I am husband to Carrie, dad to Matthew, Lucas, and Natalie. I have a desire to see people grow in their relationship with Jesus. My personal mission is to move people forward in their faith life.
We’ve all heard it: The grass is greener on the other side. That phrase has led people to quit jobs, walk away from marriages, leave churches, chase trends, and uproot their lives—only to realize too late that “the other side” was just an illusion.
Ok, so let’s talk about real grass for a second. Ever drive through the country and see a yard where one patch of grass is noticeably greener than the rest? Guess what’s underneath it? It’s probably septic tank. Yeah, all that lush, vibrant green grass is being fed by, well… crap.
That should tell us something.
Fertilized by the Mess
Life stinks sometimes. You go through betrayals, failures, disappointments. You get blindsided by heartbreak, struggle through a dead-end job, or feel stuck in a season where nothing seems to be going right. It’s easy to look at someone else’s situation and think, If only I had what they had. If only I could start over there.
But what if the very thing you’re going through right now—the hardship, the pain, the “crappy” season—is the fertilizer for the best growth of your life?
The Bible is full of people who found the best endings from the worst circumstances:
Joseph went from being betrayed and sold into slavery to running Egypt.
Ruth lost everything and became a widow but ended up in the family line of Jesus.
Paul got thrown in prison and wrote some of the most powerful letters in Scripture.
They didn’t run to the “greener” grass. They stayed where God had them and let Him use even the worst situations for something powerful.
Stop Chasing Illusions
The grass isn’t greener on the other side. It’s greener where it’s watered and fertilized.
People leave jobs, churches, and relationships thinking something better is out there, but they’re bringing the same unhealed heart, the same bad habits, and the same discontentment with them. The problem isn’t always the location—it’s the lack of cultivation. It’s a failure of motivation. It’s a void of initiative.
So, what if instead of chasing after some idealized version of life, you started watering where you are? What if you saw your tough season as an opportunity instead of a curse?
The Best Growth Comes from the Worst Mess
God is in the business of redeeming the garbage (crap) of our lives. He takes what stinks, what’s broken, what looks hopeless, and turns it into something beautiful.
So, the next time you’re tempted to think the grass is greener somewhere else, remember: The greenest grass is often growing over the biggest mess. Maybe, just maybe, God is using your current situation to grow something you never expected.
Don’t run. Dig in. Water where you are. Watch what He does next.
Prayer. For some, it’s a lifeline. For others, it feels like sending a text with no response. You know one of those questions asked of someone with read receipts on and they never reply!
Maybe you’ve found yourself wondering: Am I doing this right? Is anyone even listening? Is this thing on!? Well simply put: yes, yes, and yes. But let’s be honest—prayer can be confusing, especially when life gets messy or you feel like your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling.
There is good news however. Prayer doesn’t have to be complicated, fancy, or reserved for the “super christians.” It’s simply a conversation with God. If you want your prayer life to be less awkward and more impactful, here are three things you need to know that just might change everything.
1. God Actually Wants to Hear from You (Yeah, You)
Ok. Let’s clear something up: prayer isn’t about using the right words or sounding holy. You don’t need to bust out 17th-century King James English to get God’s attention. (“O Lord, Thou art most glorious and…” Yeah, He knows.) God wants you to come as you are—messy, honest, and real.
Think about it: if you’re a parent, you don’t require your kids to craft a formal speech before talking to you. God’s the same way. He loves hearing from you—whether you’re praising Him, venting frustrations, or just saying, “Help!” Don’t let guilt or uncertainty keep you quiet. Start talking. God’s not waiting for perfection; He’s waiting for you.
Pro tip: Not sure where to start? Try this: “God, Today I need…” Just fill in the blank with something you can’t hold in your hand (focus, peace, etc) Then wait. Simple. Honest. Powerful.
2. Prayer Is Less About Fancy Words and More About a Real Relationship
Imagine if you only talked to your best friend when you needed something. Or worse yet, if every conversation was a rushed list of demands: “Hey, I need you to fix this, do that, and make this happen. Cool? Bye.” That friendship wouldn’t last long.
Prayer is about connection, not just requests. Yeah, God wants you to bring your needs to Him, but He also wants you to share your heart. Thank Him for the good things. Be honest about your fears. Celebrate the wins. Grieve the losses. Listen for His guidance.
Relationships thrive on communication. The more you talk to God (and listen), the stronger your connection will be. And here’s the kicker: you don’t need to set aside an hour in a candlelit room of solitude. Talk to Him while driving (just don’t close your eyes please), folding laundry, or walking the dog. He’s always available—no appointment necessary.
Bonus tip: Silence isn’t God ignoring you. Sometimes He speaks in the stillness. Don’t rush it.
3. Prayer Changes Things… and It Changes You
We often think of prayer as a way to get God to act. And yes, prayer moves the heart of God. Miracles happen. Peace arrives. Circumstances shift. But sometimes, the biggest change happens in us.
