Stony trails to you …

It’s embarrassing to admit that I’ve lived in North Carolina for 45 years, but only this weekend explored two of the state’s greatest treasures. It was about time. Pilot Mountain, in Surry County just 20 miles or so north of Winston-Salem, has such a...

4 Types of Leadership Needed in Missional Churches

Even a casual study of Scripture makes clear that in order for churches to become missional, they need different kinds of leaders. God called people with different abilities and gifts to lead the church as new opportunities emerged. What kind of leaders does the...

What Impact Will ISIS Have on Middle East Churches?

I’ve been writing and speaking much about ISIS in recent months, and several important questions still need to be addressed. What are the long-term implications of ISIS for the church in the Middle East region? How do we assess the long-term psychological impact...

It (not what you think) happened in Bethlehem

By John Pierce Bethlehem is best known for a baby of great significance who was born there. With many festivities we celebrate that event this time of year. But can you name a lesser but important soul who died there? Beneath the rambling buildings that make up the...

Each Christmas, We Celebrate Jesus the Refugee

As you reflect on the Christmas story, do you celebrate and affirm its connection to Africa and refugees? Each semester in my “Introduction to the New Testament” course, I ask students to retell the Christmas story. Working together, students generally...