There is something within each of us that longs to be seen, known, valued, and significant. And it’s not surprising, as we were created for relationship, purpose, and meaningful contribution. But there is a subtle temptation to seek our significance in the wrong places—to measure our worth by our accomplishments,

I recently tried something new in my preaching ministry.  Perhaps it will become my style moving forward, and even better: I’d love to see others do likewise. What was the innovation to my preaching? I added lectio and visio divina into my message. Not simply teaching the sixfold process of

One of the greatest challenges of the spiritual life is cultivating awareness in a world of constant distraction. The demands of daily life can easily pull us away from the deeper recesses of the soul, leaving little room to reflect on where God is at work in and around us.

In a world that rarely pauses, the invitation to silence and solitude can feel hard to receive. We meet with pastors, ministry leaders, parents, coaches, artists and the like who say things like “I just don’t have the time to get away.” Many folks assume that the practices of silence

How is your mind today? Not just what are you thinking—but who and what is shaping your thinking? We live in a moment where noise is constant and formation is happening whether we’re paying attention or not. Ideas, opinions, fears, and narratives compete for our attention at a relentless pace.

Did you know that each parable of Jesus is designed to stand alone—each one confronting a single, essential truth? And yet, when we sit with them over time, we begin to realize something more: these stories are not merely teachings to understand, but invitations to trust. As we’ve journeyed through

One of the invitations I often extend to those who long to grow in discernment is simple: put your ear as close to the biblical text as you possibly can. Don’t rush past the story. Don’t skim the surface. Linger long enough that the scene begins to come alive, the

Did you know that each parable Jesus spoke was brief and disarmingly simple—yet endlessly deep? In this season of reflecting on the parables, I’ve been struck again by how these short stories continue to open fresh windows into the heart of God. They are not merely illustrations. They are invitations.

In a recent episode of The Discerning Leader Podcast, I had the joy of sharing a conversation with my friend and colleague, Rev. Jen Kiefer. As Jen shared her story of crafting and living a rule of life, I was once again struck by how God uses the raw material of

Is it time to create—or perhaps review—your personal rule of life? A rule of life is not an aspirational wish list; it is a grace-filled framework that helps us hold together the raw material of our lives with intentionality and hope. When life feels full to overflowing with complexities and