Discipleship in the Gospels is more than “being a Christian.” Putting it this way grants a notion of being a Christian that falls short. I don’t see a better way to speak about Christianity today. The reality is, many consider themselves Christians who have never been discipled, never considered the difference between discipleship and churchContinue reading “Discipleship in the Gospels: Following Jesus”
Author Archives: Greg
Walking in Prayer
Local Mission at Stones River Church August–December 2022 As I mentioned in the previous post, a lot of the good things that have taken place at Stones River Church in the last year have grown out of a commitment to prayer. We’ve had dedicated seasons of prayer and fasting, but perhaps the most transformative practiceContinue reading “Walking in Prayer”
Release to the Captives
Transitional and Homeless Ministry at Stones River Church August–December 2022 When Julie Hadlock showed up at Stones River Church last year, we were in a season of prayer and discernment about our local participation in God’s mission. Julie is an expert in transitional ministry. Following her own release after eleven months in prison (a storyContinue reading “Release to the Captives”
Stones River Updates
A New Logo Let’s start with the least important thing. There are many “renovation” efforts afoot at Stones River Church. Among the relatively superficial changes in the queue, the first is a new logo. Our preaching minister, Jon McPeters, and I led the charge on this process. Our feelings about spending time and money onContinue reading “Stones River Updates”
The Language of Discipleship: Some Basics
Words for Things I believe in arguing about words. The quest for understanding and the discovery of meaning—dialogical endeavors from beginning to end—require a certain verbal contentiousness. The truth is logos and not just any logos. With these stakes, semantic naïveté will not do. The struggle to say what we mean is too important. ButContinue reading “The Language of Discipleship: Some Basics”
After Freedom
Imagine, if you can, that you are in prison. Perhaps the justice system worked as it should. It does much of the time. You committed a crime and paid the penalty. Perhaps the system failed you. It does far too much of the time. You languished in prison unjustly. Either way, your former life isContinue reading “After Freedom”
Discipleship: A Theological Problem (Toward a Theology of Discipleship 1)
I recently gave a lecture titled “Discipleship in a Secular Age: Toward Missional Community” at Harding University’s annual lectureship, which focused this year on “Culture and the Crucified Christ: Studies in 1 and 2 Corinthians.” My present ambition is to repurpose the research and reflection that went into preparation for that lecture in order toContinue reading “Discipleship: A Theological Problem (Toward a Theology of Discipleship 1)”
Back in Ministry!
This month, I started a part-time position as the missions minister at Stones River Church (SRC) in Murfreesboro, TN! SRC is a small church of about fifty adult members, and the leadership has graciously stretched our budget to the limit to make this support possible. At present, my responsibilities are limited to 10 hrs./wk., butContinue reading “Back in Ministry!”
Doctoral Study as I Remember It
I suppose a reflection like this one is bound to be somewhat self-indulgent. It is personal and particular. But I hope it also proves useful for others considering a similar path. And perhaps it will serve a deeper purpose. At the heart of my journey is a question of vocation, tangled in a messy relationshipContinue reading “Doctoral Study as I Remember It”
Discussion of Christopher R. Seitz, The Character of Christian Scripture
[I wrote this for a doctoral seminar on Biblical Theology and Theological Hermeneutics. So, it’s technical . . .] Broad Strokes In The Character of Christian Scripture: The Significance of a Two-Testament Bible, Christopher Seitz takes up the work of his teacher, Brevard Childs, seeking to reform biblical theology in terms of its innate canonicity.Continue reading “Discussion of Christopher R. Seitz, The Character of Christian Scripture”
Scripture & Mission 