Tag Archives: discipleship

Lay Down Your Old Identity… part 2

Posted on June 17, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Perhaps the most difficult part of laying it down is the most basic—laying down who we’ve been, in order to become the people God created us to be. Many Christians today believe—or at least live as if they believed—that Jesus … Continue reading →

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The Cost of Discipleship: megachurch edition

Posted on June 15, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Still waiting on that other new book. Fortunately, Keith Meyer (he of Whole Life Transformation) hooked me up with this new one in the meantime, and I’m glad he did. In some ways, it’s similar to the journey Keith took … Continue reading →

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Uncovering Our Blind Spots

Posted on June 13, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Think about your last trip down the highway… the last time you tried to switch lanes, then suddenly had to swerve back because someone in your blind spot was coming up, fast. Not a great feeling, was it? You know, … Continue reading →

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The Truth About “The Naked Truth…”

Posted on June 2, 2011 by Carl Simmons

While I’m waiting for the book I was planning on reviewing this week, here’s a blast from the not-so-distant past that’s well worth your time….. • Randall Neighbour. The Naked Truth About Small Group Ministry: When It Won’t Work and … Continue reading →

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How to Guide Without Steering

Posted on May 30, 2011 by Carl Simmons

We’ve all made bad decisions that seemed good at the time. Bet you’ve already thought of one. So let’s explore that before going any further: • When has a decision looked like “the right way” to you, yet turned out … Continue reading →

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Dallas Willard for Dummies… in the very best sense

Posted on May 26, 2011 by Carl Simmons

I thought that might get your attention. 🙂 But let’s face it, as wonderful a spiritual writer as Dallas Willard is — and The Divine Conspiracy is deservedly recognized by many as the best Christian book of the past quarter-century … Continue reading →

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Gladly Accept Imitations

Posted on May 16, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Who we are and what we think comes through in a variety of ways—our words, our actions, even our facial expression or tone of voice. So it’s important that the message we communicate is consistent—not only in the sense that … Continue reading →

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Lay It Down: an introduction to the introduction

Posted on May 13, 2011 by Carl Simmons

As previously mentioned, Fridays are a time to put the new writing out there. In most cases it’s still unrefined. In other words, don’t mistake this for a finished product, but accept the germinating ideas for what they are and … Continue reading →

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You Can’t Do It Alone

Posted on May 9, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Think about a past transition in your life such as a move, a new job or position, or a major change in your family. Who helped you most through those changes? How did that person help you? The fact is, … Continue reading →

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The Meaning of Commitment

Posted on May 4, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Think about the last “meet-and-greet” social situation you attended. (For me, it was a men’s retreat this past weekend — I didn’t even know the other 3 guys from my church, let alone the other 80 or so from elsewhere … Continue reading →

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