Since the church was born, people of faith have expressed their unique roles in God’s kingdom using language that conveys being chosen, appointed, or called by God. Paul said that he “was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher” (2 Tim. 1:11), and that he “had been entrusted with the task of…
Category: Ministry
Spotting Grace When You Need It Most
People who know me know I’m prone to tears. Like when I’m singing hymns in church, or when I’m reading a children’s novel to my 11-year-old daughter—so often when I’m reading to her. Or when I’m talking with my spiritual director. Recently, I cried when I shared this story with her: The other day,…
Learning Online Brought us Closer to Jesus
Years ago, I attended a retreat to prepare for an extended overseas mission trip. As we walked into the retreat center, we were greeted with a large, hand-written sign that read: “Change is our friend who brings us closer to Jesus.” The mission coordinator wisely knew that our venture would bring language differences, culture shock,…