Pastor Jeff

Jesus Among Secular Gods

The latest book coming from the pen of Ravi Zacharias is co-authored by Ravi and fellow RZIM apologist Vince Vitale. And if this volume is any indication, we will be hearing a lot more from Dr. Vitale. While similar in title to the 2000 Zacharias release, Jesus Among Other Gods, the content is significantly different.…

Mere Mortals

One of my favorite quotes from C.S. Lewis (and there are so many) comes from his collection of essays, The Weight of Glory: “There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations – these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a…

Vision and Being Able To See

Helen Keller famously said, “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.” When it comes to leadership we often think of vision as a view of a preferred future. That is not a bad definition—not exhaustive but accurate nonetheless. Whenever I have candidated at a new church with the possibility…

But How’s the Foundation?

Ravi Zacharias tells the story about going to speak at Ohio State University. As they passed the newly completely Wexner Center for the Arts the driver described this edifice as “one of the first post-modern buildings in America.” When asked to explain the driver pointed out there were pillars which held nothing up and stairs…

Christianity Lite

I recently received an order from a pretty well-known evangelical mail order company that provides all kinds of books and supplies to individuals and churches. As I was unpacking the boxes I noticed the slogan printed on each of the packages, and while I am sure they meant nothing theological by it, the wording struck…

Shall We Dance?

I have just begun to pastor my fourth church which means I have been through the pastoral transition process for the third time. The first thing I can tell you is that it is different every time. There is always a mix of emotions. For instance, as we left Winston-Salem they did not want to see…