As well as reading a lot of books, I also read a ton of articles every week. Here are some of the articles that I’ve read recently and have found interesting, helpful, challenging and encouraging. I hope that they will be the same for you, my dear readers…
7 Tips for Navigating Criticism as a Pastor
“To be a pastor is to be told (often or infrequently) that you’re doing it wrong, that you are wrong, or that everything in the church is just wrong. You’ve committed yourself to people who are battling pain, unbelief, and multiform temptations—just as you are—and sometimes they simply don’t want your involvement, or don’t appreciate how you’re trying to help them. When they criticize you, gently or harshly, it hurts deeply.”
It’s Time to Stop Weaponising Suicide
“It’s time for us to stop weaponising suicide. We do need to have conversations about how we best care for and support those of us who are LGBTQ+ and who also want to follow Jesus. Those are exactly the sorts of conversations we here at Living Out are seeking to foster. But when suicide is weaponised in this conversation, it is irresponsible and potentially harmful. Let’s dialogue, but let’s not weaponise suicide.”
Why We Desperately Need the Message of Revelation
“The book of Revelation is not a prophecy chart about the future but a call to be a disciple of Jesus. John tells us to be faithful and fruitful, and we should not give in to despair, for in the end, all will be well.”
What I Learned in My Season of Depression
“Though I was surprised by the onset of my depression, I was even more surprised by all that God taught me through it (Ps. 119:71).”
AM I THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN’T DO THE RUBIK’S CUBE?
“We’re powerless to put things where they should be. But that’s why God sends us his Son Jesus into the world.”
Advent is for Broken Hearts
“Advent is for broken hearts. Advent reminds us that God is with us. He came to be with us, He sent His Spirit to be with us, and He is with us still. He will not forsake you. Instead, He is near to the brokenhearted (see Ps. 34:18). Very, very near. He is Immanuel.”
How to not Let Disappointment Drive the Bus
“People act out of a primal need to please either self or others. To remain still is to elicit a sense of lack, both emotional and physical. As such, the fear of disappointment fuels activity as individuals attempt to succeed in their endeavors, the most primary of which is often a job.”
The problem with church lad culture
“We need to have that same zero-tolerance attitude not just to the specific issue of women in the church but a concern for the wider church family. That means zero tolerance for cruel mocking and trash talking, zero tolerance for cliques and zero tolerance for seeing people as a means to an end.”
Chalmers' Blog 