Faith Improvised

This passage from Mark as Story wonderfully captures how and why Jesus inevitably conflicts with those in power: “ . . . God’s rule engenders conflict because God is acting outside the traditional channels of power. From the point of view of the authorities in Mark’s story, God works from the established center in Jerusalem. By […]

As I’ve been finalizing syllabuses for the fall semester and putting together lecture notes on interpretation, these lines from Ernst Käsemann’s Romans commentary have been rolling around in my head: The impatient, who are concerned only about results or practical application, should leave their hands off exegesis. They are of no value for it, nor, when […]

I’ve just returned from a ten day trip to Israel with some folks from GRTS. We traveled with a larger group from Crossroads Bible Church and their pastor, Rod Van Solkema, led the trip. He wanted us to learn the land with our feet, which meant loads of hiking. It was an absolute blast and a thorough […]

Cross-shaped leaders differ from worldly leaders in that they do not manipulate others.  This involves both means and ends. Cruciform leaders have ultimate aims to bless others, to give them life, to see to it that God’s goodness, love, and grace are always arriving into others’ lives. Worldly leaders, on the other hand, have selfish ends […]

Cruciform leadership is marked by a determination to live authentically and relate honestly.  Jesus-shaped, cruciform leaders don’t hide their weaknesses, inadequacies, and failures.  They aren’t self-promoting, they don’t seek power, and they don’t trumpet their strengths. Their ultimate goal is the blessing of others, the arrival of God’s transforming grace and overpowering love into their […]

I’ve been contrasting Jesus-shaped, cruciform leadership with worldly leadership.  Key texts that shape my reflections are Phil. 2:5-11 and Mark 10:37-45. Worldly leaders are captivated by a craving for more and more influence.  Cruciform leaders, on the other hand, are content with current responsibilities given by God and seek to grow in faithfulness. I had […]

Cruciform leaders do not view people as the means to achieve other goals.  The people to whom we minister are the goal.  The whole point of Jesus-shaped leadership is to take the initiative to see that God’s grace and love arrive into the lives of others. Christian leaders are servants of others on behalf of God, so […]

Cross-shaped leadership constantly adjusts to God’s agenda.  This is significantly different from worldly forms of leadership, which are oriented by the leader’s agenda. Worldly leadership is leader-determined.  It’s all about “my dream,” or “my vision for this church.”  Churches with charismatic leaders are often compelling communities for a time, but they seldom manifest cruciformity. I remember […]

I came across this bit of speculation as to what Paul would’ve looked like by Martin Luther. It’s just priceless. “I think that Paul was a pathetic, ugly, and scruffy little man — like Philipp,” referring, of course, to his friend, to that point, anyway, Philipp Melanchthon. Brilliant! I’ve written before on what Paul might have […]

The Bible has much to say about leadership generally, but two specific texts contrast God’s aims for leaders of his people with corrupted forms of leadership—Mark 10:42-45 and Deut. 17:14-20. Deuteronomy 17:14-20 When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you and have taken possession of it and settled in it, and […]