Why is the American church failing in its mission? First of all, it is not failing in all areas. In places hit by hurricanes, the churches of America have mobilized in a powerful way to help the hard hit areas. There are many towns where the church is still the most effective and redeeming force at work in that community. But the positive impact of the church does seem to be fading. A youth pastor posed the question to me, “So what about the Millennials?” The context of

“I hate the work of those who fall away: it shall not cling to me” (NKJV, Psalm 101:3b). There is a group of people who see themselves as quite innocent. They may even see themselves as “noble” or “righteous” because they are the ones willing to stand up for a cause. In their own eyes, they are not “falling away,” but leaving out of principle. As a pastor, I get to live with the results of those who “fall away.” I had read Psalms 101 many times. The word “works” had never

It amazes me that after all these years of walking with God, even minor criticisms can still trigger my insecurity. Yes, I‘ve grown up. Yes, I can work through the sting and get to a healthy place. But why does it take so much energy? Over the weekend, I taught about what happens at a subconscious level. Scientists generally acknowledge that over 90% of what happens in “mental” activity happens at a subconscious level. In other words, we aren’t really in control of it.