A new community blossomed after that first Christian Pentecost. Not only did 3,000 get baptized into the Body of Christ after Peter’s first sermon. They found an effective way to live the faith together — a way so appealing to outsiders that day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being […]
Letters to a Young Pastor: “Specialness A”
Dear ______: I suppose your question is natural. As you think about your growing sense that God is calling you to full-time Christian service you can’t be blamed for asking “Why ME?” But will it hurt your feelings if I tell you that the question is not very helpful? You wonder what is so special about you […]
Helping Christian Community Thrive: What Are Your Priorities?
I’m fascinated by the second chapter of Acts. On that first Christian Pentecost, Peter and the whole apostolic gang were hiding out. Then suddenly they were filled with God’s own Spirit. They left their bunker and joined the crowd at the great Jewish festival in Jerusalem and began to bear witness to Christ. Peter preached […]
Letters to a Young Pastor: Hearing God’s Side of the Conversation
Dear ______: I’m glad you like the idea of finding guidance for your life in Scripture—where God has always spoken, God does speak still. But you are right: there is a learning curve. It takes a while to get the big picture of things in the Bible. You have to invest some time before it can […]
How to Make a Great Presentation to Non-Experts
Usually I’m all about Church history and theology. But today I gave a talk to a great group of undergrads at the University of Dubuque where I teach. They are doing intensive research projects this summer as “Chlapaty Scholars,” an amazing program endowed by the generosity of the chair of the university’s board of trustees. They […]
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