Catalyst

Our King Carries a Towel, Not a Scepter

Posted on : August 14, 2023

The world watched last September as millions mourned the death of Queen Elizabeth. Subsequently, many watched with great interest as Charles was enthroned as king in May. The pageantry and celebration had not been seen… Continue Reading

Jesus: Not Superhero but Friend

Posted on : August 7, 2023

I preached recently and was given the Easter Emmaus text (Luke 24:13–35), a story I have never really found interesting. Having to say something on Sunday, though, I am grateful it came to me anew.… Continue Reading

Reading a Book for All It’s Worth

Posted on : July 24, 2023

“Reading is my favorite occupation, when I have leisure for it and books to read.” Anne Brontë Reading. It’s the bread and butter of a pastor-scholar-theologian’s life. The chant that inspired Augustine’s conversion to Christianity,… Continue Reading

Does Scripture Read Me?

Posted on : July 17, 2023

I’ve read the Bible regularly since my conversion to the Christ-following movement during my sophomore year of high school. It’s been thirty-eight years since I prayed to God: “God if you are real, reveal yourself… Continue Reading

Sharing Your Faith in Christ Can BLESS the Teens in Your Life

Posted on : July 10, 2023

Early in my walk with Jesus, I felt a strong call to minister to youth and young adults. I earned a degree in education, in part, to be the best Bible Study teacher that I… Continue Reading

The Grace of “No”

Posted on : July 10, 2023

One truth I have learned in almost twenty years of serving churches is that the church has a hard time saying “no.” Congregations have a well-deserved reputation for being slow to change and reluctant to… Continue Reading

Without Love, We Are Nothing

Posted on : June 19, 2023

Without love, writes Paul, “I am nothing” (1 Cor 13:2). Once, upon reading the “love chapter” (1 Cor 13), those three words stuck out to me. I’ve spent a lot of time trying to figure… Continue Reading

Questions and Doubts Can be Keys to Evangelism

Posted on : June 12, 2023

When I talk to some Christians about sharing their faith with others, they seem scared or even threatened. Often their concern is that someone may resist their efforts at evangelism and ask them questions they… Continue Reading

Christian Traditioning in the American Global South

Posted on : June 7, 2023

Those of us involved in Christian theological education today recognize we are living in unprecedented times. The notable Argentinian philosopher, historian, and decolonial thinker, Enrique Dussel, refers to this axial time as “un mundo mundializado,”… Continue Reading

An Education or a Diploma?

Posted on : June 5, 2023

Are you seeking a diploma, or are you seeking an education? So many of you tell me you’re here because graduating from here will get you a job and better pay than if you don’t… Continue Reading

Our Postmodern Moment, Part 3: Christian Discipleship in a Polarized World

Posted on : May 31, 2023

This is the final installment of a three-part article that I’ve been invited to write on the question of how Christians might engage our contemporary postmodern culture, especially the toxic polarization that characterizes so much… Continue Reading
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catalyst
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catalyst
August 14, 2023

The world watched last September as millions mourned the death of Queen Elizabeth. Subsequently, many watched with great interest as Charles was enthroned as king in May. The pageantry and celebration …

August 7, 2023

I preached recently and was given the Easter Emmaus text (Luke 24:13–35), a story I have never really found interesting. Having to say something on Sunday, though, I am grateful it …

news & events
December 16, 2022

AFTE is now accepting scholarship applications for 2023. Applications and required supporting materials are due in the AFTE office no …

July 1, 2022

A Foundation for Theological Education (AFTE) John Wesley Fellowships have been awarded to six doctoral students. The John Wesley Fellows …