: Last Friday, Kelly and I went for a walk along the Lake Michigan coast at the Seven Bridges Trail in …
: Lesslie Newbigin on the church, the gospel, and politics “The church as a truly universal supranational society is the bearer of the vision that alone …
: It was so great to talk through my Doctor of Ministry project with the staff of Eastbrook Church …
: Just finished reading The Jesus Prayer by Lev Gillet. If you are looking for a succinct introduction …
: What might the significance be of Mary mistaking Jesus for a gardener? That’s what I explored …
: Just finished reading: Another Name: Septology VI-VII by Jon Fosse which completes the parts of …
: I enjoyed reading portions of The Orthodox Church by Timothy Ware to better familiarize myself with …
: I just finished reading: I Is Another by Jon Fosse 📚
: “Five Important Contemporary Books on Spiritual Formation and Discipleship” - If there …
: I just finished reading The Other Name by Jon Fosse. At times beautiful, at times shocking, at times …
: Currently reading: The Great Enigma: New Collected Poems by Tomas Transtromer 📚
: I read Brave New World by Aldous Huxley for the first time this past week. It was a quirky, …
: One of the highlights from last week when traveling with Kelly for a weeklong getaway in the Smoky …
: Last night I finished reading: The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner 📚
: I just finished reading: Everything Sad Is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri 📚 I really enjoyed this funny, …
: “Why the Psalms are Essential for Spiritual Growth” - some thoughts posted today on my …
: I’m doing some work on “stages of faith” or developmental spirituality. What is …
: Just completed reading This Sacred Life by Norman Wirzba 📚 I really enjoy Wirzba’s work on …
: “The Radiant Brilliance of God in Us” - St. Athanasius on Psalm 1 and the power of …
: I appreciate your prayer support today as I work on sermons for our new Lenten sermon series at …
: So thankful today that I get to begin the Lenten journey, celebrate Valentine’s Day, and also …
: “Being unable to cure death, wretchedness and ignorance, men have decided, in order to be …
: One of the unintended consequences of my sermon this past weekend at Eastbrook from Ecclesiastes 12, …
: Such a wonderful thing to see the room full at our first ever “City Summit” at Eastbrook …
: It was a great joy to hear Miroslav Volf yesterday at two great events hosted by Upper House in …
: Mary Oliver’s “The Journey” is the latest addition to the series “Poetry for …
: I have so enjoyed reading this treasure of a book on prayer: The Art of Prayer: An Orthodox …
: Spent time this morning with a family as they said goodbye to a dear husband, father, and friend …
: “The greatness of the great Christian saints lies in their readiness to be questioned, judged, …
: Is anyone familiar enough with the writings of Tomáš Halík to make a recommendation of a good place …
: Just finished reading: A Theology in Outline by Robert W. Jenson. What a thought-provoking and …
: “The primary reason for being the church is not to solve problems but to cultivate the life of …
: Here is “The baptism of Christ” by Malcolm Guite as part of the series “Poetry for …
: I appreciate your prayer support today as I work on a sermon for a memorial service on Saturday and …
: Here is R. S. Thomas’ poem “The Coming” as part of the series at my blog “Poetry for …
: I appreciate your prayer support as I work on a message from Ecclesiastes 3 for this weekend at …
: One of the simple things I’ve enjoyed adding into our staff rhythm at Eastbrook Church is a …
: Remembering Martin Luther King, Jr.: “I Have a Dream” and Letter from a Birmingham Jail
: I’m so glad to be back at the Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination at Western …
: Currently reading: Sounding the Seasons by Malcolm Guite 📚 Using this wonderful book as a part of my …
: Just finished reading: Dune by Frank Herbert 📚
: On that same hike, my youngest son took this photo of me without my knowledge that ended up looking …
: I took this photo on a hike this past Saturday. I love the way the frost lingers in the shadows …
: So happy to share my latest article, “Preaching Like Jazz,” published by Preaching Today …
: At the recommendation of one of my daughters-in-law, I am finally reading: Dune by Frank Herbert. I …
: Here is Rowan Williams’ poem “Advent Calendar” as part of the “Poetry for Advent” …
: For all pastors and others working on Christmas Eve and Christmas messages this week, may you know …
: Recently completed A Sunlit Absence by Martin Laird. This is a great follow-up to his earlier Into …
: When I conclude a sermon series, I usually share resources I utilized in my study and preparation …
: Madeleine L’Engle’s “Into the Darkest Hour” is today’s contribution to “Poetry for …
: “Speed is in direct conflict with character formation.” I write about this and a few …
: Random question: can anyone tell me if Jean-Pierre De Caussade’s Abandonment to Divine …
: “New leadership is needed for new times, but it will not come from finding more wiley ways to …
: First freeze and first thaw of the streams. A pic while trail running last week on the Ice Age Trail …
: Some reflections after Christ the King Sunday on Jesus, the kingdom of God, and rival kingdoms that …
: I love this 15th century icon of Jesus’ transfiguration traditionally associated with the work …
: Still two of the most powerful verses to me: “Jesus knew that the Father had put all things …
: I’m working on a side project to assemble a pretty thorough bibliography on Psalm 1. I’m …
: Henri Nouwen in Life of the Beloved: “Self-rejection is the greatest enemy of the spiritual life …
: Henri Nouwen in Life of the Beloved “Self-rejection is greatest enemy of the spiritual life because …
: A photo from last week while on a hike on the Ice Age Trail near West Bend, Wisconsin. Thankful for …
: “Transfigured: a prayer reflection” - drawing upon Jesus’ transfiguration and the …
: After being gone for two weeks in East Africa, it is a joy to return to the family and staff at …
: Currently reading: The Scandal of the Incarnation by Hans Urs Von Balthasar 📚
: Currently reading: The Blue Flower by Penelope Fitzgerald 📚
: Just finished reading: The Rublev Trinity by Gabriel Bunge 📚
: I appreciate your prayer support today as I work on messages for our series, “Growing in …
: It was so great to spend the day together on Tuesday as Eastbrook Church staff for our annual all …
: Thankful that my latest article with Preaching Today dropped today: “Spiritually Formed …
: It was a poignant moment to have Dr. Jack Sara, President of Bethlehem Bible College, with us for …
: Currently reading: Second Nature by Michael Pollan 📚
: Does anyone have recommended resources on seasons in a congregation’s life? I’m not …
: One instance of autumn’s variegated beauty.
