bible verses are very encouraging to all within hearing (especially the afflicted), as well as … More Small group leadership TIP: Time of Crisis