Rethinking evangelism: an alternative to the Great Commission?

(Un)evangelistic personalities For the longest time, I resisted identifying as an evangelical Christian. I preferred to call myself a Protestant as a way to explain that I wasn’t Catholic and declined to define myself any further. Protesting is kinda cool; “evangelical” just makes secular Australians think of crazy southern Baptists. But also, evangelising is pretty much alien to my personality. I have friends who rave … Continue reading Rethinking evangelism: an alternative to the Great Commission?

Ecuador vs Bolivia, and losing the Missionary label

Lately I’ve felt the unspoken question of why I decided to go back to South America but not as a missionary (that is, not as a big ‘M’ conventional Missionary). This post is an attempt to explain this and, at the same time, share with you some of the thinking behind why I went to Ecuador then, and why I’m going to Bolivia now. Why I went to … Continue reading Ecuador vs Bolivia, and losing the Missionary label

Between distraction and devotion

Spiritually and emotionally, this last week for me has been marked by distraction and devotion. I think that’s the perennial question for most believers, but I am particularly conscious of it at the moment. Distraction The other day I was in the car with my sister, the radio was on and it was news hour. Despite my almost total lack of interest in the whole … Continue reading Between distraction and devotion

Okay, you’ve put me in a box

Since I was a teenager, I’ve wrestled with the complicated truth that when you try to be different and stand out from the crowd, you invariably end up being like everybody else who wants to be different and stand out from the crowd. A few articles I’ve stumbled across lately have reminded me of this. The first two follow a currently trendy blog style (“Don’t … Continue reading Okay, you’ve put me in a box

Self-censored

I’ve always valued my education, and I know a significant part of my identity and beliefs are shaped by my schooling. In fact, with each year that passes I am more grateful for the education I received. It was good quality, public education all the way from kindergarten through high school and into university. I was taught to explore and discover, question and analyse, express … Continue reading Self-censored

distilling melancholy

Came back to Loja from Quito the day after New Year’s, strangely heavy with melancholy. Similar sensation to coming back to an empty house after touring South America with my sister – though there was no reason that should’ve been the case. Couldn’t quite figure it out, couldn’t quite get to the heart of it, even praying over it. Then last night, an unexpected visit … Continue reading distilling melancholy

Rules

It’s a sad irony that the rules designed to protect me and my Christian testimony prevent me from going to church. Okay, so that’s a little simplistic and perhaps misleading. Let me explain. The rules of course don’t say I can’t go to church. In fact, they don’t say anything about church. The rules say I can’t go anywhere alone with a guy. So, say … Continue reading Rules