An attempt to pierce the echo chamber of church leadership and the ivory tower of theologians by providing a view from an ordinary pew-sitter. Starting with some articles on church leadership by Glenn Packiam and Ike Miller, and a post by Tim Keller on megachurches.
![Three black-eyed Susans (yellow flowers with a black center) in a cascade against a backdrop of green leaves and brown wood chips.](https://www.whyhavewefasted.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/101_0674_hq-850x637.jpg)
PSA – Following Jesus Doesn’t Require Special Powers
Those whom the world considers “ordinary,” Jesus invites to witness miracles. A reflection for Easter.
![A the petals of a hydrangea flower have faded to brown with the arrival of winter frost. Viewed against the background of brown fallen leaves.](https://www.whyhavewefasted.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_0371-850x638.jpg)
Precision of Language – Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Forgiveness and reconciliation are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing, especially in the context of a body of believers.
![A grey, cloth-bound book rests open atop a blue, cloth-bound book, which in turn rests upon a mahogany wood table. You can tell that it will smell of old books. The pages are aged and the top of the text fades into the background. The bottom two lines are decipherable: "Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen."](https://www.whyhavewefasted.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_0792-850x638.jpg)
Books of 2022 – Quarter One
Books I read in the first quarter of 2022, with some thoughts on each. Include scripture, fiction, non-fiction, children’s, and young adult literature.
![New leaves sprout from a twig on a bush, against a backdrop of barren bushes. In the distance is a blue lake with blue mountains and a clear sky on the horizon.](https://www.whyhavewefasted.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_0845-850x638.jpg)
Signs of a Healthy Church (updated 4/25/22)
Using the workplace as an analogy for what to seek in a healthy church environment.
![Three leaves of a strawberry plant form the shape of a cross, washed by morning dew. The leaves rest against a background of red-brown mulch on the forest floor.](https://www.whyhavewefasted.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/101_1504_hq-850x637.jpg)
Let’s Do Better, Church
Miscellaneous thoughts for how we as a church can do better when proclaiming the gospel message.
![Two children, their back to the viewer, climb to the top of a grassy sand dune.](https://www.whyhavewefasted.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_8947-850x638.jpg)
The Neglected VIP at Cana
This post aims to do a variety of things. First, to show the tension between precision in translations on the one hand and holding those same translations loosely on the other hand. Second, to reflect on the relationship between Jesus and his mother, Mary (the neglected VIP in this story). Third, to demonstrate when a regular habit of scripture reading led to fresh insights, even in an I-already-know-the-story moment.
![Looking down from the top of a cliff toward the ocean below, where waves splash against a boulder. Fog obscures the horizon and dampens the colors.](https://www.whyhavewefasted.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/P1010401-850x638.jpg)
Precision of Language – Definitions Matter
Why definitions of terms should matter to preachers/teachers, students/congregations, and elder boards, and the importance of spelling them out.
![A close-up of a round hole, encircled by brown scar tissue, in the frond of a green cactus. Nearby spines point outward.](https://www.whyhavewefasted.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/101_1766_hq-850x637.jpg)
The Feedback My Pastor Labeled “Possibly Aggressive” (or How NOT to Respond to Solicited Feedback)
When our former church was looking to purchase a new building, they asked the congregation for feedback. I made the mistake of thinking they actually wanted it.
![Picture of a bee on an orange and yellow flower.](https://www.whyhavewefasted.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/P1000322_hq-850x637.jpg)
Echoes of the Gospel – Repentance and Regret
Reflections on regret and repentance, as prompted by an essay from Daniel H. Pink.
![A flock of black birds in the bare branches of a tree, against a grey sky.](https://www.whyhavewefasted.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/P1010030_hq-850x638.jpg)
A Reaction to Kevin DeYoung’s “Better Discussion”
Some thoughtful critique (interspersed with the occasional sassiness) of a recent article by Kevin DeYoung regarding abuse in the church context.
![A close-up view of a wispy white seed, caught in the vines of a tomato plant.](https://www.whyhavewefasted.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/101_0496_hq-850x567.jpg)
Winsome Rebellion (or When Submission Becomes Unbiblical)
Exploring the limits of “biblical” submission.