: “A Prayer of God’s Lavish Love Enfleshed”
: “One of the purposes for which God instituted prayer may have been to bear witness that the …
: Beautiful hike yesterday on segments of the Ice Age Trail in eastern Wisconsin. This pic is from a …
: “Holy Spirit Hovers Electric” - a poem based on Luke 1:26-38
: Sunrise at Klode Park Wednesday morning. No filters or adjustments. Just an amazing, golden sunrise …
: “Saying ‘Yes’ to God in Our Discipleship” - a little reflection on the life …
: Yesterday afternoon’s hike through the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center was quiet and beautiful. …
: We recently started a midday prayer gathering with our staff at Eastbrook Church every Wednesday and …
: Just finished reading: Soil and Sacrament by Fred Bahnson 📚
: I always love being able to celebrate baptism with those who have made a decision to follow Jesus at …
: When I conclude a sermon series, I usually share resources I utilized in my study and preparation …
: Last Friday we dropped of our youngest son, David, for his freshman year at college. We’re so …
: So thankful for Winn Collier sharing this 2011 NPR interview with Eugene Peterson with me and …
: “Unveiled with God: Prayer as a Pathway to Relational Encounter with God and Ourselves” …
: Visited someone in the hospital today who has endured a lot. They said to me: “Someone once …
: Last night over the rooftops with no filter or adjustments. Amazing.
: Sometimes when my kids are in town, they enjoy taking cool and artistic pictures of one another. I …
: “Love is a Great Room with a Lot of Doors”: grief and love in Hannah Coulter by Wendell …
: I loved being with the staff of Eastbrook Academy at their annual staff retreat before the …
: What are the best books you know or recommend on the topic of humility? It could be any genre, …
: I’m so thankful for all those in our Food Pantry team at Eastbrook Church who grow fresh food …
: Looking forward to beginning a new preaching series this weekend at Eastbrook Church on prayer …
: Looking forward to beginning a new preaching series this weekend at Eastbrook Church on prayer …
: I’m re-reading Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy after recently finishing his later Border …
: Looking out my office window at the rain I’m so thankful (1) for the rain, and (2) that our …
: I just finished reading Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry. 📚 While I have always enjoyed Berry’s …
: Just finished reading: Kind of blue by Ashley Kahn 📚
: So grateful for the chance to share with our summer interns and year-long ministry residents at …
: Sunset over the Mississippi River near my hometown from this past weekend.
: Talking with some colleagues yesterday about the drive to do more in ministry, I said one of the …
: The textures of the natural world are astounding.
: I am pleased to announce I have signed a book contract with Eerdmans Publishing for my forthcoming …
: Last Friday, Kelly and I hiked to a spot with a hidden grove of wild blackberries, foraging nearly 7 …
: I just finished rewatching Terrence Malick’s A Hidden Life and, my goodness, I love this film. …
: In a disorienting time for pastoral ministry, Thomas Oden’s comments from the 1980s are still …
: Just finished a slow and long read through The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church by Vladimir …
: Just finished reading Being Disciples by Rowan Williams. I loved this book throughout but the last …
: Just finished re-reading The Crossing by Cormac McCarthy. Now on to Cities of the Plain to complete …
: What is some of the best advice you have received on dealing with conflict? I’m crowd-sourcing …
: So sad to hear this news that Cormac McCarthy died. He was one of my favorite living authors.
: One thing that I am often reminded of as a Senior Pastor is that while I do, in a sense, …
: Just finished reading: Gregory the Great by George E. Demacopoulos 📚
: So proud and happy to celebrate my son, Josh, as he turns 21. From his smart mind, his creativity …
: Remembering my trip to Iona a few weeks back, which included a visit to the Isle of Staffa. Staff is …
: So proud of our youngest son, David, who graduated this past weekend from Eastbrook Academy and will …
: I appreciate your prayer support as I work on messages today for the next two weekends at …
: I’m having fun this morning working on writing an upcoming article on bringing spiritual …
: Here’s the photo I shared in my message today at @EastbrookChurch from my last week’s …
: Currently reading: Lifting the Veil by Malcolm Guite 📚
: On the edge of taking flight
: Friends, I appreciate your prayer support as we have lost two members of our congregation in their …
: Currently reading: A Journey of Sea and Stone by Tracy Balzer 📚
: This is your Monday reminder that Easter is not a simply day but a season and, even more, a way of …
: Last week I revisited a place I hadn’t been to in a long time and rediscovered a beautiful …
: Currently reading: Three Hours by Fleming Rutledge 📚
: For Palm Sunday: “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord …
: Currently reading: Being Christian by Rowan Williams 📚
: I took this photo last night in Milwaukee while walking around with my family. I loved the …
: I’m so proud of my youngest son, David, who today delivered his capstone Senior Thesis …
: For any pastors or church leaders, I have a research question for you. Do you or do any pastors or …
: Beautiful places from last week’s vacation: Deep Creek trail in the Smoky Mountains just …
: “Food is the daily sacrament of unnecessary goodness, ordained for a continual remembrance …
: So thankful to be with family and friends in beautiful places.
: As I’m working on a message from Genesis, chapters 6-7, on the first part of the flood and …
: Canopy of beauty lofted overhead. The unobservant are unaware.
