We’re headed to Ft. Worth for the Southwest Crossfit Games Qualifier. I’ve been training for this event for several months. I’ve got three goals: 1. Do each workout as Rx’d. 2. Finish each workout. 3. Beat one of my training partners who at this time shall remain nameless. At this point, we still don’t know […]
Following Christ in a Pluralist Society
Thanks for all the many great responses to the question in my previous post. Really good stuff. Here is my first pass at it. I’m thinking out loud here so don’t hold me to these in a gunfight. My thought process here is that ultimately a church’s “programming” should be designed to facilitate these outcomes. […]
April 28, 2009 by 8 Comments
Defining Christlikeness
In my last post I made it clear that I don’t really care whether our new church will be labeled “missional” or “attractional” as long as we’re making disciples. This begs the question: what does it mean to make disciples? If we’re going to judge the success or failure of a church based upon the […]
April 27, 2009 by 14 Comments
The $50,000 Question
If you were planting a church and were given $50,000 in start-up funds to spend as you see fit, how would you spend it? I’ve kicked this hypothetical question around with several friends and I’ve found that nothing gets to the heart of our theology and philosophy of church and ministry as quickly as the […]
April 9, 2009 by 20 Comments
An Invitation from Jesus
I’ve been thinking about this passage in response to yesterday’s conversation: Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)28 ?Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you?ll recover your life. I?ll show you how to take a real rest. 29 Walk with me and work with me?watch how I […]
April 1, 2009 by 13 Comments
Burned Out on Church
Since announcing that we’re moving to Austin to plant a church, I’ve been in contact with a fair number of people who have a friend or relative in the Austin area who aren’t connected to a church of any sort. Most, if not all, of these referrals would consider themselves to be Christians, but they […]
March 31, 2009 by 34 Comments
The Art of the Start
We’ve been hanging out in Austin all week long. We’ve met new friends, scoped out different parts of the city, and eaten tons of good food. Can’t wait to move here in June. If you live in the Austin area and want to know more about the church plant, which for now has been creatively […]
March 21, 2009 by 3 Comments
Happy Anniversary Larry Bird
On this day in 1985, Bird scored 60 against the Hawks. Even the Hawks were cheering for him.
March 12, 2009 by 3 Comments
Ode to Wade
Here’s another choice morsel from my roast at Garnett. This one is from Ken Hager, a good friend, former Garnett Shepherd, and world class wood turner. Ode to Wade This saga begins on a west Texas farm with the birth of Wade, and with little alarm. Loyd and Sue’s ambition for this robust child was […]
March 10, 2009 by 4 Comments
Top 10 Ways You Know You Just Heard a Wade Hodges Sermon
On Sunday, we had a farewell luncheon at Garnett. The food was great. It was roasted pork loin. The entertainment was even better. It was roasted Wade. The Garnett leadership team really knows my love language. To me, nothing says “I love you” like good-natured kidding. Why hug someone when you can insult them? That’s […]
March 4, 2009 by 3 Comments
Telling Stories, Asking Questions, Learning Lessons