Prayer can soften a hard heart, calm anxious thoughts, and bring clarity when you’re stuck. Even when God doesn’t answer the way you hoped, He often gives you strength to face the situation. And that’s no small thing.
And let’s be honest: sometimes the answer is “yes,” but sometimes it’s “I have something better in mind.” Trusting God’s timing isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Keep praying. Even when it feels like nothing’s happening, God is working, sometimes behind the scenes in ways you can’t see.
Encouragement: Don’t quit praying just because you haven’t seen immediate results. Some of the best answers come after the longest waits.
Prayer isn’t about checking a Jesus box. It’s about relationship. It’s about bringing your whole, messy, beautiful self to God and trusting that He hears you, loves you, and responds in His perfect way (and time).
So, talk to Him. Be honest. Be persistent. Be yourself. You don’t need a script. You just need a willing heart.
And remember: you’re not alone. At Living Word Galena, we believe prayer is foundational to life and faith. If you need someone to pray with you, reach out. We’re here for you. God is, too.
Your prayers matter. You matter. Don’t let doubt or busyness rob you of the life-changing gift of prayer. Start the conversation. You might just be surprised at what happens next.
Ok. Let’s be honest: raising teenagers today feels like trying to read a book that keeps rewriting itself. Just when you think you understand the rules, bam! – there’s a new social media platform, slang that sounds like another language, or a trend that makes you question reality (Tide Pods, really?). Parenting teens has never been easy, but in a world that moves at the speed of a Formula One Race, it can feel overwhelming. The good news? You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be present, prayerful, and prepared. Here are three essential truths every parent should know about raising teens today.
1. They’re Listening… Even When It Seems Like They Aren’t
Yes, they roll their eyes. Yes, they respond with one-word answers (“Fine.” “Whatever.”). And yes, they often have earbuds in like it’s their default setting. But here’s the deal: your voice matters more than you think. Studies consistently show that parents remain the most influential voices in a teenager’s life, even when culture suggests otherwise.
So, talk to them. And not just about chores or grades. Talk about real stuff: faith, friendships, struggles, dreams, and yes, even those awkward topics you’d rather avoid. They may act disinterested, but your consistency speaks volumes. Keep showing up in the conversations. Plant seeds. They’re listening more than they let on.
Pro tip: Sometimes the best talks happen when you’re not looking at each other: driving in the car, taking a walk, or doing dishes together. No pressure, just presence.
2. They Need Boundaries (Even If They Fight Them)
Teenagers crave freedom, but they also need fences. Think of boundaries like guardrails on a winding mountain road: they may complain about them, but they help prevent a dangerous fall. Setting clear expectations around things like technology use, curfews, and responsibilities isn’t being controlling—it’s being a parent! It’s actually loving to have some clear expectations and boundaries.
Yes, you’ll face pushback. There may be dramatic sighs, door slams, or the classic, “You just don’t understand!” (insert whining voice here) That’s okay. Stay calm. Be firm but fair. Boundaries aren’t about punishment; they’re about guidance. Teens feel more secure when they know where the lines are, even if they love to continually test them.
And remember: it’s okay to say no. No is a complete sentence. You’re not your teen’s best friend; you’re their parent. Friendship may come later, but for now, they need you to lead with love and clarity.
3. They’re Wrestling with Big Questions (And Need a Safe Place to Ask Them)
Adolescence is a season of searching. Teens are figuring out who they are, what they believe, and where they fit in the world. That means they’ll have questions—sometimes big, unsettling ones about faith, identity, and purpose.
The worst thing you can do? Shut down those questions or panic. Telling them what they can or can’t believe or how they have to react won’t be helpful! Instead, create space for honest conversations. If they ask something that stumps you (“Why does God allow suffering?” or “How could you vote for ______”) it’s okay to say, “That’s a great question. Let’s explore that together.” You don’t need all the answers. What your teen needs is your willingness to journey with them.
Look – matters of life and faith aren’t just taught—they’re caught. When your teen sees you wrestling with questions, seeking God, and living authentically, it makes an impression. Don’t underestimate the power of your example.
Bonus tip: Encourage your teen to get involved in groups with grown up humans they can trust. Sometimes they need another trusted adult to echo the truths you’re teaching at home.
Parenting teens in today’s world isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s messy, unpredictable, and often challenging. But it’s also filled with incredible opportunities to guide, love, and shape your child as they navigate the journey to adulthood.
Remember: you’re not alone. If you’re a Jesus follower or a church goer, I’ll remind you that God is with you. If you’re part of our community of faith, your church family at Living Word Galena is here to support you. Stay patient, stay prayerful, and never underestimate the impact of your presence. Your teenager doesn’t need a perfect parent—they need you.
“I’d love to help, but I’m just too busy.” “I really want to get more involved…but life is crazy right now.” “I know I should spend more time with God, but there’s just so much going on.”