: Currently reading: Frederick Douglass by David W. Blight 📚
: Working on messages for upcoming weekends at @EastbrookChurch from Genesis, chapters 5-7, bridging …
: O God, make us children of quietness, and heirs of peace. – St. Clement of Alexandria,
: A couple weeks ago, Kelly and I were in South Carolina. I still cannot get over this picture of the …
: Thomas Kelly on a life rooted in the deep Center of Christ “We have seen and known some people who seem to have found this deep Center of living, where the …
: Just finished reading A Testament of Devotion by Thomas R. Kelly and still contemplating all I read! …
: As I prepare for this coming weekend’s message at @EastbrookChurch on Cain and Abel, I’m …
: As we begin the journey of Lent, I want to share a devotional resource we wrote together at …
: “Being unable to cure death, wretchedness and ignorance, men have decided, in order to be …
: Living freely and lightly with Jesus I always love this rendition of Matthew 11:29-30 by Eugene Peterson in The Message: “Are you …
: Currently re-reading: The Contemplative Pastor by Eugene H. Peterson 📚
: Working on a sermon today from Genesis 3:14-24 for this weekend at @EastbrookChurch to conclude our …
: I love this recent article from Paul Kingsnorth bringing togther Celtic Christianity, the desert …
: So thankful to celebrate 25 years of marriage today with my wonderful wife, Kelly.
: Just finished reading: Super-Infinite by Katherine Rundell 📚
: Just back from speaking at a weekend retreat with middle school and high school students. What a …
: Love sitting around a table with my wife, Kelly, and talking with other church leaders who are …
: “But as for me, I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my …
: Lord, have mercy upon us in our nation. Show us the toward toward Your healing and mercy. Show us …
: What’s your favorite movie that addresses the human desire to have a second chance or a new …
: Currently reading: Early Christian Readings of Genesis One by Craig D. Allert 📚
: Currently reading: Sonorous Desert by Kim Haines-Eitzen 📚
: What’s the one book you are most excited to read in 2023 and why?
: The world is a stunning place. Even barrenness can be beautiful.
: Currently reading: Stella Maris by Cormac McCarthy 📚
: Currently reading: The History of Theological Education by Justo L. González 📚
: This year I’m changing my approach to reading Scripture devotionally. Instead of long swaths …
: So glad to be back at Western Theological Seminary @westernsem this week for another DMin cohort …
: This weekend at @EastbrookChurch we begin a sermon series from Genesis, chapters 1-11, that leads …
: In the next hour: practicing my sermon for Christmas Eve services (Saturday at 1, 2:30, 4, and 5:30 …
: A highlight from this past weekend was enjoying a performance of Handel’s Messiah with our …
: “Whatever else the Christian faith is, and whatever Christian life is all about, it finds its …
: Looks like a blizzard is on its way here in Wisconsin in the midst of travel and preparing for …
: Bono on "Surrender" “‘Surrender’ might be the most powerful word in the lexicon…I am persuaded by the thought that the …
: Currently reading: Scripture, Culture, and Agriculture: An Agrarian Reading Of The Bible by Ellen F. …
: Currently reading: Agrarian Spirit by Norman Wirzba 📚
: Took this photo while out on a hike near the Ice Age Trail. I love all the colors framing two …
: Meditating on this powerful verse today: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great …
: A photo from hiking at Scuppernong Springs on Friday. Beautiful cloudy skies canopy the land’s …
: A picture from last Friday’s hike with Kelly at Milwaukee’s Grant Park. After hiking the …
: Currently reading: Surrender by Bono 📚
: Currently reading: How to Inhabit Time by James K. A. Smith 📚
: Currently reading: The Passenger by Cormac McCarthy 📚
: Beginning to work on some teaching about anxiety for a retreat I’m speaking at in 2023. …
: A photo from Friday’s hike near Butler Lake on the Ice Age Trail. I love this time of year.
: Currently reading: Evangelical Anxiety by Charles Marsh 📚
: Another striking forest photo from this past weekend while hiking the Ice Age Trail, just south of …
: Beautiful trees on the Ice Age Trail, just south of Loew Lake near Erin, Wisconsin, while on a hike …
: I am continually amazed by this verse, and I hope that never wears off: “His divine power has …
: Currently reading: Leading with a Limp by Dan B. Allender 📚
: Dipping into an old favorite as I work on my message for this coming weekend from Hebrews 10:25 with …
: Currently reading: The Art of Patience by Sylvain Tesson 📚
: “We must pray who we actually are, not who we think we should be….The way of prayer is …
: Currently reading: This Sacred Life by Norman Wirzba 📚
: Currently re-reading: Answering God by Eugene H. Peterson 📚
: Currently reading: Run with the Horses by Eugene H. Peterson 📚
: Currently reading: The Pastor in a Secular Age (Ministry in a Secular Age Book #2) by Andrew Root 📚
: Currently reading: Earth and Altar by Eugene H. Peterson 📚
: A beautiful view of Spider Lake while at Fort Wilderness last week. So thankful for that meaningful …
: Just finished reading: The Gardener’s Son by Cormac McCarthy 📚
: Currently reading: This Hallelujah Banquet by Eugene H. Peterson 📚
: I love this picture from last year while traveling near a covered bridge.
: Currently reading: A Commentary on the Apostles’ Creed by Rufinus. 📚
: Currently reading: Dogmatics in Outline by Karl Barth 📚
: So thankful to celebrate my son, Josh, on his twentieth birthday. I’m so proud of him and …
: Currently reading: Dostoevsky by Rowan Williams 📚
: Something about this texture fascinates me.
