Category Archives: Uncategorized

fragments of Lay Down Your Gifts

Posted on August 12, 2011 by Carl Simmons

There will likely come a time where we will have to lay down our very calling before Jesus—it will likely be because our identities have become so wrapped up in what we’ve been called to do by Jesus that our … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

How to Lead Without Being the Boss

Posted on August 10, 2011 by Carl Simmons

We know a gifted leader when we see one. We recognize that God has given that person certain abilities or character traits that make him or her the obvious (or at least easiest) choice to lead others. What we may … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Locating the Body

Posted on August 8, 2011 by Carl Simmons

One tricky thing about leadership is… well, somebody has to be the leader. At the same time, you’re still a member of the team you’re leading. You don’t get to completely separate the two. And it can be difficult to … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Lay Down What’s Done, Part 2

Posted on August 5, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Our experiences, to a large degree, have made us who we are. But we are more than just our experiences, let alone our negative ones. There is a life in Christ waiting for us that goes beyond what we would … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

How Has God Gifted You, and for What?

Posted on August 3, 2011 by Carl Simmons

When you hear the phrase “spiritual gifts,” what comes to mind? Why that reaction? No matter what your reaction: When we each use the gifts God’s given us, together, He’s able to create something unique that can bring joy to … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Learning to Value Leadership

Posted on August 1, 2011 by Carl Simmons

What makes someone a spiritual leader? Who have you seen demonstrate that kind of leadership? How so? We’re entering a new Monday series today, focused on spiritual leadership*. The fact is, you’re all leaders, whether you have a spiritual gift … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Lay Down Your Strength: a fragment

Posted on July 29, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Even the strength we think we have comes from our need to compare ourselves to others. We may be correct in thinking we’re much more gifted in a certain area or areas in comparison to others. But what is that … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Loving and Growing Your Children

Posted on July 27, 2011 by Carl Simmons

We’re continuing our Wednesday explorations of  bringing Jesus further into our deepest relationships, and this week we focus on our relationships with our children. For some of us, these might be the deepest relationships we have. But unlike our relationships … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Rumors of Glory

Posted on July 27, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Darren Whitehead and Jon Tyson imagine a church that lives up to the teachings of its Lord and Savior, and invite us to dream along—and then do something about it. Darren Whitehead and Jon Tyson. Rumors of God: Experience the … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Neverending Story

Posted on July 25, 2011 by Carl Simmons

What’s your favorite story, and how does it end? (Here’s mine –> . For the record, I didn’t know the ending when I started reading it, let alone that I would find myself in the same place as Raskolnikov only … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment