Whose words are these? Who said, “I will build my church”? You may be surprised to learn that these words belong to Jesus. Identity and mission have always been critical issues for leaders and organizations. A clear sense of who you are and what you are supposed to do is essential. In Matthew 16, the identity and mission of Jesus come into sharp focus. He asked his followers, “Who do you say that I am?” The answer was articulated by Peter and affirmed by Jesus: “You...
“What kind of church is Ingleside?” someone asks today. “Do you all have a ‘missional’ mindset? Or, do you still embrace more of an ‘attractional’ model of doing church?” A few years ago, these same questions might have been asked using a different vocabulary. “Do you believe the church should mainly ‘go and tell’? Or, do you believe the church should primarily invite others to ‘come and see’?” Sometimes the implication by the questioner is that one of...
Three words are on my mind and heart as I write today. They are: thanks, plan, commit. Thanks. As Beverly, Meredith, Molly, and I have reflected on this past weekend, our hearts have been filled with gratitude. What a joy to celebrate 25 years with our Ingleside church family! We recognize that few churches and pastors have the privilege of celebrating a quarter century together. So, for every expression of love and affirmation at this significant milestone, we say “thank...
“Between three and four years.” That’s how long the experts say that pastors and churches typically stick together in the United States today. And it’s one reason why this Sunday, September 7, seems fitting for our church family to celebrate. We’ll give thanks that, by God’s grace and for God’s glory, we have walked this ministry journey together for 25 years. We will remember God’s providence in bringing our lives together, and we will celebrate his faithfulness across...