Sound familiar?
We’ve all said it. Life moves fast—work deadlines, family commitments, kids’ activities, social obligations. There’s always something demanding our attention. But here’s the truth: Busyness, while understandable, can easily become an excuse to not try.
If we’re not careful, being “too busy” becomes the reason we stop serving, stop growing, stop connecting, and stop worshiping.
Busy Isn’t the Problem—It’s our Priorities
The hard reality? We make time for what matters most to us.
We rarely “forget” to eat or skip our favorite shows. We carve out time for what fills us—whether that’s entertainment, hobbies, or scrolling through our phones. So why does time with God, serving others, or gathering for worship so easily get pushed to the bottom of the list?
Jesus lived a full life. Crowds followed Him, people constantly sought His help, and His mission was nothing short of saving the world. Yet, He still made time to step away, pray, and prioritize His relationship with the Father (Luke 5:16).
If Jesus needed that space, how much more do we?
Busyness Can Quietly Erode Your Spiritual Life
We tell ourselves, “It’s just a busy season—it’ll slow down soon.” But if we’re honest, another season of busyness always follows. The enemy doesn’t always need to tempt us with obvious sin; sometimes, he just keeps us distracted enough to prevent spiritual growth.
Think about it:
How often do you say, “I just don’t have time to pray,” yet find time to scroll social media?
How many weekends fill up with activities, while worship and community with believers take a backseat?
How often do good things—work, family events, hobbies—crowd out the best thing: time with God?
These are hard questions, not to induce guilt, but to invite reflection. Life will be full—but is it full of the right things?
Let’s Be Honest
We all juggle responsibilities. No one’s asking you to neglect work or family. But what if being “too busy” for God actually points to misplaced priorities rather than a packed schedule?
What if, instead of saying, “I don’t have time,” we just simply admitted, “It hasn’t been a priority”? It’s uncomfortable—but it’s also freeing. When we’re honest about what matters most, we can make meaningful changes.
Jesus asked, “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Mark 8:36).
Busyness might help us achieve goals, advance careers, or keep our families entertained—but if it costs us intimacy with God or the Spiritual wellbeing of our kiddos, is it really worth it?
Parents: Your kids notice what you prioritize. Making time for worship and spiritual conversations speaks louder than any lecture. Professionals: No promotion is worth spiritual exhaustion. Your faith life will be there far after your new raise. Students: Your schedule feels packed now, but forming good habits today shapes you for a healthy future.
Let’s Get Practical
You don’t need a complete life overhaul—just a few intentional steps:
✅ Reflect on Your Time: Where do the hours go? (Check your screen time or your calendar—you might be surprised.) ✅ Prioritize Worship: Sunday worship isn’t just another item on the to-do list—it’s soul-filling fuel. Missing periodically should be just that, periodically. I have to commend those people who I see come on Sunday even though they have to leave early. Making worship a priority, even if you have to scoot before it’s over, is a huge step in the right direction! ✅ Say “No” So You Can Say “Yes”: Not everything deserves your “yes.” Protect space for what truly matters. I heard one time that every yes represents a no somewhere else. By saying “yes” to this one thing, what are you also saying “no” to? ✅ Schedule God-Time: Put Scripture reading and prayer on your calendar like any other important appointment.
Let’s Not Miss What Matters
One day, the meetings, practices, and deadlines won’t matter. But your relationship with Jesus—that one’s gonna last forever.
Being busy isn’t a sin—but being too busy for God robs you of joy, peace, and even purpose. Let’s not settle for lives so full of “stuff” that we miss the fullness of life in Christ.
So here’s the gentle challenge: What’s one thing you can adjust this week to make more room for God?
You’ll never regret putting Him at the center of all you do.
Honesty moment—what’s the first thing you reach for in the morning? Is it your Bible or your phone?
For most people, it’s not even a question. The phone wins. Emails, texts, social media, news updates—it all floods in before our feet even hit the floor. And whether we admit it or not, that little device isn’t just a tool; it’s become our most dominant teacher.
Who’s or What’s Really Discipling You?
Discipleship is about shaping your thoughts, priorities, and habits. It’s about what you allow to guide you, correct you, and influence your decisions. So a simple equation that I like to use. Time equals devotion and if time equals devotion, then for many Jesus Followers, TikTok is their pastor, Instagram is their small group, and Google is their theologian.
We have more access to God’s Word than any generation before us. Sermons are a click away. Bible apps are everywhere. But instead of feeding on Scripture, we binge content that disciples us in distraction, outrage, comparison, and self-indulgence.
Jesus calls us to take up our cross daily (Luke 9:23), but for too many of us, the only thing we pick up daily is our phone.
Your Phone Is Winning the Battle for Your Mind
Paul tells us in Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” The problem? Our phones are shaping our minds way more than the Word of God.