: Just finished reading Savage Gods by Paul Kingsnorth 📚
: Okay, friends, what are your top recommendations for resources on Genesis 1-11. They could be …
: Doing some work on ministry and metaphor, specifically on how our conception of what it means to be …
: Currently reading: The Inner Voice of Love by Henri J. M. Nouwen 📚
: Friends, I’m exploring doing a sermon series on the Apostles Creed in the future. I’m …
: Just finished reading: The Sunset Limited by Cormac McCarthy 📚
: Currently re-reading: Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places by Eugene H. Peterson 📚
: I just finished reading The Love That Is God by Frederick Christian Bauerschmidt 📚
: Just finished reading: The Chosen by Chaim Potok 📚
: Just finished reading Letters to a Young Pastor by Eric E. Peterson and Eugene H. Peterson 📚 - this …
: Currently reading: The Dwelling of the Light by Rowan Williams 📚
: So glad to see my article on Cormac McCarthy’s The Road and ministry see the light of day in …
: Just finished reading George Eliot’s Middlemarch by George Eliot 📚
: Just finished James Rebanks’ Pastoral Song: A Farmer’s Journey, which struck me as …
: The Fells reservation and reservoir in Medford and Winchester, MA.
: Point Beach State Forest from three weeks ago.
: What do we see or not see? What is above or below us? To what do we give our attention?
: Just finished reading: T Bone Burnett by Lloyd Sachs. 📚
: I love this beautifully haunting photo from a hike in the Maquoketa Caves State Park during last …
: This pic from the Ice Age Trail near Monches, Wisconsin, at dusk continues to captivate me.
: Enjoy “The Weekend Wanderer” for July 10 with Scot McKnight on the difference between …
: Schiltz Audubon Nature Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from a couple weeks ago.
: The Middlesex Fells Reservation and reservoir in Medford and Winchester, MA.
: Here is “The Weekend Wanderer” for 12 June 2021 with an Algerian pastor fined and his …
: Here is a prayer resource for self-reflection during these divided times. I developed this as part …
: This past Sunday at Eastbrook Church, we paused our weekend series so I could share about being a …
: Here is “The Weekend Wanderer” for 5 June 2021 with Andy Crouch on the K-shaped …
: It was so great to enjoy a beautiful afternoon yesterday with my family in Lincoln Park in Chicago. …
: The pastor “will understand the people of God as a grouping of persons who God has called …
: Here is The Weekend Wanderer for May 8 2021 - remembering Marva Dawn, provacative suggestions from …
: Emily Dickinson’s “‘Hope’ is the thing with feathers” has always been …
: “The pastor reads Ecclesiastes to get scrubbed clean from illusion and sentiment, from ideas …
: I’m a bit of a book nerd, so every time I work through a preaching series I love to share the …
: I love stanza IV of “East Coker” from T. S. Eliot’s Four Quartets, which is the …
: I just finished reading Into the Silent Land: A Guide to the Christian Practice of Contemplation by …
: I’m blogging through Eugene Peterson’s Five Smooth Stones for Pastoral Work. Here is the fourth …
: Here is “The Weekend Wanderer” for 24 April 2021 with Esau McCaulley on talking to his …
: I’m blogging my way through Eugene Peterson’s Five Smooth Stones for Pastoral Work over the next …
: Currently reading: A Sand County Almanac: And Sketches Here and There by Aldo Leopold 📚
: Here is the “The Weekend Wanderer” for 17 April 2021 with David Garrison on praying for …
: I’m blogging my way through Eugene Peterson’s Five Smooth Stones for Pastoral Work over the next …
: Here is the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with Christian clergy kidnapped in …
: Here is George Herbert’s poem “Easter Wings” in the first installment of a new blog series …
: I’m beginning a blog series on Eugene Peterson’s Five Smooth Stones for Pastoral Work …
: Currently reading: Five smooth stones for pastoral work by Eugene H. Peterson 📚
: Here is Geoffrey Hill with his poem “Lachrimae Amantis” in the latest and final …
: Here is E. Pauline Johnson, also known as Tekahionwake, with her poem “Brier (Good …
: This past weekend I just finished reading the very interesting and thought-provoking book Harlan …
: Just finished reading: The Death and Life of the Great Lakes by Egan, Dan 📚
: Here is the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with Leland Ryken on teaching …
: Here is “The Weekend Wanderer” for 13 March 2021 with Jay Kim on learning about embodied …
: Here is Luci Shaw with “Judas / Peter” in the latest installment of #PoetryforLent
: Currently reading: The Sermon on the Mount and Human Flourishing: A Theological Commentary by …
: Here is Gerard Manley Hopkins with “I Wake and Feel the Fell of Dark, Not Day” in the latest …
: Currently reading: The Unsettling of America: Culture & Agriculture by Wendell Berry 📚
: Here is “The Weekend Wanderer” for 27 February 2021 with Alan Jacobs on Amazon taking …
: Here is Langston Hughes with “The Ballad of Mary’s Son” in the latest installment …
: As I began a preaching series on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount this past weekend, I’ve been …
: Here is “The Weekend Wanderer” for 20 February 2021 with Korie Little Edwards on the …
: The #PoetryforLent series for 2021 kicks off today with John Donne’s “Hymn to God, My God, in …
: What spiritual practices are you taking up for #Lent this year? How do you hope these will help you …
: Pondering from Matthew 4: Jesus focuses on His disciples, but He lets the crowds listen in. He will …
: Here is “The Weekend Wanderer” for 13 February 2021 with the growing church in Iran, a …
: Just finished reading: Distant Neighbors: The Selected Letters of Wendell Berry & Gary Snyder by …
: Here is “The Weekend Wanderer” for 6 February 2021 with the bold architecture of …
: I am reflecting deeply on the meaning of the wilderness in Scripture. In the wilderness, we are …
: Currently reading: Confessions of a Recovering Environmentalist and Other Essays by Kingsnorth, Paul …
: Just finished reading: White noise by Don DeLillo 📚
: Each day, we echo our baptism by surrendering ourselves to God in death to self and rising up in …
: This past weekend at @EastbrookChurch I made a case for the necessity of a baptismal spirituality …
: The strange beauty of nature. (Taken at Door Bluff Headlands Park, Gills Rock, Wisconsin, 10 days …
: I wrote about Jesus, Herod, and ways in which idolatry can grip our hearts here.
