Browsing Tag

The Gathering

Apocryphal, Generosity, Leadership, Philanthropy, Random Thoughts,

Five Ways to be Countercultural

Last week I attended a conference with a plenary session featuring two Senators (one Democrat and one Republican). The facilitator, a former Governor, led them in a conversation about how our faith can inform our public engagement.

A lot of the conversation focused on how we can transcend the worst aspects of partisan politics. The idea of vilifying and demonizing those who disagree with us was rejected, and the politicians shared examples of how to disagree with respect. It was a good reminder for all of us, and the Senators navigated the conversation beautifully. They received a standing ovation.

An …

Generosity, Philanthropy,

Pastors and Generosity

This is going to be a thread the needle kind of post that will be easily misunderstood. It will likely offend some pastors I’m not trying to offend. But here we go anyway.

Pastors should not be the primary source of information about generosity.

I can already see some pastors upset by that. But let me explain.

Pastors are, by and large, among the most generous people I know. They give of their time, their heart, and when possible their wallet. This post is most definitely not a rant about the pastor who invites you to lunch then expects you …

Philanthropy, Random Thoughts,

Hard Comfort

Fred Smith and I have agreed we should never sit next to each other at a conference or in church because we will continually say sarcastic things and get each other laughing. There’s an underlying reality to this kind of relationship: you have to think alike.

That’s why I read Fred’s blog on a regular basis. And why I’ve shared his post again this week. Fred always has fresh insight into ideas, stories, and especially Scripture. As we enter into what one might call the season of angels — what with them appearing to Mary, Joseph, Elisabeth and Zechariah in …

Book Reviews, Leadership,

Unreasonable People

Fred Smith is not an unreasonable person despite the title of this post. I have invited Fred to be my first guest blogger in years because I love his quirky sense of humor, balanced perspective on cultural shifts, and genuine love for the unreasonable people who change the world. Plus he’s a great writer.

I met Fred at The Gathering, an annual conference focused on faith-based philanthropy. Fred is the founder of The Gathering and until just recently its President. Fred is a graduate of Denver University and Harvard Divinity School. He is the co-founder of Leadership Network with …

Junkyard Wisdom Book, So you think you're a writer?,

It’s Been How Long???

Hey Friends! Can you believe this? Eight months ago Junkyard Wisdom was released! So I’m offering something FREE if you’ll take the time to help … keep reading.

So what’s happened in the last eight months? Well, I’ve lost track of the interviews, podcasts, blogs, and talks. All great fun, from large to small!

A few highlights would include the book launch party at Old Skool Cafe, the incredible group of people who joined our workshop in Belize, and my talk to a packed room at my alma mater Westmont College. So many memories have been made, from the National …