Views From the Hilton

As Christians in the United States, we are living in a time of transition. Everything around us seems to be changing. The Church, once the center of the culture, has now been pushed and continues to be pushed, to the margins. We once assumed that the wider culture held to a certain set of beliefs and values, that even if you didn’t attend church you believed in “God” and that most people were “good.” Times, as they say, are a-changing. What should we do as Christians in this changing landscape? I have given much thought to this over the last few years and would like to make a few suggestions.  1. Stop Whining  God is in control. The culture you currently live in does not surprise him. Don’t despair and please stop whining. Things are changing, we get it, but whining about it helps no one. How do you think the world view us when, at one point we say, “God is in control and we trust in Him” and out of the other side of our mouths we are whining and liv...

A few weeks ago, I celebrated 10 years of student ministry at my current Church. Spending 10 years in one spot brings a certain perspective to life and ministry. Over the next few days, I want to share 10 lessons I've learned. If I could go back to my younger self, 10 years ago, here are some of the things I would tell myself: 1. Relationships trump everything    You know what students remember? Not your sermon. Not your cool illustration. Not the nights you got the lights or the music just right. They remember when you were present. They remember when you showed up. They remember when you have fun with them. Above all else, build relationships. A few of my leaders (Who were middle school students when I began 10 years ago) put together a short video for me to celebrate 10 years. You know what they talked about most? I wish I could say it was my sermon or that really spiritual moment that one time, but they didn't talk much about those moments. They talked more a...