Think about it:
Social media tells you what to care about. If it’s trending, it must be important, right? But how often do trending topics align with the things of God?
Algorithms decide what you see. Every scroll, every click, every “like” trains your feed to shape your worldview.
Your attention span is being rewired. If content doesn’t hook you in three seconds, you move on. No wonder it’s hard to focus on prayer or Scripture.
This has become far more than a bad habit. It’s spiritual warfare. The enemy doesn’t need to drag you into deep sin—he just needs to keep you distracted enough that you never grow. And the enemy is not the person who sees the world differently than you do! The enemy is the one who doesn’t want you to thrive in every area of life.
Are You Using Your Phone, or Is It Using You?
We love to say, “Phones aren’t bad, it’s just how you use them.” That’s true—to a point. But let’s not kid ourselves. Most of us aren’t using our phones to memorize Scripture and evangelize. We’re wasting hours on empty entertainment, comparing our lives to filtered versions of other people that we don’t even know! Not to mention numbing ourselves with constant noise.
Conviction moment…
Do you check your phone more than you pray?
Do you read notifications more than Scripture?
Do you mindlessly scroll when you could be sitting in silence with God?
Do you get more anxious when your phone dies than when you left the Bible on the chair at church?
If your phone gets more devotion than Jesus, it’s time for a change.
Reclaim Your Discipleship
You don’t have to throw your phone in the ocean (even though some of us might need to). But you do need to take control before it takes control of you.
Here are a few places to start:
Bookend Your Day with God. Keep your phone away from your bed. Start and end your day in Scripture and prayer—before any screen. Don’t overthink this one. Tell Jesus about your day. Ask him about the day in front of you. That’s it! No fancy words. No canned jargon. Just you and Jesus and sharing what’s on your mind.
Fast from the Feed. Take breaks from social media. Maybe one day a week. Maybe a whole month. Watch how your mind clears. If that makes you twitch a little, then consider setting aside no notification times. I often use the Do Not Disturb function on my phone. No emails, texts, social notifications come through at all! Ok there are a few who get emergency rights but those are very limited!
Don’t Remove, Replace. If you cut out screen time but don’t replace it with time in the Word, prayer, or actual connection with other humans, you’ll just fill the gap with something else empty. It’s far too easy to fall back into bad habits if we don’t replace those with something good. Not eating donuts won’t be of much benefit if we don’t replace that with some good, healthy sources of protein.
Ask: Who’s Forming Me? Before you open an app, ask, Is this helping me become more like Jesus? If the answer is no, maybe it’s time to rethink your habits. Now this one about made some of you throw your device against the wall. This doesn’t mean that all tech is bad. Hey I’m writing this on my laptop using the internet! Just set specific times when you can aimlessly graze on stuff. If it’s not in your grazing time, then fill yourself with something beneficial and filling.
It’s Time to Choose Your Master
Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24). Right now, many of us are trying to serve both Jesus and our phones—and let’s be real, our phones are winning.
But they don’t have to.
You can take control. You can change your habits. You can choose to let Jesus, not a screen, shape your heart, mind, and soul.
So the question is—who’s discipling you? Jesus? Or the idol in your pocket?
You’re stressing over things you have zero control over. And it’s killing your joy. It’s thwarted your productivity. And your peace of mind is anything but peaceful! You’re worried about what people think of you, the economy, the weather, the political climate, the price of eggs, the latest social media drama—things that are completely out of your hands.
It’s time to stop. Right now.
Instead, focus on the one thing you can actually do something about: YOU.
What’s In Your Control?
We need to be totally honest about what’s actually within our power. You have 100% control over:
Your attitude – Nobody forces you to be bitter, resentful, or negative. That’s a choice. So is gratitude, positivity, and resilience. Choose wisely!
Your actions – You decide if you’re going to show up, follow through, and be consistent. No one makes that decision for you.
Your honesty – Telling the truth isn’t just moral; it simplifies your life. Lies pile up. Integrity is simple.
Your time management – Being on time isn’t about traffic, kids, or circumstances. It’s about priorities and respect. Plan ahead. Set alarms. Leave early. Be on time!
Your health habits – What you eat, how much you move, when you go to bed—these are all choices you make. No one is forcing you to eat garbage, skip workouts, or doom-scroll until 1 AM.
Your discipline – Success isn’t about motivation; it’s about discipline. You won’t always “feel” like doing what needs to be done. Do it anyway. Doing the hard thing when you don’t want to is often the time you grow the most.
What’s NOT In Your Control?
Here’s where people lose their minds—obsessing over things that will never be in their control:
Other people’s opinions – Listen closely. You could be the most perfect, kind, talented human on the planet, and someone will still dislike you. Ever heard of Jesus? Yeah they killed him because he was too kind! Stop living for approval that will never fully come.
The weather – Complaining about it won’t change it. Dress accordingly and move on. Grab an umbrella. Put on a sweatshirt. Turn on the fan.
