@howertonjosh Jude 3: Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.
@saxmandudeguy@jaredcwilson You seem to be focusing only on spontaneous baptisms in United States. Spontaneous baptisms in persecuted areas around the world are very costly and believers count the cost before they follow through.
@DJJenkins It’s not just California, it’s the entire West Coast. You should hear some of the comments I’ve heard about it planting and now pastoring a church in Portland, OR. “They’ll never change, you’re wasting your time with those people.”
This is us at 19. The last 19 years have been one big adventure with the love of my life and we are only getting started. I knew I married up 19 years ago and I’m only reminded of that more every year!
I’m not anti-youth group but I do believe @drantbradley is onto something here and i don’t believe a youth group is essential to one’s discipleship to Jesus.
🧵My Latest: What if youth ministry isn’t just ineffective…but is quietly producing the exact opposite of what churches want. The Bible says one thing. The research says the same thing. But almost no church is willing to act on it. No child ever needs youth ministry.
I had the privilege of meeting N.T. Wright during my digital lent fast. Such an honor and privilege, and he helped tremendously with my Easter sermon prep!
My latest on Substack: a two-section post on why young people are leaving the church, backed by social science data, and what churches must do to stop it. Includes two free slide decks from my talk on this at Tates Creek Pres. Church. Just Google it since X suppresses links.
God we need you. We are so broken & there are no peacemakers let alone courageous leaders with character - men & women acting like little boys & girls - playing their games in front of the cameras - vengeance grudges & pettiness - out of control - we can’t fix this God - only you