The Ticonderoga pencil is a simple tool for writing. To its manufacturers, it is the “the #1, most recognized, and revered pencil throughout America and the world.” A bit plucky for a pencil, perhaps? For our work at The Collaborative, the Ticonderoga pencil is an instrument that signifies much of what we aim to achieve. We use … Read more
Ticonderoga Pencils & the Common Good
7 Ways to Name Flourishing From the Pulpit (2/2)
In the first post (5 Reasons Pastors Fail to Identify Flourishing From the Pulpit) we looked at the risk of flourishing being a buzzword that people write off, and the reason why many pastors are hesitant to name that which flourishes in one’s community. Sadly, pastors are not well equipped with helpful doctrine, definitions, or … Read more
The Reformation, Evangelicals, & the Trumpian Age
Protestant Christianity celebrates 500 years of ministry on October 31. On this day in 1517 the German friar Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to Wittenberg’s cathedral door. Luther’s theses exposed theological fault lines placing him and his fellow reformers at odds with the Roman Catholic Church. Today Protestant evangelicals, likewise, are discovering new theological … Read more
An Old Fashioned Ribbing
Jason Gay wrote in Saturday’s Wall Street Journal about the Congressional Baseball game going forward in spite of the horrific act of terror the day before in which a gunman shot Rep. Steve Scalise (R., La.) and three others. The Democrats won the game, and then Gay reports: After the final out, the Democratic team … Read more
7 Ways to Name Flourishing From the Pulpit (2/2)
In the first post (5 Reasons Pastors Fail to Identify Flourishing From the Pulpit) we looked at the risk of flourishing being a buzzword that people write off, and the reason why many pastors are hesitant to name that which flourishes in one’s community. Sadly, pastors are not well equipped with helpful doctrine, definitions, or … Read more
5 Reasons Pastors Fail to Identify Flourishing From the Pulpit (1/2)
If I do say so myself, Florida is the best place for flourishing to occur. Sorry, Denver; sorry, San Diego. When Juan Ponce de León saw our lush, florid coast blooming with fecundity during the 1513 liturgical season of Pascua Florida (feast of flowers) he declared the land La Florida. As an adopted Floridian myself, … Read more
As Turkey persecutes a Christian pastor, what price freedom?
This editorial appeared in the Orlando Sentinel on Easter morning, April 14, 2017. On this Easter morning, I and hundreds of millions of Christians worldwide will be with our local church celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. My colleague, Andrew Brunson, however, will not. Andrew and his wife, Norine, have peaceably ministered in Turkey as Presbyterian … Read more
A Seminary Snubs a Presbyterian Pastor (Wall Street Journal Editorial)
Princeton Theological Seminary announced earlier this month that it would award the Rev. Tim Keller its Kuyper Prize for Excellence in Reformed Theology and Public Witness. The seminary lauded Mr. Keller for his commitment to spreading Christianity in cities, his bestselling books on religion, and his work helping to launch hundreds of churches in dozens … Read more
Andy Crouch, What Does the Faith and Work Movement Need to Hear?
In early February, I probed the thoughts of Andy Crouch, author, blogger, and speaker. Crouch had just resigned as executive editor at Christianity Today and moved to the John Templeton Foundation as a communication strategist. His books and speaking engagements have made him a thought leader on culture, and connected him notably to the faith … Read more
A Technological Confession
The Collaborative was energized by our visit from Andy Crouch in February. The author, blogger, and presenter executed twelve speaking engagements in five short days! Every audience he touched, whether they be seminary professors, faith and work leaders in Orlando, or the masses, Andy Crouch presented complex ideas in a simple format that touched the … Read more