: Last week, Kelly and I escaped to Door County for a couple days. Here is the stunning view of Green …
: Currently reading: Art and Faith: A Theology of Making by Fujimura, Makoto 📚
: A plaque outside Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, in a photo taken several years ago.
: It was such a joy to preach with my wife, Kelly, on the life of Mary this past weekend at …
: One of the great tensions of life as a pastor is not losing the wonder of seasons of celebration …
: Loving the latest album by Ólafur Arnalds, “Some Kind of Peace.” There are some gorgeous …
: This past weekend I preached from John 17 and was struck by how profound it is that Jesus prayed for …
: As I continue to reflect on unity as we walk through a preaching series on that toipc at Eastrook …
: The beauty of enjoying 60-degree days here in Wisconsin during November is beyond words. It will end …
: Here is the latest “Weekend Wanderer” with John Piper’s surprising take on the …
: Working hard to finish an article on preaching and the Christian year. In the midst of so many …
: Currently reading: The Index of Self-Destructive Acts by Christopher Beha 📚
: I took this photo about a month ago while hiking the Ice Age Trail. A few moments after I snapped …
: Here is the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with an exhortation to reading …
: Today’s blog post is an extended bibliography related to faith and politics that I developed …
: Here is the latest “Weekend Wanderer” with the Fetzer Insitute’s study on American …
: We had the amazing opportunity to host Dr. Vince Bacote this past week at @EastbrookChurch with a …
: I invited my 15-year-old son to watch the Presidential Debate with me last night as a sort of …
: Here is the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with reflections on the Breonna …
: Here is the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with a throwback from J I Packer on …
: I appreciate your prayer support as I work on two upcoming messages for @EastbrookChurch as part of …
: Here is the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with an excerpt from @ayjay’s …
: Every time I check social media I wonder whether I should have checked it. I wish there was a …
: Here is the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with Chadwick Boseman’s …
: Hello, friends, what is your favorite resource (e.g., book, online message, video, article) on the …
: Here is “The Weekend Wanderer” for this weekend with some news on Kenosha, Wisconsin, a …
: It was a breath of fresh air this morning to share breakfast with a friend and discuss spiritually …
: Here is the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with Tim Keller on theories of …
: What Love Is This?: a prayer reflection on Psalm 145 – sometimes I need to pray my way around …
: For our church’s summer-long journey through the Epistle to the Hebrews I wrote prayers …
: Here is the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with responses to the Beirut …
: As I see Moses at the burning bush, I wonder whether interruptions are God’s activity? Could …
: Here is the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with George Yancey’s model …
: I’ve been thinking about our blind spots and whether it’s possible to see them and …
: Here is the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with Ed Stetzer on the NY Times …
: “How Does Spiritual Formation Happen?: themes of Dallas Willard’s Renovation of the …
: “Do we empty the Messiah of His true power by grasping for other types of power—power of …
: Here is the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with Mark Regnerus on the church …
: Here is the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with Vince Bacote @vbacote on …
: The latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with Esau McCaulley on the Bible & …
: The sufferings we endure are not meaningless within the hands of God. As the Apostle Paul outlines …
: Here is latest “Weekend Wanderer” with “How to Cope with That ‘Always-On’ …
: In Memoriam: Ravi Zacharias - some thoughts on Ravi and an invitation to share your anecdotes and …
: It was a pleasure to join with Lawrence Aker III and Matt Woodley of Preaching Today to talk about …
: Here is the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with the death of missionary pilot …
: Dallas Willard’s advice, “You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life,” is …
: Here is the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with the UK Blessing, perspectives …
: Why Does God Seem Distant?: The Holy Pursuit of the Hidden God - This reminds us that God’s …
: Lamenting Our Losses - three vital parts of lament during the pandemic
: Does anyone have recommendations on the best way to learn Latin on one’s own? It’s …
: Here is the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with two articles on bodily life …
: “Joining Jesus in Prayer: Dietrich Bonhoeffer on Praying the Psalms” - some wisdom from …
: In Psalm 131 the psalmist reminds us that when we enter into the presence of God through prayer, we …
: Here is the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with Chris Palusky on at-risk …
: Going back in time to enjoy this song by Michael J. Pritzl and The Violet Burning: “Forty …
: “Spiritual Tourists or Pilgrims?: Eugene Peterson from A Long Obedience in the Same …
: In the midst of this strange time, I’m thoroughly enjoying the pair of bluebirds that are …
: Here is the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with Tom Howard’s “When …
: I wrote a series of prayers to accompany a preaching series on the minor prophets and, after someone …
: Here is the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with Travis Ryan Pickell on Holy …
: “The Wonderful Reversal - something I wrote as part of the @EastbrookChurch daily Lenten …
: “10 Reasons Holy Week Can Become More Powerful during the Time of the Virus”
: Here is the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with NT Wright on …
: As we prepare for Palm Sunday, here is Enrique Simonet’s painting, “Flevit super illam …
: James Weldon Johnson, “The Crucifixion,” as part of the Poetry for Lent series.
: “Learning to Respond to COVID-19 from Early Christians: Eusebius from his Ecclesiastical …
: Here is the latest “Weekend Wanderer” with NT Wright on COVID-19, the NAE & …
: Gerard Manley Hopkins’ poem “Peace”, though intensely personal, is still so …
: “Taking Shelter in God” Isaiah does not say, “Because you trust in God you will never …
: Here is the latest “Weekend Wanderer” with updates on COVID-19 from Harvard Medical …
: Here’s the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with public health links for …
: “The Weekend Wanderer” for this week: Jamie Aten’s advice on preparing churches …
: Here is the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with shocking news of Jean …
: Beginning a weekly mini-series on my blog today “Poetry for Lent.” Today’s poem is …
: A solemn, realistic, and freeing reminder: “You are dust, and to dust you shall return” …
: Here is the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with “Polyamory: …
: On this cold but sunny day in Milwaukee, I needed to remember that sunshine also brings warmth, soft …
: Okay, pastors and ministry leaders, along with guidance from Scripture are there any recommendations …
: Here is the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with NT Wright on loving knowledge, …
: One of the most difficult aspects of preaching is making a well-known text come alive again for …
: Here is the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with Christian Wiman on cancer …
: This past weekend I preached a message on the prophet Amos that has been about 20 years in the …
: Here’s the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with Vince Bacote @vbacote on …
: Lac ‘Assal, one of the most striking places I have ever visited.
