At some point, you have likely sung the words, “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it; prone to leave the God I love…”[1] Though the soothing melody softens the blow, it’s a frighteningly true statement for Christ-followers-especially those in leadership. In fact, one study of Christian leaders found that only 1 in 3 finish well.[2] Aware…

C.S. Lewis once described God as a “tragic redeemer.” By this he meant that God takes even the worst tragedies of human life and turns them toward redemption. He works good out of what was meant for harm. The cross itself is the ultimate example: humanity’s rejection of Jesus became the very means of salvation…

“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44, NIV). Jesus’ words confront our natural instincts when faced with hostility, persecution, and violence. The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk forces us to wrestle with this teaching in personal and practical ways. What compounds this tragedy is how some celebrated Kirk’s death-reactions…

This article originally appeared on Dave Blok’s Substack. Adapted with permission. “I feel like a cog in a machine.” That’s what I blurted out in my very first ministry position out of college. I was 22, the energetic and overly dramatic middle school youth director, confessing my angst to the Senior Pastor. His reply? “Well,…

I don’t know about you, but I struggle sometimes with praying to Jesus. He’s my friend but also commands awe and deserves deep reverence. I think we’ve humanized Jesus so much that my prayer life is becoming difficult. Jesus himself said we should ask things of the Father in his name, and that’s stuck with…

“If you ain’t reading, you ain’t leading.” Those were the wise words of Roy Hicks Jr., a friend I considered an older brother. Just two years older than me, Roy led a youth group before I did, planted a church before I did, and pioneered church multiplication before I did. He always forged the path…