When speaking about “Essentials” we are referring to what is indispensable concerning Christian faith and practice. In reflecting upon this subject we always want to leave room for varying ideas, convictions, and opinions. However, we are often confronted with voices that want to make non-essentials essential, making the conversation all the more challenging. The tribe … Continue reading Christian Essentials
Tribal name: Nazarene. Tribal mission: Make Christlike Disciples in the Nations. Tribal values: Christian, Holiness, Missional. My tribe, the Church of the Nazarene, is typically described as faithful, loving, hard-working people engaged in the mission of God in the world. However, as we transition further into postmodernity new dynamics are unfolding that are testing the … Continue reading Tribal Trichotomy
Everybody has a theology. That is to say, everyone has a perspective of God and a way in which they interact with that perspective. You are what you think. What you think about God is the most important thought you will ever have. Personal theology is ingrained in the human experience. Everyone views the world … Continue reading Theological Beings
Jesus is here. God is present. In all the confusion, in all the messy situations, in all of life’s painful circumstances… God is near. Too often we proceed with business as usual without recognizing the presence of God. The scripture declares that where two or three gather in the name of Jesus, he is there … Continue reading Experience His Presence
God is always up to something. It’s impossible to figure out exactly what, but sometimes you can just feel it in the air. Newness is in His nature. He makes all things new, and when they get old, he makes them new again. That’s why renewal is a process…it never ends. We’re always being made … Continue reading Contagious With Newness
Relationships… followers of Christ are called to relational living. This means that we continually strive to love one another the way God loves us. It means everyone is welcome at the table. It means there is no room for criticism and exclusion. No one is left out. Everyone is included, regardless of race, class, creed, … Continue reading Rules, Religion, & Relationships
Brian L Powell 