: Today in the life of a pastor: pastoral counseling, working on messages from Amos and Obadiah …
: One of my favorite photos of nature from a trip to the Horn of Africa a few weeks ago.
: Here’s the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with a testimony amidst …
: Working my way through the minor prophets for a preaching series right now, and I am so amazed by …
: One of my great joys as a pastor is preaching the word of God. One of the greatest joys of my life …
: Here is the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with Christians in Iran, in-depth …
: Here’s the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with Esau McCaulley on …
: “Sprouting Glory”: a Christmas reflection
: Here is the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with Christianity Today calling for …
: A prayer for today: “My Altar to You.”
: One of the greateset challenges for me is practicing God’s presence when I feel busy or …
: Here’s the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer with Tish Harrison Warren on Advent, …
: “An Angel at the Altar” - I wrote this after reflecting on Luke 1:5-25 as part of my …
: Here’s the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with Fleming Rutledge on …
: I’ve been thinking quite a bit about what it means to wait upon the Lord. It’s not an …
: Some thoughts on “Singing Our Faith in Advent”: “I realize we have been singing …
: Visiting a family from church at the hospital this morning, and then running into another family …
: One of my secrets to preaching well in our “Love-Sex-Body” series at @EastbrookChurch is …
: Here is the latest “Weekend Wanderer” with “A Tale of Two Churches,” Thomas …
: Over the past several weeks, as part of a preaching series on love, sexuality and the body, I …
: “The main task of ethics is to enable us to ask better questions about the issues of our day. …
: So @ayjay not sure if you’re still on here, but I was fascinated by your blog post about your …
: Here is this weekend’s edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with Tish Harrison Warren …
: “Virtue is nothing other than perfect love of God” - St Augustine from On the Morals of the …
: The preaching that is most difficult tends to be the most rewarding, both in terms of the …
: Here’s the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with an evangelical call for …
: I wrote this article at @PreachingToday for those trying to prepare sermons creatively for Advent: …
: Here is the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with Kanye & Jesus, Mark Galli …
: Here’s the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with the ongoing decline of …
: Here’s the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with Ethiopia’s Abiy …
: This morning our staff at @EastbrookChurch heard church leaders and international workers from …
: Here’s the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with tensions at Syria/Turkey …
: Annie Dillard on Christian worship, mixing TNT on Sunday morning, and the need for crash helmets.
: Here’s the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with conversation around …
: “Returning to Square One: Eugene Peterson on the Essence of Christian Spirituality” - …
: Textured beauty: an autumn sky hangs over a willow trunk fallen in water near the Wehr Nature Center …
: Here’s the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with Alan Jacobs on …
: Tim Keller’s categories of idolatry in Counterfeit Gods is a very helpful listing of the ways …
: Our second child just submitted all his college applications last night. It’s hard to believe …
: Here’s the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with Hart on Hell, Catholicism …
: Here are some reflections on pastoral ministry in conversation with John Chrysostom’s brief …
: “Solitude Brings Coherence”: When we are attentive to our inner voices and more intimate …
: John Chrysostom on Preaching to please God and not for human praise.
: When I first encountered this “Litany of Humility” attributed to Rafael Cardinal Merry …
: Here’s this weekend’s edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with the passing of …
: A lot of what I do is help people learn how to listen: to God, to Scripture, to others, to …
: Here’s the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with Father Chito from the …
: Here’s the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with a majority-world …
: After re-reading Cormac McCarthy’s The Road, I am even more moved by it than before. The …
: There’s nothing quite like the oncoming sound of kids excitedly running out from the school …
: I feel like this tree could be a parable, like “If your roots are strong, you can hang in …
: "You forget what you want to remember and you remember what you want to forget" He pulled the boy closer. Just remember that the things you put into your head are there forever, he …
: Here is “The Weekend Wanderer” with reflections by Michael Frost, Russell Moore, & …
: Spending time studying the prayers of St Paul in his epistles is such an interesting experience, …
: Question: does love require agreement or affirmation of another’s position?
: I re-worked some reflections from a few years ago on Abraham, birds, God, and spiritual conflict …
: The latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with the first woman General Secretary of …
: After a week away, “The Weekend Wanderer” is back with Joshua Harris’ loss of …
: The stunning Ouimet Canyon in Ontario.
: Every time I read Eugene Peterson, I reminded of how wise his insights are about pastoral ministry …
: “The well-established and much-verified fact is that following Jesus is not a consumer …
: Mist over Lake Superior in Grand Portage, Minnesota. Another photo from last week’s Lake …
: Back from vacation with too many beautiful photos from around Lake Superior to share.
