In his final instructions to his followers, Jesus is clear; they have a mandate — a ‘great commission’ — over their lives. To be a follower of Jesus, united in His death and resurrection, and the recipient of a restored soul for all eternity, is to be a fully enlisted and endorsed participant in God’s redemptive plan for the world.
Continue reading “Disciple-Making is Kingdom Building”
There is something freeing, beautiful & powerful when we get back to the basics. When we strip away the access, fluff, irrelevant, and unnecessary, we’re left with nothing but the essentials. This is how we do church.
Although we’re already a few weeks into 2019, it’s still not too late to share my top books from last year. As you’ll see, my selections center on theology, the church, and pastoral leadership. I tried to limit it to just 4 or 5, but this was a year of hearing from a number of formative voices that are shaping me, my leadership, and our church. So here they are, my top books from 2018.
It’s no secret the church, specifically the broader evangelical church, is in a state of crisis. Attendance and engagement is down, stories of financial, physical, and spiritual abuses are mounting, and any meaningful conversation regarding theology, philosophy, and morality in the cultural mainstream has become nearly impossible. Even the faithful in the evangelical church are becoming disheartened, weary, and have stories of frustration, disenfranchisement and hurt. This growing crisis should cause us to take an honest look inwards through the lens of Scripture, in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, and with a heart of great humility before the Lord.
Continue reading “A Message to the Church: You are Free to Love”
In the shadows of an ancient mega-empire with a ruler who sits among ‘the gods’, our true King was humbly born in a small desert town that resembled nothing of royalty and worldly success.
Continue reading “A Tale of Two Kings”
I remember a time when I went shopping on Christmas Eve for some last minute gifts (okay, probably all of my gift shopping was done that year on Christmas Eve) and was reminded why that was a bad idea. On the eve of what continues to be communicated and sold as the most joyful time of the year, a time of making happy memories and a season of giving, the not-so-hidden ugly side of the holiday was exposed. This is a season filled with stress and anxiety.
Continue reading “The Hope of Christmas”
Thank you for being a reader and supporter of our gospel-centered, Kingdom-focused ministry! Your prayers, ‘likes’ and ‘shares’ on social media, commitment to Restoration Church, and financial support puts wind in our sails and fuels our faith in continuing to share the message of Jesus Christ to the world. For those looking to get caught up with the Till family and Restoration Church during the holiday season, we’ve got a full calendar of opportunities for you.
Continue reading “December Update & Guest Speaking Schedule”