ReThink by Steve Wright (with Chris Graves) is a compelling, well-written book on the roles of families and churches with respect to the discipleship of youth. The authors engage the question: Is youth ministry, as it is typically practiced by evangelical churches, fruitful? From my review last year: It is beyond dispute that much of student ministry today, over the long haul, bears little fruit. Wright cites numerous sources in painting a bleak picture: 58-84% of children from evangelical families are leaving the church as they enter adulthood (in their college years). The Southern … [Read more...] about ReThink – 2008 Conference
Theology
Modern Parables – Free Downloads
I'm a big fan of Modern Parables--a twelve-week study on Jesus' parables set in modern-day contexts intended to illicit, through the power of film, a gut-level reaction. Modern Parables is in no way intended to replace the study of Jesus' parables themselves. Rather, by arresting viewers through a brief, powerfully conveyed rendition of Jesus' stories, we are driven back to our Bibles to look more intently at what Jesus was trying to accomplish in the lives of His hearers. Now, for a limited time, they have graciously made all six Modern Parable films available in iPod/iTunes format for free … [Read more...] about Modern Parables – Free Downloads
You and You Alone – Sovereign Grace Music
I am enjoying this new Sovereign Grace Music album put out by Joel Sczebel, Josh Sczebel, and Pat Sczebel. Pat Sczebel is Associate Pastor at Christ Community Church in Surrey, British Columbia. Like other albums Sovereign Grace has produced, these songs blend a high view of God and musical excellence. One distinctive of this particular album is the focus on the character of God, particularly His covenant faithfulness to His people. Here are some of the lyrics from Over All: You are over all Sovereign King You are over all Sovereign Lord None can thwart Your plan You are seated high upon … [Read more...] about You and You Alone – Sovereign Grace Music
Live-Blogging the Ligonier National Conference
It is an honor to be joining the esteemed Tim Challies to live-blog the Ligonier National Conference (March 13-15 in Orlando, FL). It will be my third live-blogging experience, and I must admit, it will be good to work in tandem so to speak. Live-blogging is a fairly exhausting enterprise, particularly with having to balance reporting and editorializing, and all the while getting the posts up quickly so as to keep pace with the conference speakers. We'll see how Challies and I divide the load. Perhaps we'll divvy up the work like sports broadcasters, with one of us giving the play-by-play, … [Read more...] about Live-Blogging the Ligonier National Conference
First Things Interview with Tim Keller
Anthony Sacramone, managing editor of First Things, posts a lengthy, detailed interview with Tim Keller about his book The Reason For God (#18 on the NYT best-seller list) and his ministry in New York City. Here's a question and response that I found particularly interesting: Sancramone: "You say early on in The Reason for God that a little doubt is necessary to test the integrity of your faith. Does this mean that Christians need to become amateur apologists to some extent, to be ready to give an answer for the hope that is within them?" Keller: "Yeah . . . Would you like me to be more … [Read more...] about First Things Interview with Tim Keller
Crossroads: Navigating Your Calling and Career
This new book looks very interesting. Here is the Table of Contents (each chapter is about 6-8 pages): PART 1: CALLING Chapter 1: Calling--A Definition Chapter 2: Work Is a Gift Chapter 3: Reasons to Work Chapter 4: Discerning Your Call Chapter 5: Where Does Your Trust Reside Chapter 6: Hearing God's Voice? Chapter 7: Bloom Where You Are Planted Chapter 8: They Pay Me for This? Chapter 9: Aroma of Christ Chapter 10: What's In Your Hand? Chapter 11: A Congruent Life Chapter 12: Reweaving Shalom Chapter 13: Leaving the Harbor PART 2: CAREER Chapter 14: The Importance of Endurance Chapter 15: … [Read more...] about Crossroads: Navigating Your Calling and Career