: Here is the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with Milliner’s field guide …
: The more I study Scripture, the more I am amazed at the depths found within it. There are depths …
: “Only that fellowship which faces disillusionment, with all its unhappy and ugly aspects, …
: Eugene Peterson in Practice Resurrection: “Christian maturity is not a matter of doing more …
: The type of growth Christ has in mind for His Church Thinking about these words today as I work on a message from Ephesians 4. >“The Church is …
: Another photo from last week at Fort Wilderness in northern Wisconsin. There’s just something …
: Evening sky before sunset and a rainfall on a quick trip to the Dells to visit our oldest son, …
: “We are God’s: let us therefore live for him and die for him. We are God’s: let his wisdom and …
: The latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” is now available with Jeremy Begbie’s …
: Finishing up a beautiful week here in the north woods of Wisconsin at Fort Wilderness, teaching …
: Here’s the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with Lincoln’s Bible, …
: As a former “worship leader” and now Senior Pastor, I think a lot about worship in …
: This summer I’m reading Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion. The other day, I …
: Emanuel, Charleston, Forgiveness, and the Future - some reflections after viewing the documentary, …
: If you missed the most recent edition of “The Weekend Wanderer,” which I failed to share …
: Here is the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with controversy on Platt praying …
: Becoming De-occupied with Ourselves: Some stunning insights from Baron Friedrich von Hügel on the …
: I appreciate any prayer support you want to offer today as I work on two messages from Ephesians for …
: Reflecting a little bit today about how God’s good words about us—His blessings—take on even …
: Here is the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with Wilken on religious freedom, …
: The range of blessing as a pastor: Friday, I celebrate with a couple as officiant for their wedding; …
: Here is the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with pressure on Christians in Iraq …
: These words from Josef Pieper captured my attention as I prepared messages on distraction & …
: I appreciate your prayer support as I work on messages for this weekend at @EastbrookChurch plus …
: When I arrived at work this morning at @EastbrookChurch, this full rainbow was over the office. I …
: Listening at Morning: a prayer poem.
: The latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” is here with Olaudah Equiano, university …
: Retelling Scripture: Pär Lagerkvist’s Barabbas - a brief reflection on a book recommended by …
: Can anyone point me toward resources (e.g., books, articles, manuals) related to the topic of church …
: So great to sit with a group of pastors here in Milwaukee seeking to stand together across racial …
: Here is “The Weekend Wanderer” for May 11-12 with Asia Bibi, Jemar Tisby, 18 paintings …
: These humble words from St. Augustine as he comments on Paul’s teaching in 2 Thessalonians …
: Great to meet and hear from @austinkleon last night at @boswellbooks in Milwaukee. Here he is …
: From a hike two weeks ago on the Ice Age Trail near Lapham Peak in the Kettle Moraine Southern Unit.
: Neil Postman on form and the shaping of culture from Amusing Ourselves to Death.
: A little late, but you can access this past weekend’s edition of “The Weekend …
: I always enjoy participating with students at Eastbrook Academy for all school worship. Today I …
: The latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” is here with Ajith Fernando on the Sri …
: If you haven’t read it yet, I would encourage you to take a look at “Six Biblical Responses to …
: I appreciate your prayer support as I work on messages for the next couple of weekends at …
: Happy to share my messages from Good Friday, “The Painful Gift of Forgiveness,” and …
: As Spring arrives here in Wisconsin, I begin looking forward to speaking at Fort Wilderness this …
: The latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” is here with Wesley Hill on Jesus’ …
: I’m praying for a lot of ministry friends during one of our most active and joyful times of …
: Here is the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with Iraqi Christians facing …
: I appreciate the way that Scot McKnight outlines the unfortunate way folks idealize Christian …
: Spending some time with this great book as I work on a sermon series for this summer at …
: “Peace: two poems” — one by George Herbert and the other by Gerard Manley Hopkins, each …
: Here’s the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer”: remembering Evelyne …
: James Tissot, Jesus Tempted in the Wilderness.
: In Memoriam: Evelyne Reisacher.
: I just finished re-reading That Hideous Strength, the third novel of C S Lewis’ Space Trilogy. One …
: The hunger to know that is built into each of us is vital to living well and finding meaning and …
: Here’s the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” with Hans Boersma on Scripture …
: I love this series of paintings by Ilya Rapin themed around the temptation of Jesus.
: What is your favorite book to recommend on the nature of pastoral ministry? It could be theological, …
: “Take heed to yourselves, lest you be void of that saving grace of God which you offer to …
: Re-reading C S Lewis’ That Hideous Strength this last month has reminded me of what an …
: The latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” includes a 1993 article on story by Robert …
: Here’s the latest edition of The Weekend Wanderer with a look at Iranian converts in England, …
: Pleased to write this article for Christianity Today’s Pastors imprint: “The Disturbing …
: “Accordingly, two cities have been formed by two loves: the earthly by the love of …
: Here’s the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer,” with what people are giving …
: “Understanding Ash Wednesday” - a short video pulled together by our team at …
: “Beginning with Hunger” - a reflection on hunger and desire as we begin the journey of …
: Looking forward to beginning our journey through #Lent as @EastbrookChurch with the “Hungry …
: The latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” is here with Jemar Tisby on race-relations …
: It’s hard not to enjoy this Tiny Desk Concert by Ólafur Arnalds at NPR Music.
: I’m working on a preaching series related to the good neighbor, so a few questions for you. …
: I came across these words by W. H. Auden in his foreword to Dag Hammarskjöld’s Markings and thought …
: I love this prayer of St. Anselm, which is part of my Sunday blogging of historic prayers in the …
: “The point of everything in corporate worship is not personal experience, but building up the church …
: Attention “is the essential and necessary means of our growth in knowledge and of any progress …
: “In the same books I also read of the Word, God, that his birth came not from human stock, not …
: I’ve enjoyed preaching my way through various titles of Christ recently at @EastbrookChurch, …
: The latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” is here with Jemar Tisby, Roger Olson on …
: I am so thankful to celebrate 21 years of marriage to my lovely wife, Kelly, today.
