Daniel has had a difficult life. When he was a child he was removed from his parents’ house and placed in a group home, where he was molested by one or more of the employees. He aged out of the foster system and developed serious mental disorders, including chronic depression and paranoid schizophrenia. He receives … Continue reading Pain and the Peace of Christ
Humanity
The Good News of God’s Faithfulness in My Neighborhood
Something incredible has happened in my neighborhood over the past few years: It has gotten better. I don’t have any statistics to back that up, but I’m here every day and I see it and feel it. The local churches are actively ministering to the poor on a relational level. The city has invested in … Continue reading The Good News of God’s Faithfulness in My Neighborhood
The Cost of Discipleship – Pt. 2
I’ve been hanging out with two brothers named Dinky and Tiny. They're in their 50’s and are usually a little bit drunk. The last time I saw them, Tiny was on the phone with his mother, who lives in Florida. He wanted to make sure she made it safe and sound through Hurricane Irma. Dinky … Continue reading The Cost of Discipleship – Pt. 2
The Cost of Discipleship – Pt. 1
Several years ago, Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote a book called The Cost of Discipleship. The overarching theme of the book was that the grace of God is costly, demanding everything from the Christian disciple. He contrasts this costly grace with cheap grace, the type of grace that doesn’t transform the disciple, but allows the “Christian" to … Continue reading The Cost of Discipleship – Pt. 1
What Does “Homeless Church” Look Like?
I’ve invited more homeless people to church than I can count. On a few occasions, the person I invited showed up. Most often, however, the person gladly accepted the invitation and later apologized for not making it. There were also a couple of times when the person showed up an hour and half late, as … Continue reading What Does “Homeless Church” Look Like?
The Grit of the Kingdom
A couple years ago, after a small church gathering, a volunteer approached me and said, “I’m afraid my wife and I won’t be helping at the gathering anymore.” “Sorry to hear that,” I replied. He continued, “It’s just that so many of those who attend have no reverence for the church. Especially Bill. He’s always … Continue reading The Grit of the Kingdom
Why Suffering Matters – Pt. 3
In the last two posts, I’ve been pondering the meaning of suffering in the Christian life – just reflecting on some stories and personal experiences, and allowing scripture to speak into those events. In Part One, I wrote about vicarious trauma and the ways in which Christian workers should engage the inevitable suffering in this … Continue reading Why Suffering Matters – Pt. 3
Why Suffering Matters – Pt 2
My friend Julie has lived a hard life. She’s in her mid-forties, but has the mental capacity of a twelve-year-old. I’m not sure if she was born this way, or if her trauma-filled life caused it. Usually, Julie is full of positive energy. She comes to our ministry building to shoot pool, drink coffee, and … Continue reading Why Suffering Matters – Pt 2
Loving the Poor – “How Do I Get Started?”
A handful of people have recently asked me how they should approach ministry to the poor. Specifically, they want to know how to get started. I used to tell people, "Pray and do what Jesus tells you." While this is still the best approach, I’ve realized it’s not the most helpful advice. Ministry to the … Continue reading Loving the Poor – “How Do I Get Started?”
“If It Cries” – Why Jesus Doesn’t Abandon the Lost
I’ve known Trevor and Karen for a couple of years. They aren’t married, but they have two children together. Karen was adopted from the foster system when she was ten years old. She can’t remember a time when she didn’t struggle with alcohol or substance abuse. Trevor, on the other hand, is the youngest of … Continue reading “If It Cries” – Why Jesus Doesn’t Abandon the Lost
Preston Searcy 