Traffic – You’re not parting the Red Sea anytime soon. Plan for it or accept it. People won’t drive like you so complaining won’t matter. You could always just move to a location where your biggest traffic concern is a combine or three ladies riding horses down the road – that’s exactly what I did.
The past – Regret changes nothing. Learn from it, own your mistakes, and move forward. Failure does not have to be fatal if you learn from it and make the necessary adjustments.
Other people’s behavior – You can’t make people kinder, smarter, more considerate, or more rational. That’s their business, not yours. If people cross your values, you can easily love them from a distance.
The Cost of Trying to Control the Uncontrollable
When you waste energy on things you can’t change, you rob yourself of energy for the things you can. Your mental bandwidth is limited. Do you really want to use it worrying about someone’s comment on Facebook or whether it’s going to snow in Ohio…in January?!
When you hyper-focus on things beyond your reach, you become frustrated, anxious, and exhausted. Meanwhile, the things you CAN control—your habits, your mindset, your discipline—they all fall apart. That’s how you wake up one day feeling stuck, bitter, and overwhelmed.
Freedom
You want peace? Focus on what’s in your hands. When you take ownership of what you can control and release the rest, life gets simpler. You have more clarity, less stress, and a deeper sense of purpose. You start making real progress because your energy is spent on things that actually move the needle forward.
So today, right now, make the decision:
Stop obsessing over things you can’t change.
Start owning the things you can.
Be on time. Eat well. Exercise. Drink your water. Tell the truth. Get to bed at a decent hour. Show up for yourself and others.
Life moves fast, especially for busy families. Between work, school, sports, and endless errands, we often feel like we’re sprinting from one thing to the next, barely catching our breath. In the middle of this chaos, Jesus speaks a powerful invitation in Matthew 11:28-30:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
These words may sound simple, but they hold the key to experiencing the grace of Jesus in a way that transforms our everyday lives.
The Grace Found in Rest
Many of us think of grace as something we receive when we first believe in Jesus—a gift that forgives our sins and promises us eternal life. And while that’s true, grace is so much more. It’s also the unearned, constant presence of Jesus in our lives, sustaining us and guiding us through every moment.
But here’s the catch: we often miss that grace because we’re too busy striving. We think if we just work a little harder, do a little more, or hustle a little faster, we’ll find peace. Instead, Jesus tells us to stop and rest.
Real grace is found when we rest in the completed work of Jesus—not in our own efforts. On the cross, Jesus said, “It is finished.” That wasn’t just a declaration of victory over sin; it was an invitation to stop striving and start trusting.
What Rest Looks Like
Rest doesn’t just mean taking a nap (though sometimes that helps too!). True rest is about leaning into Jesus, trusting His leadership, and letting Him carry the weight of our worries.
When Jesus talks about taking His yoke upon us, He’s using an image from farming. A yoke is a wooden frame that binds two animals together so they can pull a load together. By taking His yoke, we’re choosing to walk alongside Jesus, letting Him guide us and carry the bulk of the weight.
The beauty of this yoke is that often in farming this was a training method for newer animals to the farm. They would yoke a mature and experienced animal with a younger, immature one. The mature and experienced beast would keep the immature one on task and teach them how to do the job correctly. So perhaps we too need to be yoked to someone who is more mature and experienced than we are?
Here are a couple of suggestions that I have considered in my own life:
Intentional Quiet Time: Even 10 minutes of prayer or reading Scripture can reset your mind and heart.
Letting Go of Control: Hand over your worries and responsibilities to Jesus through prayer.
Saying No to Overcommitment: Sometimes the most faithful thing you can do is create margin in your schedule.
Living in Community: Being part of a church family helps remind us that we don’t have to carry life’s burdens alone.
The Light Burden of Jesus
Notice that Jesus doesn’t promise a life without burdens—He promises a light burden. That’s because His grace changes how we carry things. When we rest in Him, we stop striving for perfection, stop carrying guilt over our shortcomings, and stop trying to control outcomes that only God can handle.
Instead, we begin to experience the joy and freedom that come from knowing we are already fully loved and accepted by Jesus. That’s grace—unearned, abundant, and freely given.
Living Restfully as a Church Community
At Living Word Galena, we’re committed to helping busy families experience this kind of grace. That’s why we prioritize being a community where people can find refreshment in worship, grow in supportive relationships, and discover the peace that comes from resting in Jesus.
We believe life works best with Jesus—not because He adds more to your to-do list, but because He invites you to lay down the heavy burdens and walk in His light and easy way.
So today, take a deep breath. Hear the voice of Jesus calling you to rest. Stop striving, and let grace meet you right where you are. His arms are wide open, and His promise is sure: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
The church, designed to be a living and breathing body of believers, sometimes feels more like a well-oiled machine—focused on efficiency, structure, and control. While organization and discipline have their place, it seems that in many cases, we’ve unintentionally elevated discipline over discipleship, uniformity over unity, professional clergy over priesthood of all believers. This subtle shift has profound implications for how we live out our faith and engage the world around us.