: I can never quite get over C. S. Lewis’ quote: “Joy is the serious business of …
: Snow day in Milwaukee means I am getting the chance to work my way through the first draft of the …
: The latest edition of the “Weekend Wanderer” is here with Muslim conversions to Christ …
: I appreciate your prayer support as I work on messages for @EastbrookChurch related to Jesus as the …
: I appreciate your prayer support as I work on messages for @EastbrookChurch related to Jesus as the …
: Unexpectedly, my message on Jesus as the Son of Man this past weekend at @EastbrookChurch was one of …
: Today’s edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” is here with Asia Bibi’s court case, church bombings in …
: I’m so thankful for some real progress on various projects this morning. Just when I’m …
: Snow day in Milwaukee means that in-between roof raking and snow shoveling outside I can focus on …
: The latest edition of The Weekend Wanderer is here, featuring Jemar Tisby on MLK, Peter Choi on …
: The latest edition of The Weekend Wanderer is here with articles on religious persecution in China …
: Writing an essay on the eucharistic theology of Thomas Cranmer for a class I’m taking for fun …
: “Distracted and Divided from the Good Life” - the first in a series of thoughts related …
: Here’s the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer”. Enjoy news and essays on faith and culture with …
: There was that time I tried to use reverse psychology with college students on prayer and various …
: Going through a box of old sermon files that date back to my first days in vocational ministry. …
: This came right out of my journal from earlier in this past year (with slight revisions): …
: I resonated with this excerpt from Dallas Willard’s Renovation of the Heart on the gaps and …
: We had a wonderful time at the @EastbrookChurch Student Ministry Winter Retreat talking about the …
: The latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” is here. Enjoy articles on diverse …
: Pulling together concepts from Nicholas Carr, Alan Jacobs, Erling Kagge, Christopher Blum, Joshua …
: I appreciate your prayer support as I finalize four messages on living with undivided hearts in a …
: I’m working on a series of four messages for the @EastbrookChurch student ministry retreat …
: The latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” is here with John Wesley on preaching, …
: My final blog post on Eugene Peterson’s outstanding book on pastoral ministry, Working the …
: An Advent Prayer of St. Augustine of Hippo.
: The latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” is here with Fleming Rutledge, #ChurchToo, pressure on …
: When studying yesterday I came across these powerful reflections by John Oswalt on Isaiah 9 related …
: I appreciate your prayer support today as I continue working on messages for this coming weekend of …
: In light of preaching from Daniel’s apocalyptic visions during Advent, I couldn’t agree …
: Wendell Berry on the wisdom of simplicity from The Hidden Wound.
: The December 15, 2019, edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” is here with gospel music and …
: Eugene Peterson on spiritual direction in _Working the Angles_: Spiritual direction is the task of helping a person take seriously what is treated dismissively by …
: There are a lot of albums that I return to often, but one of the constants is Max Richter’s …
: I’m continuing my reflections on Eugene Peterson’s Working the Angles at my blog with …
: Josef Pieper: > The prerequisite for justice is truth. Whoever rejects the truth, whether natural …
: I spent a lot of time this past week thinking about imagination and its relation to faith. It …
: St. Bernard of Clairvaux: “if you prepare your interior ear … and keep your inner senses …
: For your weekend enjoyment, the latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” is here with …
: I appreciate your prayer support as I work on message preparation for the next three weekends at …
: “The Pastor as Guide on the Spiritual Quest” - the eighth part of my reflections on …
: Ivan Illich on his footnotes as landmarks No one should be misled into taking my footnotes as either proof of, or invitation to, scholarship. …
: I loved preaching Daniel 8 at the beginning of Advent with my message “Faith Looking …
: The latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” is here, featuring Jo Saxton on narcissism, …
: “Finding Peace: Isaiah” - the first week’s Sunday reading for our Advent …
: Choosing Hell: W. H. Auden on Charles Williams’ view of Hell.
: I appreciate your prayer support today as I map out messages for the four weekends of Advent that …
: “Recovering Contemplative Exegesis” - the seventh part of my reflections on Eugene …
: On this #GivingTuesday join me in supporting the work of two outstanding efforts for the kingdom of …
: Thomas Oden on the authority of a true shepherd Thomas Oden on the authority of a true shepherd in Pastoral Theology: Essentials for Ministry, p. …
: For me, the only upside of being sick is the chance to read more than normal, including delving into …
: The latest edition of The Weekend Wanderer is here.
: “In reading, teaching, and preaching the Scriptures it happens: we cease to listen to the …
: Some reflections after spending time in the book of Daniel: “Faith and the Baptized …
: I’m more convinced than ever that we need trusted, ancient guides on what it means to be a pastor in …
: This weekend’s version of The Weekend Wanderer is available here with features on Ebola in …
: Spending time studying the book of Daniel is so much fun but also leaves my head swimming in ancient …
: Josef Pieper: authentic, perfected virtue, by dint of the very definition of the concept, bears the happily radiant seal of spontaneity, of freedom from constraint and of self-evident inclination... Josef Pieper The strain of self-mastery, which for us countrymen of Kant is inseparable from any …
: Conflict moment: what to do when our amazing Milwaukee County library system does not have a book …
: Spending some time with Thomas Oden this morning in preparation for a book discussion next week.
: Praying by the Book, in which I interact with Eugene Peterson’s call for pastors to recover …
: I enjoyed reading Kathleen Norris’ thoughts on apocalyptic literature in Amazing Grace the …
: The latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” is here with faith and politics, unrest in …
: My favorite – and only – piano student.
: Judah Smith’s endeavor seems like the next logical move resulting from a radically …
: Pastors, if you haven’t seen this already, here is a great resource for your church from the …
: Recovering Prayer - my fourth reflection on Eugene Peterson’s Working the Angles: …
: Trying to finish my portion of the writing work on an Advent devotional for @EastbrookChurch today. …
: On Sundays at my blog, I’m beginning a new series of posts on meaningful prayers I’ve …
: The latest edition of The Weekend Wanderer is here, including Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life …
: All Saints’ Day: A Celebration - a brief reflection on the importance of All Saints’ Day, …
: “A good sermon is one side of a passionate conversation. It has to be heard in that …
: “The Holy Trigonometry of Pastoral Calling” - the third of my reflections on Eugene …
: Learning to Pay Attention - the second of my reflections on Eugene Peterson’s book, Working the …
: The latest edition of “The Weekend Wanderer” is here with a look at Eugene Peterson, the …
: “Abandoning Our Pastoral Calling” - my first in a series of reflections on Eugene …