by Robby McAlpine | Nov 24, 2015 | Cross-Cultural Ministry, Cultural Engagement, Ethics, Ethnic Reconciliation, Immigration, Missional, Practical Theology
The past week has been pretty overwhelming, hasn’t it? At least, that’s how I found it. Terrorist attacks in Paris. Syrian refugees. Shrill rhetoric. Chronic knee-jerking coupled with self-righteous finger pointing — from all sides. Life was so much...
by Michael Sterns | Jul 24, 2015 | Church Life, Conflict Resolution, Cultural Engagement, Ethics, Ethnic Reconciliation, Family, Forgiveness, Healing, Immigration, Leadership, Messy Church, Practical Theology, Preaching, Social Justice, The Vineyard Movement
Last week, I wrote on Rich Nathan’s discussion on biblical leadership which he gave at the International Vineyard Conference held in Columbus, Ohio. Now, I will try to highlight another speaker. During the morning session at the conference on Thursday July 9,...
by Luke Geraty | Apr 28, 2015 | Cultural Engagement, Ethics, Ethnic Reconciliation, Forgiveness, Practical Theology, Social Justice
One of my children once made me so angry that I lost my temper and almost did and said things I would likely forever regret. I remember seeing her face and realizing that for the first time in her life, she was actually scared of me. It immediately chastened my temper...
by Luke Geraty | Dec 5, 2014 | Church Life, Conflict Resolution, Cultural Engagement, Ethnic Reconciliation, Forgiveness, Practical Theology, Social Justice, The Vineyard Movement
As a Vineyard pastor in a Vineyard church who spends time with people who self-identify with the Vineyard movement, I often think on subjects through a “kingdom” lens. This is because our identity, both theologically and practically, are rooted in a...
by Geno Olison | Nov 26, 2014 | Conflict Resolution, Cultural Engagement, Ethics, Ethnic Reconciliation, Forgiveness, Leadership, Messy Church, Missional, Politics, Practical Theology, Social Media
I don’t usually say much (at least publicly/on social media) at the epicenter of these events, although there is usually plenty to say. I’ve had a half dozen or so serious conversations recently, mostly with a few of my white brothers, regarding the latest...
by Luke Geraty | Oct 8, 2014 | Church Life, Discipleship, Ethics, Ethnic Reconciliation, Forgiveness, Healing, Practical Theology
The Book of Hebrews provides what is arguably the best narrative theology of the “communion of saints” in chapter 11. Often referred to as the “chapter of faith,” the writer describes the faith of the Patriarchs and Prophets and a few others...
by Brian Foulks | Jun 10, 2013 | Ethnic Reconciliation, Gospel
The opportunity to experience the grace of God is an experience like no other. In this so called post-racial world, I had a run in with a racist old man. I had just let my wife out at the door of the movie theater and I was parking. As I got out of the car and was...
by Luke Geraty | Apr 8, 2013 | Cultural Engagement, Ethnic Reconciliation, Messy Church, Missional
This morning I listened (and watched) a poem by Dede Hunt called “Who is Sara Baartman.” The video is a bit graphic, so for those of you who may push “play,” you’ve been warned. In the poem, Dede challenges African Americans to remember...
by Luke Geraty | Sep 19, 2012 | Ethnic Reconciliation, Missional, Small Town Church, The Kingdom of God
I’m excited that our small rural church that has historically been full of lots of white people is becoming more diverse. A few months ago I spent a Sunday morning casting vision to the congregation I serve about the need to be a community that is not...
by Luke Geraty | Jun 21, 2011 | Ethnic Reconciliation
As I’ve been reading through the Revelation of Jesus Christ that was recorded by the apostle John, I’ve noticed that a recurring them is worship. Time and time again, we see angels, angelic beings, creatures, and people caught up in the worship. In chapter...
by Luke Geraty | Jun 14, 2011 | Ethnic Reconciliation
In the history of Christianity, we find that there have been some absolutely horrific stories of racism and abuse and slavery. I’ve had many conversations with non-Christians who cannot understand how slavery was promoted and defended by “Bible-believing...
by Luke Geraty | Nov 6, 2010 | Conflict Resolution, Counseling, Ecclesiology, Ethnic Reconciliation
Jesus made it quite clear that there is a blessing for those who are peacemakers. He said that peacemakers will be sons of God! Here are some free online resources that give you an idea about their approach: Getting to the Heart of Conflict – Conflict starts in the...
