Yesterday, the LA Times reported on Pastor Rick Warren's Christmas message at Saddleback Church. I'm sure they covered it in light of the recent controversy over his selection for the official prayer at the Obama Inauguration. I think his most powerful statement was: "Who ever came up with the idea that you have to agree with everybody on everything in order to love them?" That's a message that's worth getting out in a huge way. I would encourage you to blog about it, Twitter it, and share it with as many as possible. It's especially important as I read about ... read more

The Los Angeles Times reports that seven members of a "Christian" biker gang called the Set Free Soldiers, including their pastor, Phil Aguilar, 60, have been charged with conspiracy to commit murder and are each being held on $1-million bail. Three members of the Hells Angels are also in custody. I wonder if the Biblical injunction to go into every man's world, went a bit too far in this instance. What do you think? ... read more

In recent months, both Time Magazine and the Los Angeles Times have reported the Christian faith is taking a beating. I grew up as a pastor's kid in the South, so I've seen every gimmick churches use to reach the public. As a Christian community we've tried entertainment, political power, criticism and boycotts, and yet we find that today, the perception of Christianity is at an all time low. The problem is we live in a media-driven culture, and most pastors and ministry leaders have no idea how to share their message in that sea of competition. ... read more

Articles coming out in Time Magazine and the Los Angeles Times this weekend indicate just how much of a beating the Christian faith is taking right now when it comes to the public's perception. I'm going to be writing more about this in coming weeks because I blame much of this on a flawed strategy to impact the culture. The last 30 years have seen a rise in Christian organizations with strategies that "confronted" the culture. They viewed it as a culture war, and went on the attack. But "power" and "influence" are two different things, and controlling ... read more