I have a bad feeling about this. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is a great disturbance in the force for supporters and critics alike. The film ends a 42-year-old story arc spanning nine primary movies, two side films, multiple TV shows, and endless supporting books.…
What Impact Is Porn Having on Young Viewers? These days, porn seems to dominate the headlines. Our president is alleged to have had an affair with a porn star. The adult entertainment industry was recently rocked by the deaths of 5 female porn stars in just 3 months.…
If you’ve talked to a teenager recently, you’ve probably heard about 13 Reasons Why. (Alert: Spoilers ahead!) Regardless of the controversy surrounding the show, it’s impossible to deny the splash it’s made. In a few short weeks, 13 Reasons Why has left a greater impression than any other Netflix original series (yes, even Stranger Things).…
I vividly remember opening presents at the dining room table on what must’ve been my 15th birthday. Mom proudly handed me a special gift she’d selected. From the shape and size, I could tell it was a record, which I’d add to my pile of new cassette tapes, to be used in my bright yellow Walkman.…
For the culturally blended generation of Jesus-followers we’re leading, boundaries have become increasingly blurred. So it’s essential for us to set positive examples as we embrace who we are as individuals, people of faith, and inhabitants of Western civilization. We must guide teenagers toward wise decisions in all these settings without stripping away their identity, relevance, or influence as global citizens.…
It’s not getting better, is it? The elusiveness of racial reconciliation. Insurgent tensions with police officers. Mass shootings in public forums. Terrorist attacks around the world. Isn’t this the part where Jesus comes back? Perhaps you can relate to this… I’ve felt such heartache in realizing my empathy has limits.…
CNN Asks ‘Who Can Heal America?’ The Hymn-Writer’s Response… By Rick Lawrence Two days after a disturbed former soldier executed five Dallas police officers in retaliation for the deaths of two black men at the hands of white cops, I opened my laptop to this CNN.com…
What a unique week of one hot topic in particular: bathroom breaks. Once Upon a Time endorsed a same-gender “true love’s kiss.” The actor who plays Thor endorsed his 3-year old daughter’s desire to have male anatomy (although, ironically, a woman became Thor in the comics).…
The reality of bomb testing. The mystery of Donald Trump. The threat of ISIS. The ambiguity of sexuality. Students, families and even random adults in your church have no shortage of hot topics to throw your way. Whether you’re taken aback from a recent zinger or are trying to think ahead of any curve ball zooming your way, you can take the controversy they’ve thrown at you and have a Jesus-centered conversation.…
The church I serve is a wonderful mix of conservative, evangelical theology and progressive, creative methodology. Because of this, the question of, “What do we believe and how do we minister in light of these beliefs?” can at times create a lively discussion and an interesting journey.…
