Zack Eswine's Blog, page 2
April 5, 2016
Why are we Lonely in Ministry?
“Ah, look at all the lonely people,” the band sang in the old song. “Where do they all come from?” This question hums with haunted melody, as the song searches out the lonely lives of a priest, his congregant and the church they both serve. Why is it that those who give their days to … Continue reading "Why are we Lonely in Ministry?"
March 28, 2016
The Book of Strange New Things
This gifted writer, has as an atheist, given those of us who serve in Christian ministry, a rare gift. Without spoiling this novel for those who’d like to read it, I’d like to share a few reasons why pastors and ministry leaders are wise to notice the mirror Faber offers us. The title, The Book of … Continue reading "The Book of Strange New Things"
March 23, 2016
Pastoring Ministry Volunteers, Part 2
In part one, we began our formation of ministry volunteers by providing biblical language and categories for growing attentive in Jesus to the personal memories and cultural grammar that pertain to creation and providence in our lives. Now we want to give our leaders categories for thinking through the consumerism that surrounds many of our … Continue reading "Pastoring Ministry Volunteers, Part 2"
March 22, 2016
Pastoring Ministry Volunteers, Part 1
Unwisely, Santa offered a teddy bear to James, unaware that he had been mauled by a grizzly earlier that year. Receive an email titled, “concerned” or an invitation for dinner in order “to talk,” and a seasoned pastor can suddenly resemble little James in the cartoon above. So it is when someone risks making … Continue reading "Pastoring Ministry Volunteers, Part 1"
February 15, 2016
Does God Need Anger Management?
Two dear friends of mine reject the God of the Bible because of passages like this one. It don’t blame them. Over the years I too have grown fatigued with callous doctrinal academics or simplistic Christian clichés. I feel like a child trying to describe mysteries, like an adult grappling with God amid the beauties … Continue reading "Does God Need Anger Management?"
February 9, 2016
Isn’t Jesus Intolerant?
“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Jesus) When Jesus talks about some people not entering heaven, some of us feel repulsed. We are tired of intolerance of any kind, but especially intolerance done in God’s name. Jesus just sounds like one … Continue reading "Isn’t Jesus Intolerant?"
February 8, 2016
Is Jesus Arrogant? Musings on Exclusivity
“I am the way, and the truth and the life, No one comes to the Father except through me” (Jesus) Jesus sounds narrow minded and arrogant. He suggests that we locate God through no other way but His. This kind of exclusive claim disgusts many of us. We are wore out with the mean dismissal … Continue reading "Is Jesus Arrogant? Musings on Exclusivity"
October 7, 2015
Why We Need Silences in Ministry, Not Just Sentences
Lingering among silences makes us feel like toddlers entering the nursery on Sunday mornings. When our parent drops us off, we feel abandoned. We either tantrum about, or we cling to anything or anyone that promises to hold us. Why We Hate Silence Charles Spurgeon, the old Baptist preacher, explains why. “Quietude, some men cannot … Continue reading "Why We Need Silences in Ministry, Not Just Sentences"
May 14, 2014
When You Are Worried in the Night Watches
Worry is nocturnal. It spreads its crow wings to caw and scratch. We, the night worried, toss and turn. Hollered and flapped throughout the night, we dishevel our breathing and muss our hair till dawn. What will the day bring? Of course, many neighbors of ours also lie awake without sleep. Some, because “night life” … Continue reading "When You Are Worried in the Night Watches"
June 12, 2013
Clarifying Your Calling: Some Questions to Help You
Sometimes when I feel that I’m trying to be something I’m not, or pretending that I’m not something that I am, or when I’m losing a sense of clarity regarding what my identity and calling in Christ actually is, I will revisit questions like these. Not all of them will resonate with me at one … Continue reading "Clarifying Your Calling: Some Questions to Help You"
