James Henley

Jan 01

[video]

Oct 28

“I am deeply convinced that the Christian leader of the future is called to be completely irrelevant and to stand in this world with nothing to offer but his or her own vulnerable self.” — Henri Nouwen

(Source: twitter.com)

Oct 26

Telling a good story

Stories are a vital part of every sermon or presentation. They engage the audience on an emotional level in a way that delivering information just can’t do. Here’s some of my ideas about how to tell a really good story.

Oct 25

“Skate to where the puck is going, not to where it’s been.” — Wayne Gretzky

(Source: twitter.com)

Oct 24

[video]

Oct 21

[video]

Oct 20

“While God’s words are eternal and unchanging the tools we use to access those words do change, and those changes in technology also bring subtle changes to the practice of worship. When we fail to recognize the impact of such technological change, we run the risk of allowing our tools to dictate our methods. Technology should not dictate our values or our methods. Rather, we must use technology out of our convictions and values.” — John Dyer, From the Garden to the City.

Oct 19

Why I still believe in the sermon

I still believe in the sermon. I know it isn’t necessarily cool or clever these days to think that. In an age when young people and young adults are leaving the church in huge numbers, a lot of people, especially youth workers, have suggested that the old method of preaching is outdated and needs replacing. But I still believe that preaching, when it’s done well, is an art form.

Oct 18

6 Reasons why young people are leaving the church -

David Kinnaman (author of unChristian) and the Barna Group have just released their latest research, this time interviewing American young people who left the Church after the age of 15. Here are the six main reasons they found for young people / young adults leaving the church:

Churches appear to be overprotective
Their experience of Christianity was shallow
Churches appear to be against science
They’ve made mistakes and feel judged in church because of them
Churches are afraid of the beliefs of other faiths
Church is unfriendly to those who doubt

Kinnaman unpacks his findings in his new book - You Lost Me: Why Young Christians are Leaving Church and Rethinking Church.

How do these findings resonate with your experience as a young adult?

How can we grow church in a way that works for young adults?

Oct 17

Actions speak louder than words.

What are you busy talking about that you should just get on with doing?