I've been asking two questions of myself, and of other people, lately.

"Then what?"

"Now what?"

For me, these two questions get at the heart of ministry, evangelism, and growth in Christ. These questions push past the easy answers and reveal the processes that effect change, sanctify, and propel us towards a deeper love for, and faith in, God.

Time to be thinking about the holidays. Next one up, Thanksgiving.

Last week my husband finally had the XM Radio, his birthday present from September, installed in his car.  In order to connect, I called the company to send an activation signal.   Along with the signal came instructions to 1) turn on the power 2) drive the car out of the garage 3) make sure there was a clear view of the sky so the signal could be received from the satellite. 

If you were blessed with a biological brother, you may be better prepared for ministry than an only child. Today we are looking at another benefit of growing up with a brother.

Unity

The past few months, including the past week, has been filled with slander from non-Christians and Christians alike.  I log onto my Facebook account the day after the elections and find Christians dragging our current leaders and leaders elect through the mud.  It drives me crazy!!

Eugene Peterson, best known for The Message, was a pastor for thirty years before becoming professor of spiritual theology at Regent. He's also written some excellent ministry books including my favorite, Under the Unpredictable Plant.  Some years back I interviewed him, and here's what he had to say on "the woman question." 

I knew it as soon as I walked out on to the porch last Sunday night.  Our 12-year-old yellow lab, Fisher, was struggling to breathe, could not stand up, and would not eat or drink. I looked at Darren and said "I think it's time," as my voice began to break. Just the day before he seemed fine, but we had known for a while as we watched him age that his time was coming. We just didn't know it would be this day, this sudden. 

Ever wonder why the greeters at the doors of your church don't welcome you with a smack on the lips? (In 2 Corinthians 13, Paul exhorts the believers to greet one another with a holy kiss.) Or why we don't share everything in common as the brothers and sisters in Acts 2 did?

All of us practice contextual theology. Contextual theology recognizes that: