On Israel and Palestine

** I’ve decided to post this newsletter entry publicly. Audio version is now on my podcast as a bonus episode. Also, this is a good article to situate yourself from a more ‘inside the house’ perspective by Rabbi Dayna Rattenberg. ** As I pen this...

It’s not hard to say goodbye

In my book When We Belong, I told the story of how my second church plant Cypher Church started. It was on the heels of closing my first church plant called (at the time) Converge. I saw the proverbial writing on the wall when only 5 people showed up to a Sunday...

On Toxic Masculinity, Ted Lasso, and QueerEye

*The following paragraph contains minor spoilers for the series finale of Ted Lasso. The season finale (series?) of Ted Lasso included the redemption arc of Nate, and the semi-redemption of Roy. Both are re-introduced to Ted Lasso’s “Diamond...

Why Do Some Christians Hate the World?

When you hear folks that hate Christianity, is that because they hate the teachings of Jesus? Or because they hate the way the church (the people that is) are self-serving antagonists? A curious feature in religious conservatism is the need for control. Controlling...

What the ‘Billy Graham Rule’ Says About Leaders

Originally posted in April 2017 and reposted. The Billy Graham rule is sexist. Full stop. And reveals deeply seated problems in evangelical formation surrounding patriarchy and the devaluing of women. The United States Vice-President Mike Pence, is in the middle of a...

Uncovering Racism and Pathways to Action

Download My Free E-BookThis blog post is part of a series that has been updated and made available as a free E-book download when signing up for my monthly newsletter. This introductory resource is an excellent starting point for those embarking on the journey to...

More On the Model Minority Myth

As we wind down Asian Heritage Month (AAPI History Month in the USA), I am republishing a short thread on the model minority myth that I recently posted on Twitter. I have written on this subject before, noting the “terms and conditions” Asian folks need...

White replacement theory is not fringe

Ok, here goes. A post from a thread I recently wrote in light of recent violence (yet again) out in Buffalo. It pertains to replacement theory, or as I describe it here, white replacement theory. This idea is not fringe. It is an embedded cultural understanding most...

“When We Belong” Endorsements

I just got a first look at the voices who endorsed my book and I’m not only filled with joy, but am honored these folks would take the time to read and leave a note about this work. Check them out below. “When We Belong captures Jesus’ core message...

2 Causes of Deconstructing Faith

As many of you know, I’m somewhat of a connoisseur of deconstruction. My next book will include a deep dive into deconstructing faith. Deconstruction is so hot right now that white thought leaders are finding ways to monetize it, and fundamentalists are finding...

The Missional Movement is Overwhelmingly White

Written in June, 2019. Updated. While finishing my book (e-book only $2.99!) Thrive, the bibliography reminded me of overwhelming lack of representation in the movement. At one point there were ZERO authors of color in the list. There was one woman. In fact, despite...