the place of third places

I think in the West third places are absolutely vital apect of mission in Western (and every other) contexts.  For those who don’t know the jargon, the first place is our homes, the second place is our work environments, and the third place is our preferred social environment.  It is where you hang out when [...]

a double take on early christianity: an interview with rodney stark

One of the world’s most respected sociologists of religion, Rodney Stark has, since the early 1960s, studied the phenomenon of conversion, focusing especially on newer religious movements such as Mormons, Moonies, and Hare Krishnas. He has written or co-authored many books, including The Rise of Christianity (HarperSanFrancisco, 1997), The Churching of America, 1776–1990: Winners and [...]

we want your soul

Consumerism claims everything and in Western contexts is all-pervasive. But here’s the problem, God also claims everything (and is all-pervasive, all-knowing, and all-powerful.) This clash of loyalties causes the disciple some real discomfort and so it should. Here is a clip by Adam Freeland that artfully underlines the claim that consumerism makes on our souls.

HT [...]

the baby and the barthwater?

As we move from critique of Christendom mode of ecclesia to a more missional idea of the church we do well to remember that this is something that ought always to be done in every age and every context. That it hasn’t been done all that often demonstrates how we have tended to [...]

what would i do with an established church?

I was asked this question recently in an interview
“If you were asked to steer a conventional, western church on a missional path and were given the freedom to utilize or reallocate all funds and resources in the best way you felt this could be accomplished, how and what would you do?

You have three staff members [...]

ds2 highlights


jesus is the way

I am currently writing a book on missional Christology with my old co-conspirator, Michael Frost. This kind of work of necessity takes on a tone of personal quest—for I cannot but be deeply involved in the material I am writing about.  I have always been fascinated by Jesus, and to be honest, I feel my [...]

adaptibility and order

In reading Jacques Ellul recently, I came across this gem of ecclesial wisdom…
“No doubt some will reply that God is not a God of disorder, incoherence, or arbitrariness, but a God of order. Of course he is. Unfortunately the whole of the Old Testament shows us that God’s order is not that [...]

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