Posts by Pastor Dave Halverson (Page 4)

Posts by Pastor Dave Halverson (Page 4)

Just another Sunday?

Monday through Friday we have a routine and a plan. Make lunches. Lay out the kid’s clothes. Leave the house by 7:00 a.m. to beat the traffic. Check our calendar for appointments and deadlines. And so on. We know what it takes, and we’re committed to getting it done. Often, however, our approach to Sunday morning does not receive the same attention. If we’re honest, it’s…

Evangelism in the Workplace

As a pastor, I have one distinct disadvantage regarding evangelism, namely, I’m not around a lot of non-Christians. Having been in ministry for most of my adult life, I do not have recent, first-hand knowledge of sharing the gospel in the workplace with unbelieving co-workers. The following article on evangelism in the workplace, was not written by a pastor, or a…

Keeping up with the book pile

It seems like my blog posts often have to do with books. I do like to do other things besides being holed up in my office reading and studying. I have been known to frequent a local coffee shop or two, in search of good espresso. I love spending time with my family, especially watching my girls singing and my boys playing baseball. And if Kristen and I can find the time…

Reading Good Books

I thought I had successfully avoided this one. They come along every couple of years…the book that will change your life and the life of your congregation. A similar phenomenon appears as the seminar, or the campaign. Then there is the usual hype, promotional pieces, small group curriculum, and celebrity endorsements. Eventually the buzz fades, and the American Consumer…

What is the Gospel?

Have you ever been tongue tied when trying to share the gospel? Have you ever tried to share your faith, get off topic, and end up down some rabbit trail where you are as confused as your listener? Why is it that the very message that we have embraced, the message that has transformed our lives, the message that we would confess is the most important news we have ever…

The Certain Success of Evangelism

W.G.T. Shedd was a theological professor back in the late 1800s.  I was first reluctantly turned on to his writings when I was required to read his massive Systematic Theology, while in seminary. I have since come to enjoy his conservative theology and writing style. The following is an essay he wrote regarding evangelism. –Pastor Dave The Certain Success…

Daniel 9

What makes you pound the table? Is there a particular issue close to your heart, that really makes you passionate? As you look at our world, do you see things that just make your soul cry out, “This is not right! This is not the way it is supposed to be!”? On a recent plane trip I was talking with a fellow passenger who was filming a documentary for PBS on family law,…

On aging

With a firm grip on 45 years, I would not be considered “old” by most, except perhaps by my kids and their peers.  But I’m certainly not young anymore, and my body continually finds ways to remind me of the fact.  Over the last few years, I’ve grown more reflective than when I was younger and I think that it is more than just middle-aged melancholy.  I have realized a few…

When the Church Was a Family

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. –Colossians 1:1-2 (ESV) We often throw around the terms “brother-in-Christ” or “sister-in-Christ,” and we know that these familial tags are commonly used in the New Testament to refer…

Church and Parachurch

As someone who spent 13 years working full-time in a parachurch organization, I found the most recent issue of the 9 Marks ejournal particularly interesting.  All of us have had experience with a parachurch ministry at some point, perhaps through a college campus ministry, a community Bible study, serving at an inner-city shelter, or giving to a missionary.  Parachurch…

Books (III)

So here’s my list.  These are the books that I’ve read in the year or so, some I am still finishing, not necessarily “the best book ever” list, but they are good ones that I would recommend.   How Long, O Lord, D.A. Carson This is the best book I have read in the last year, maybe one of the best ever.  Don Carson tackles deep issues of suffering, evil, and the sovereignty…