Christian Thought

Most people who start to read the Bible from the beginning for the first time will typically have this experience: Genesis is fascinating with the story of creation, Babel, the flood, and the epic stories of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The exodus story is gripping. And then comes the law. Mount Sinai and the Ten

If someone were to ask you to take as much time as you wanted to answer the question “Who are you?” you would start at the beginning. Your birth, your parents, your hometown, your ethnicity. To fully understand a person, a people, or a place today, you must go back to their beginnings. That is

My wife, Ingrid, and I were talking yesterday about how we might keep Christmas simple this year in order to focus on the things that really matter. (This, by the way, is a conversation we have every year, and sometimes it actually makes a difference!) The thing about festivals and holidays is that you have

THURSDAY NIGHT – INTERNATIONAL CENTER OPEN FORUM I am really looking forward to drawing out the stories of our 20 guests from 18 different countries for the Elmbrook Church International Center tomorrow night (Thursday )from 6:30-8pm. If you’re in the area, c’mon over to the Chapel. Expand your world–grow your heart! These people have amazing stories. (They are

Do you wish you understood the Bible better? Maybe you’re new to the Bible, unsure how and where to start getting to know God’s Word. Or perhaps you’re a long-time Bible reader with the sense that your Bible reading should be more engaging and spiritually rewarding. Next month The Brook Network partners with Bible Gateway

For group or class leaders and pastors… So many organizations have concluded in recent years that biblical illiteracy is one of the greatest limiting factors in the lives of believers and in our churches. I’ve been working with Bible Gateway for the past year in preparing a new resource called “How to Understand the Bible.”

As the next wave of rising North American leaders, we are thirsty for mentoring from leaders who have gone before us, as well as for committed friendships and peer-companions in our lives and work.

Many in our generation feel tragically isolated in our leadership. We have received incredible training and are well equipped, in practical terms, for the tasks ahead. However, the times of instruction, equipping in ministry skills and opportunities to bring influence are not the most meaningful moments in our development as leaders. Instead, we have been most marked when men or women, further ahead on the journey, have come alongside us to listen and offer wisdom and thoughtful guidance. When someone takes more interest in who we are rather than just what we are doing, we begin to thrive, both as followers and ambassadors of Christ. We need those who will walk with us— not just in curricula or structured programs, but in long-term, personal relationships. We need mentors and peers with whom we can be vulnerable and honest.