The Conformity Trap
One of the clearest signs of this misplaced emphasis is the tendency to require conformity to a single way of doing things. Whether it’s how we worship, what we wear, or the specific language we use to express our faith, there often seems to be an unspoken rule: if you don’t fit the mold, you don’t belong.
This mentality can stifle creativity and authenticity. Discipleship, by contrast, is about guiding people as they grow in their personal relationship with Jesus, recognizing that each journey is unique. Jesus didn’t call His disciples to become carbon copies of one another. Peter and John were both deeply faithful, but their personalities and ministries were distinct and different. Peter was bold and brash; John was contemplative and relational. Both were essential to the early church.
When we prioritize discipline over discipleship, we risk turning the church into a factory that produces uniform believers rather than a family that nurtures diverse gifts and callings. We inadvertently communicate that faith is about compliance rather than transformation.
Centralized Power in the Church?
Another outward example of this shift is the increasing centralization of church hierarchy. Many churches operate under a top-down leadership model where decisions are made by a select few and then handed down to the congregation. This model can create a rigid structure that leaves little room for the Spirit’s leading or the unique contributions of individual members.
Biblically, the church is described as a body—a dynamic organism where every part is essential and interdependent. Ephesians 4:11-12 reminds us that leaders are called to “equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” This implies a decentralized model where leadership empowers and equips rather than controls and dictates.
When leadership becomes overly centralized, it can breed a culture of passivity among members. People stop seeing themselves as active participants in God’s mission and instead become consumers of religious goods and services. Discipleship, however, calls everyone—not just the leaders—to engage in the work of ministry, using their gifts to build up the body and reach the world.
Reclaiming Discipleship
So how do we reclaim discipleship as the heart of the church? It starts by shifting our focus from compliance to transformation. Here are a few key steps:
1. Celebrate Diversity in Faith Journeys: Recognize that discipleship is not one-size-fits-all. Encourage people to explore different spiritual disciplines, forms of worship, and ways of serving. Create space for testimonies that highlight the varied ways God is at work in people’s lives. Jesus is the only way to the Father, but our tradition is not the only way to Jesus.
2. Decentralize Leadership: Empower members to lead in their areas of gifting. Develop structures that allow for collaborative decision-making and shared responsibility. This not only strengthens the church but also helps individuals grow as disciples. What are the different parts of the body passionate about and gifted at doing? Give them a lane to run in and celebrate with them as new people are able to see Jesus through new ministry initiatives.
3. Prioritize Relationships Over Rules: Jesus’ discipleship model was relational. He walked with His followers, shared meals with them, and taught them through everyday life experiences. Churches that prioritize small groups, mentorship, and authentic community as primary discipleship tools are seeing dynamic results in kingdom impact.
4. Focus on Heart Transformation: Discipline often focuses on external behavior, but true discipleship is about heart transformation. Teach and model spiritual practices that foster intimacy with God and inner change, such as prayer, Scripture meditation, and service. A simple list of dos and don’ts won’t change anyone, just look at your kiddos. There’s still an inborn tendency to do what I know I shouldn’t do (Romans 7). When we capture the heart with the truth of the law and gospel of Jesus, we see the transformation for which the Bible calls.
5. Evangelism IS Discipleship: Discipleship cannot function if it’s devoid of evangelism. A discipleship that merely focuses on conforming to rules and rituals won’t transform the way Romans 12 describes. Discipleship isn’t about me, it’s about losing me for the sake of the image of Jesus in me to shine through. Jesus says we are the light of the world and that a city on a hill cannot be hidden (Matthew 5). So let’s take the light of the good news of Jesus and shine it through our discipleship.
It’s a Movement NOT a Machine
When the church shifts back to a discipleship-first model, it becomes less about maintaining systems and more about fostering a movement of transformed lives. A church that prioritizes discipleship is a church that empowers its members to live out their faith boldly and authentically in the everyday spaces where they live, work and play.
It’s time to reimagine what the church can be—a vibrant community where people are loved, equipped, and sent out to make disciples of all nations. Let’s trade conformity for creativity, control for empowerment, and discipline for true discipleship. In the 1500s men and women walked through something called the Reformation. Getting back to the basics of who we are as the people of God. Perhaps we’ve forgotten the core tenets of that reformation movement? I believe the reformation church is the kind of church the world desperately needs.
When I was growing up I loved superheroes. Whether it was Superman or Batman, I would run through the house and around the outside thinking I could fly. Just about every little tyke wanted to be invincible and have lasers for eyes with superhuman strength. Then we were told that no one could be superhuman like that. But what if they were wrong? What if you had a superhero tendency that the world called a disorder?
