by Jen Smith | Dec 20, 2015 | Bible, Guest Post, Society
In the hubbub of Christmas, we can find it difficult to live in a way that demonstrates that we think it’s about more than just tinsel and turkey. Here, I offer a few ideas on how we might embody and reclaim the real Christmas spirit in the way we set our expectations...
by Jen Smith | Nov 16, 2015 | Church, Guest Post
This week, I saw the above image shared on social media summing up the sentiment of many recent articles drawing a dichotomy between “consumer” and “missional” church structures. The basic argument is against a passive, ‘me-centric’ view of church and towards more...
by Jen Smith | Aug 31, 2015 | Bible
I often hear the Bible characterized as an instruction manual. But instruction manuals are mono-layered, have a single purpose and method. If I want real, life-giving, applicable, intimate advice, I don’t go to my IKEA flat-pack furniture manual, I go to a close...
by Jen Smith | Aug 23, 2015 | Bible, Guest Post
Has a well-meaning friend ever advised you to, “Wait for God: His timing is perfect!”? But when you really think about their counsel, you’re not entirely sure what they mean? Like me, do you read the Psalmist declare, “I wait for the LORD, my soul waits” (Ps 130:5)...