Category Archives: Mark’s Blog

What Does an Intentional Interim Minister Do?

Posted on May 6, 2011 by admin

An Intentional Interim does far more than just keep the doors of the church open and preach on Sunday morning. The Interim is intentional in helping the church grow spiritually in almost every possible dimension. Here is a look at … Continue reading →

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Who’s Amazed?

Posted on April 28, 2011 by admin

Yesterday I was inspired with a thought from Ken Johnson’s Baccalaureate sermon at New Hope Christian College. Ken is Lead Pastor at Westside Church in Bend, Oregon. The thought below started during his message on Amazement, but carries my personal … Continue reading →

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David Wilkerson Dies

Posted on April 28, 2011 by admin

Author of The Cross and the Switchblade and founder of Teen Challenge David Wilkerson died yesterday in a car wreck. When I was in Junior High, I was fascinated with the story of Wilkerson who responded to the voice of … Continue reading →

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A Day in the Garden

Posted on April 23, 2011 by admin

As I sat in my LaZBoy, feeling the pain of a full day spent working the yard, I wondered why I felt so good. My muscles and joints do not feel good — they are complaining about getting back to … Continue reading →

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God’s Definition of “Abundance”

Posted on April 22, 2011 by admin

I still like John 10:10: “I come that they might have life, and life abundantly.” However, what “abundance” (or “rich, satisfying”) means has changed over the years. I used to equate “abundance” with lots of money, or undisturbed comfort. This … Continue reading →

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How to Approach the Bible

Posted on April 16, 2011 by admin

“We must learn to read the Bible at the level of the informed imagination (Michael Card in Luke: The Gospel of Amazement.) Later on, Card explains that some people approach the Bible with just their “heads” — an intellectual curiosity. … Continue reading →

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This Should Not Be New Thought

Posted on March 29, 2011 by admin

Here’s the quote that impressed me the most today: “No one knows everything.” That really struck me, which is scary. I should be humble enough to admit to not knowing everything. But somehow, I have the misguided impression that folks … Continue reading →

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The Great Things

Posted on March 16, 2011 by admin

“You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these great truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others (2 Timothy 2:2, NLT).” This is the … Continue reading →

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Playing the ‘Bone — Pondering Excellence

Posted on March 6, 2011 by admin

I played Trombone today in a worship band at the Eugene First Evangelical Church. It was the first time I’ve played my ‘bone in public for two years, and I enjoyed myself. But I couldn’t miss an opportunity to wonder … Continue reading →

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Is there theology in new music?

Posted on March 2, 2011 by admin

A friend of mine, Michael Jay, recently posted on Facebook a beautiful tribute to the theology found in hymns. In fact, he said he thought the theology in hymns was richer than the theology in formal statements of faith. This … Continue reading →