I’ve never been clinically diagnosed as having ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) but when I look at descriptions I’m pretty much a textbook case. I was never medicated for being fidgety in school or unable to focus in class. For that I thank my parents! The more I read, the more I believe that ADHD is grossly misunderstood. The very name implies a problem—a “deficit” or “disorder” that needs treatment or management. But what if we’ve been looking at it all wrong? What if ADHD isn’t a condition to fix but a superpower to harness?
Some of the world’s greatest innovators, entrepreneurs, and creatives exhibit the very traits associated with ADHD. Their ability to think outside the box, generate ideas rapidly, and adapt to changing circumstances has propelled them to success. What some people see as chaos is the very environment in which some of the greatest innovations have been birthed. The key isn’t suppression—it’s learning to channel this incredible energy in the right direction.
Embrace the Gift of Hyperfocus
While ADHD is often associated with difficulty concentrating, it also comes with the remarkable ability to hyperfocus. When something captures your interest, you can become so deeply immersed that hours fly by without notice. This level of intense focus can lead to extraordinary creativity and productivity.
The trick is to set yourself up for success by working on tasks you’re passionate about and structuring your environment to minimize distractions. When you find your flow, let hyperfocus propel you forward. What can you do for hours and totally get lost in the moment? What types of activities can you do without even having to tune out the world?
Creativity Without Limits
People with ADHD are wired to think differently. Their minds make connections that others might overlook, leading to fresh ideas and innovative solutions. In creative fields like design, writing, or problem-solving, this ability to think outside the box is a game-changer.
I tend to call myself a chaos creator. A willingness to fail a million times in an effort to see the one direction I’m really supposed to move is a gift that I attribute to this ADHD tendency to have limitless creativity.
If you have ADHD, don’t stifle your creative impulses. Lean into them. Brainstorm, sketch, experiment, and create without self-censorship. Your unique perspective is a gift the world needs. This “disorder” is not a disease when it’s harnessed for productivity.
Boundless Energy: A Source of Momentum
From fidget spinners to stress balls to bouncing knees incessantly, this restlessness and need for movement are often seen as challenges for people with ADHD, particularly in structured environments like classrooms or offices. But that energy can be a huge asset when channeled properly.
Use physical activity as a way to reset and refocus. Take breaks to move your body, go for walks, or engage in activities that help you release energy. Many people with ADHD find that incorporating exercise into their daily routine supercharges their productivity and mood. Think outside the box a little. If you’re a restless fidgeter, do your meetings while taking a walk. Take phone calls while strolling through a park.
I work at a church that has a decently long driveway. When the weather is nice, I’ll walk to the mailbox 3-5 times a day just to get up and move. I’ll tap into a podcast or listen to a chapter in an audiobook while on the stroll. It became a joke whenever I’d get up to step out to “check the mail.” My coworker would laugh when she realized I was just a tad restless and simply needed to walk.
Resilience and Adaptability
Living with ADHD often means facing and overcoming challenges that others may not experience. But these challenges build resilience and adaptability—two essential qualities in a fast-changing world.
People with ADHD are often skilled at thinking on their feet and finding creative solutions when plans go awry. Their ability to adapt quickly to new situations can make them invaluable in dynamic environments.
I remember the starting days of the pandemic of 2020. We had a word that we used all the time in our context – pivot. We would pivot a dozen times a day. Pivot was a nice way to say what we were trying wasn’t working so we tried something else. This resilience and adaptability was demonstrated with each pivot on the leadership journey.
Building the Right Systems
Harnessing the power of ADHD requires finding tools and systems that work for your unique brain. Traditional methods of time management, like rigid schedules or to-do lists, may not be effective. Instead, here are a few strategies I find helpful:
Visual reminders and calendars
Task management apps
Breaking tasks into smaller steps
Using timers to stay on track
Working while moving
Finding the right system takes experimentation, but once you do, it can transform your daily life.
Rewrite the Narrative
The most important shift is in mindset. ADHD doesn’t have to be viewed as a disorder that holds you back. It’s not a disease that you have to medicate your way out of. It’s a different way of experiencing the world—a way that comes with its own strengths and advantages.
When we stop trying to “fix” ADHD and start harnessing its unique gifts, we unlock potential that can change lives, careers, and communities.
Superpower Activated
The world needs innovators, dreamers, and people who think differently. ADHD gives you a perspective and energy that can move mountains when harnessed effectively.
Don’t try to fit into a mold that wasn’t designed for you. Instead, lean into your strengths, celebrate your uniqueness, and unleash the superpower within you. The world is needs a superhero like you.
Have you ever felt disconnected from God? Like you pray for things and nothing changes? Like you ask and he just doesn’t answer? Wonder if God is perhaps sleeping behind some curtain the space like the Wizard of Oz?
Establishing a consistent rhythm of Bible reading is essential for deepening our understanding of God’s will and character, and for fostering a meaningful relationship with Him. Regular rhythms of Bible reading not only reveal divine guidance but also transform our lives in profound ways.
