Ebola: the Disease of Isolation

The first reports of the Ebola virus in West Africa broke in March of this year.[1] Rumors and reports popped up, the world watched thinking, “oh, it’s just a few people, I’m sure they’ll get it under control.” Until a devastating CDC report was released warning that the Ebola epidemic was outpacing the ability for […]

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Creating a COSTCO culture in a ministry setting: why DNA is everything

Have you seen the fascinating CNBC documentary on Costco?   About 21 minutes into the interview, Carl Quintanilla questioned recently retired CEO and Costco co-founder Jim Sinegal abouthis thoughts and fears for the future of the business without him at the helm:  Quintanilla: Do you worry that the business will veer on its own somehow?  Sinegal: […]

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Trusting leaders in ministry—even to say “no”

Prior to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, we had the great idea of using the upcoming games as an opportunity for sports-loving countries like Brazil to develop outreaches based around the World Cup. We know this type of program has been effective in other parts of the world, and imagined the same […]

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Sexless Japan: an unnatural pattern

In Japan, Europe and the U.S., statistics are showing that people are marrying later in life or not at all, birth rates are on the decline, and housing reports show an increase in single-occupant households, as well as young people living at home for longer periods of time than before. What do these startling trends […]

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“Who likes Sunday School?”

My dad stood in front of a group of believers and fired; “raise your hand if you like Sunday school.” People shuffled uncomfortably, and a few sidelong glances were exchanged before a few hesitant hands went up. He shocked everyone to attention as he replied, slightly tongue-in-cheek, “Well, I don’t like Sunday school either. I […]

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Schools: old-but-new-again concept

Never has the need or desire for education been stronger than it is at this moment in history. Since education has historically proven to be an effective on-ramp for establishing Christianity in society and culture, an old-but-new potential for effective missions has just re-appeared to the Church. Missional schools. Knowledge-based jobs will soon eclipse labor-based […]

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