Healthy, vibrant churches have a high degree of correlation between their declared theology and their practiced theology.
All tagged reflection
Looking Like God
As I learned the examen practice, I discovered that I wasn’t examining myself nearly as much as I was examining the presence and movement of God in my life.
Resemblance
By loving the way God loves and acting as God would act, our resemblance becomes so great that it leaves no doubt we are the children of God.
Joy in Discouragement
When we would rather erase the previous period of time rather than reflect on it, it may be that burnout, fatigue, or just plain discouragement is impeding our ability to feel anticipation or excitement about the future.
Prayerful Brush Strokes
This prayer of examen represented a shift from brushing the day with the paint strokes of heavy drudgery, to realizing that there was room for gratitude.
Thinking About Church Membership
When someone says “church family,” I think of people, not congregations.
Small Town, Small Church
Smaller churches carry great strengths that can support flourishing spiritual communities.
The Theological School of Dirty Mop Water
My engagement with my work led to more questions, which brought me back to more reflection. The ever-pressing question was, “Where is God in work?”
Starting with a Clean Slate
We must take a fresh look at our priorities, and the spiritual discipline of detachment is invaluable in this process.
‘Tis the Season for Reflective Planning
As the year comes to a close, there is one practice that should be built into our schedules: reflection.
Opportunity at the Gate
Jesus’s parables catch me off guard, causing me to question whether my assumptions about myself, God, and the kingdom are grounded in truth.
God in the Backseat
Here are a few things I’ve learned while driving for Lyft, as God showed up in my backseat.
Lessons from a Landlord
I contend that there is almost nothing better suited to the task of revealing and developing character than having rental properties
Reflections on Fifty Years of Ministry
I was one of those guys who, from his mid-teens, knew what he wanted to do and be—at least in general terms. I wanted to be a preacher.
A Salute to Mr. Pauline, A Hood Hero
Mr. Pauline inspired his students and basketball players to be Black and proud. Mr. Pauline was passionate about raising a nation of young people who were smart, disciplined, and self-aware.
Joy in the Moment
What would happen if you saw each meaningful moment of your day as a potential expression of the presence of God?
The Darker Side of Christmas
For the first time in my life I am having to balance the grief that comes with loss and the joy of the Christmas season.
Finding Beauty in the Face of Death
Is it possible to find beauty in the face of death? Can your heart be full of peace even when you know death is knocking on the door?
Saved from Myself
God uses truly “beautiful” people from time to time, to hold up the mirror, show us our own ugliness, and save us from ourselves. Thank you, Lord.
Most Read Church Posts in 2016
Here's a quick recap of some of our most read posts from 2016. What were some of your favorite CHARIS posts in 2016? We would love to hear from you!