It’s Advent season, and its blessings are becoming apparent again. Because of Advent’s place in the calendar, we can look backward and forward in time—with perhaps-heightened awareness—so that our present moments remain satisfying, useful and important. We can move with the currents of these days, but still remain moored to what God has done throughout history and what God intends for us into theMORE...
(This entry is part of an ongoing collection of blogs that examine the future of congregations post-COVID19. Each entry forms itself around a question looking for clarity or even answers.) In post-COVID congregations, some questions will remain for the people of God to wrestle with. One seems particularly important for the future of the Church: Who’s welcome and who isn’t? In most places, “AllMORE...
(Today’s thoughts close this series, bringing hopeful practicality to the theme: Christians are called to servanthood.) Good news remains: We can remain committed to lives of service. Service to God, not to the wealthy. Some personal reflections at this stage in life…. I have the power of speech. My servant-voice is still heard by others. At this time in life, I can be bold in private and publicMORE...
(The following thoughts continue a three-part consideration of the theme: Christians are called to servanthood. Today, the possibility that we may be unwilling servants of those who are extraordinarily wealthy.) It’s possible that the Church’s current usage of “servant” may be more of a widely accepted 1metaphor than an exact match to biblical roles—perhaps an idea that also calls forMORE...
(The following thoughts begin a three-part look at the theme: Servanthood among Christians. The subject may fea ture some unusual edges that are worth exploring,) This theological catch-phrase seems to have wide acceptance currently: We are called to be servants. Scriptures seem to invite that identity and it makes sense: Love your neighbor as yourself. Serve others as Jesus served. LetMORE...
(This entry is part of an ongoing collection of blogs that examine the future of congregations post-COVID19. Each entry forms itself around a question looking for clarity or even answers.) Sometimes hope comes at me shyly, quietly. Asking for just a moment’s attention so that I don’t get hijacked by despair. That happened for me one recent Sunday in worship. From my seat near the front of theMORE...
(This entry is part of an ongoing collection of blogs that examine the future of congregations post-COVID19. Each entry forms itself around a question looking for clarity or even answers.) Because of COVID19 cautions in our congregations, the theologies and practices of worship may have changed in substantial ways. To limit exposure to this harmful virus, we’ve shortened liturgies, suspendedMORE...
Hey, Mr. Z! I thought you should know that I’m not buying into what your new Meta proposes, or what you’re trying to sell. Here’s the deal…. Your other enterprises have always felt like traps to me—seemingly innocent entertainments with seeming social benefits that may also be clever ways to insinuate your way into people’s decisions, life purposes and identities. Meta feels the same way. IMORE...
(This entry is part of an ongoing collection of blogs that examine the future of congregations post-COVID19. Each entry forms itself around a question looking for clarity or even answers.) Most congregations have been severely restricted in bringing members together physically for worship, fellowship, planning, support or service. The dangers of a relentless epidemic have reminded us how illnessMORE...
With Advent on the horizon, this might be a good time to revisit one of its strong themes: The Second Coming. More specifically, how the world will end in the time it takes to *blink. The speed of this life-changing event will likely overwhelm or paralyze any effective reaction to what’s occurring. Suddenly life as we know it will be finished and the events of Judgment Day—prefacing eternalMORE...
BOB SITZE has filled the many years of his lifework in diverse settings around the United States. His calling has included careers as a teacher/principal, church musician, writer/author, denominational executive staff member and meat worker. Bob lives in Wheaton, IL.