The Bible is unique among religious texts in that it presents a God who actively communicates with humanity. I was recently directed to an article titled Out of the Silent Universe by John Stonestreet. The author highlights how the phrase “Thus says the Lord” appears over 400 times in Scripture, emphasizing that God desires to reveal Himself to us. This divine communication invites us into a personal relationship, allowing us to know not just His will but His very nature. The Bible offers more than rules and guidelines—it invites us into the very heart of God.
Why a Rhythm Matters
Doing something one time or even a few times will often ease some pain or bring some temporary feelings of change and relief. But when something becomes part of our life rhythm, it is consistent and life altering. It’s not just Bible reading either. Think about those New Year’s resolutions. Why do we quit so quickly? They don’t become part of the rhythm of our life!
Consistency is key to growth in any aspect of life, and spiritual growth is no exception. Just as regular exercise strengthens the body and consistent learning sharpens the mind, a steady rhythm of Bible reading nurtures the soul. When we engage with Scripture daily, we create space for God to speak into our lives, guide our decisions, and shape our character.
A consistent Bible reading rhythm helps us stay anchored in truth. In a world filled with conflicting messages, Scripture provides a reliable foundation. It reminds us of God’s promises, His unchanging nature, and His call for us to live lives of love and obedience. By making Bible reading a regular part of our routine, we cultivate a heart that is more attuned to God’s voice and better equipped to discern His will.
The Impact of Regular Bible Reading
Research underscores the transformative power of engaging with Scripture in a consistent rhythm. A study by the Center for Bible Engagement found that individuals who engage with the Bible at least four times a week experience significant life changes:
Feeling lonely drops 30%
Anger issues drop 32%
Bitterness in relationships drops 40%
Alcoholism drops 57%
Sex outside of marriage drops 68%
Feeling spiritually stagnant drops 60%
Viewing pornography drops 61%
Sharing your faith jumps 200%
Discipling others jumps 230%
These statistics highlight the profound differences between those who engage with Scripture regularly and those who do not. Regular Bible reading not only reduces negative behaviors but also encourages positive actions, such as sharing one’s faith and mentoring others. It’s important to note that this rhythm is based on four times a week. This same study showed how less than four times a week had a measurably lower effectiveness rate.
Experiencing God Through His Word
The Bible is more than a rulebook—it’s a living, breathing testament to who God is. Through its pages, we encounter His faithfulness, mercy, justice, and love. We see His heart for humanity and His desire for a relationship with each of us. By spending time in Scripture, we get to know God on a deeper level. We move beyond simply knowing about Him to truly knowing Him.
God’s Word also speaks into the everyday moments of our lives. When we face challenges, Scripture provides comfort and guidance. When we celebrate victories, it reminds us to give thanks. Through regular reading, we build a reservoir of truth that we can draw upon in any situation.
If we think of the truths of the Bible like arrows, our goal should be to have an arrow of truth for every lie the devil brings to our lives. Some find it surprising, but there’s a truth in the Bible for every situation we find ourselves in throughout life. This is why that regular rhythm is so vital. This can be a daunting idea, so here’s a quick list of some practical steps. No matter where we are in our rhythm, we can always be more intentional.
Practical Tips for Establishing a Bible Reading Rhythm
Start Small: Begin with a few verses or a short passage each day. As you grow more comfortable, increase the amount of time you spend reading.
Set a Specific Time: Choose a time of day that works best for you, whether it’s in the morning, during lunch, or before bed.
Create a Dedicated Space: Find a quiet place where you can read without distractions.
Use a Reading Plan: Following a plan can help you stay on track and ensure you’re reading a variety of Scripture.
Journal Your Thoughts: Write down what stands out to you, questions you have, and how God is speaking to you through His Word.
Pray for Understanding: Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your reading and help you apply God’s Word to your life.
The Eternal Impact
Incorporating regular Bible reading into your daily routine can lead to a more fulfilling and spiritually enriched life. By engaging with God’s Word consistently, you open yourself to His guidance, wisdom, and transformative power. This practice not only deepens your relationship with God but also equips you to navigate life’s challenges with faith and resilience.
As the research indicates, the benefits of engaging with Scripture are both profound and far-reaching, impacting various aspects of our lives and relationships. When we prioritize time in God’s Word, we become more like Christ, reflecting His love and truth to the world around us.
In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, establishing a rhythm of Bible reading is a lifeline. It grounds us in God’s truth, strengthens our faith, and draws us closer to the One who loves us unconditionally. So, pick up your Bible today and discover the life-changing power of God’s Word—your life will never be the same. If you’re looking for a plan to use or a little help in that rhythm, here’s a reading plan and a daily podcast from the church I serve. In 3 minutes we gain insight into that day’s reading, lifting the fog on some of those challenging sections of the Bible and applying them to our daily lives.
