The pursuit of purpose, particularly for Christians, transcends individual spiritual alignment; it is a societal imperative giving rise to discerning, disciplined, and transformative individuals.
All tagged culture
Power
As the Siburt Institute exists to equip church leaders and help churches thrive, a conversation around power becomes a crucial topic for leaders who partner in God’s work of transformation.
Companions for the Journey: John Chrysostom
I am convinced that John’s life and ministry can be an example for all of us to proclaim biblical values in our context while remaining connected to our people and culture.
How to Be Pastoral in a Rancorous Political Season
In the current election season I have felt a pressing need to address the people of God and urge them to speak and act in a way that represents Jesus.
Companions for the Journey: Polycarp of Smyrna
It’s so easy to think of others as our enemies. We can give in to the impulse to demonize, to withdraw, or to insult. What if we followed Polycarp’s example by finding ways to show hospitality?
Bursting the Bible Bubble
Our aim is to proclaim, with our words and deeds, the love that Christ has shown us and the life that we have been called to. How might we do this in our particular contexts?
How to Speak Christian Correctly
Only God can bring light out of darkness, and the church cannot limit God’s work to its own projects and priorities.
Darkness in the Pauline Letters
Paul offers a binary view of life: light and darkness, day and night. But the young Christians must live as befits the light.
Preaching in the Dark Without Forgetting the Light
To take the language of light and darkness, we should remember that it is biblical. In the hands of the prophets and apostles, it is full of rich significance.
Too Many Prophets, Not Enough Pastors
The message of Jesus is prophetic enough as it is. Ministers must obviously retell that message in a faithful manner. That act of proclamation is prophetic enough on its own. Given the difficulty with hearing who Jesus was and was really about, the story doesn’t need much additional help beyond that.
Needing the Eyes of Elisha
We must do a better job of learning to see how God is at work. We aren’t called upon to wage war in the way of the world. It’s not all up to us. We don’t need to fight fire with fire.
Christian No More
Oh freedom, how I love thee!
For in your arms I am whole.
Reflection Roundup: Reframing Our Questions
Looking bidirectionally within history, to what people, ideas, and entities can we allow our questions to be vulnerable so they may be changed?
Reflection Roundup: A New Offering From the Siburt Institute
This week’s offering represents a concerted effort to facilitate agility in taking on others’ perspectives as the current crises continue.
Leadership Requires Listening
As we talk about taking initiative – getting things done quickly, efficiently, and innovatively – the reminder at the end is stark: learn to listen!
What Will it Take for the Next Revival?
I have often said that I think we are on the verge of the next big evangelistic revival. Here are the five things that will help it to happen.
You’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught
These stories must be shared, and as adults we hold the power and the influence with which to make space for children and adults alike to tell their stories. We must look around our congregations for where we might be missing these powerful stories of diversity.
Resource Highlight: Siburt Institute 2020 Digital Resource Roundup
Whether you wish to catch up on a live webinar you missed or to use a Summit guidebook as a small group discussion guide, I invite you explore the numerous new resources we developed this year.
Five Things I Would Do Right Now if I Were the Devil
The pandemic has given Christians a great opportunity to share their faith. But if I were Satan, here are five things I would do to be sure the church fumbles this opportunity.
Are We Asking the Right Question?
“Why don’t they understand?” is not our best question in these moments as we attempt to understand our country’s struggles or our sibling’s perspectives or our child’s hurts.