When we were missionaries in France and Belgium, we discovered one of Europe’s most wonderful secrets: its book villages. Towns like Montolieu (France), St. Pierre-des-Clages (Switzerland), and our personal favorite, Redu (Belgium) are essentially village-wide bookstores, given over not just to the selling of books, but to their enjoyment, and the encouragement of reading. Imagine […]
There was a moment during the COVID-19 pandemic I will never forget. I was in my car, a few blocks from my house, returning from a quick trip to the office. Sitting at a stoplight, a thought struck me: “There is literally nowhere on planet Earth I could go right now, to get away from this global catastrophe.” Even in places that were […]
As he does every morning, a young pastor rises early. He can do so because last evening, he went to bed early, focused on beginning this day well as a disciple and pastor: he knows that what he does tomorrow will affect eternity for one, possibly for many. He prepares for the day before driving […]
Introduction Our relationship with God is often characterized as a journey. The Old Testament authors frequently spoke of two paths we might take, with one leading to life and the other leading to death. The Book of Acts literally recounts Paul’s missionary journeys and the resulting growth of the Church. On several occasions, Paul uses […]
My heart sank. No, please, Lord, not another one. Not another minister of the Gospel who surrendered his call to run off with a mistress. He had such a great thing going. He and what he said was “the love of his life” were so happy together. Content. Fulfilled. And their love for each other […]
The Antidote to Our Self-Made Chaos EDITOR’S NOTE: The writer of this article, Josh Havens, lives in the Springfield, MO area with his wife and three sons. His passion for discipleship, coaching, and solving puzzles keeps him engaged in deep conversations. Learning to walk in God’s grace is his greatest joy and challenge. He’s a […]
Raindrops pattered softly on my windshield. In front of me were dark clouds and more rain. Yet the blinding sun was reflecting in my rearview mirror. In the wide open river valley, I could see the sky transform from sunshine to foreboding darkness. Being the science nerd I am, I knew there must be a […]
Here’s a list of treasures all too rare in the church today, every one of them free for the taking. Or making. The list is compiled from conversations with younger ministers and church attenders: I asked them and they answered. It’s a touching and thought-provoking look at someone we love dearly, the body of Christ. […]
EDITOR’S NOTE: In my previous article, I promised to present in this piece predictions for pastors in 2025. However, since then, one of my most loved and respected mentors left this world for his reward in eternity. The trip north to mourn with family and participate in the funeral gave me time to meditate on […]
As I have written recently here at Journey, I love serving as a pastoral coach. Ten years in, I am still amazed that God called me to this place of service in his kingdom. He has given me the privilege of walking with the quality and committed ministers of the Gospel in the Journey community […]
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