Posts by Daniel Darling
20 Things I’ve Learned in the 20 Years Since Graduation
In June of 1996, I walked down the aisle, with thirteen others, at Quentin Road Christian School in Lake Zurich, Illinois and received my high school diploma. I distinctly remember the mixture of anticipation and hope I felt that day. Twenty years later, I look back with amazement. First, it’s hard to believe it has…
Read MoreThe Way Home: Episode 71 featuring Daniel Patterson
What does productivity have to do with the gospel? This is the question I pose to my friend and colleague Daniel Patterson. Daniel is the chief of staff at ERLC and an expert at productivity and leadership. He also has a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Daniel and I discuss…
Read MoreFriday Flashback: My Prayer Before the Illinois State House
Three years ago, I was graciously invited to deliver the opening prayer before the Illinois General Assembly in Springfield, IL. This was my prayer: Prayer of Convocation Illinois General Assembly Monday, May 20th, 2013 2:00 PM Dear Heavenly Father. We offer our humble gratitude for the gift of freedom as Americans, forged over 200 years…
Read MoreEveryone Is a Culture Warrior. Some Admit it.
My friend and colleague, Samuel James, has a brilliant piece (you should read the whole thing) on why the culture wars are inescapable: The idea that conservative Americans can escape the “wrong side of history” if only they will shut up and be kind is an idea based on a myth: The myth that progressivism…
Read MoreThe Way Home: Episode 70 featuring Zack Eswine
What unique temptations do pastors face? Zack Eswine, author of The Imperfect Pastor joins me to discuss celebrity evangelicals, fallen pastors, and faithful ministry. Show Notes Websites: zackeswine.com and riversidestl.org Twitter: @ZackEswine Books: The Imperfect Pastor, Sensing Jesus, Spurgeon’s Sorrows: Realistic Hope for those who Suffer from Depression Learn more about the 2016 ERLC National Conference here.
Read MorePentecost, Pastoring and Intentional Friendships
Here are three of my latest articles: “So You Want to Make Disciples?” for In Touch Conversions usually result from deliberate, genuine friendship building. This involves intentionally inserting ourselves in environments where unbelievers are present. It includes leveraging our natural human talents to find common ground and build friendships. It requires patience, not trying to “close…
Read MoreThe Way Home: Episode 69 featuring Jeff Medders and Brandon Smith
Why should every Christian know theology? Jeff Medders and Brandon Smith, authors of Rooted: Theology for Growing Christians, join the podcast to tell me why. Jeff is the lead pastor of Redeemer Church near Houston, Texas, and Brandon works with the Holman Christian Standard Bible for B&H Publishers. We’ll discuss Christian education in the church,…
Read MoreThe Simple, but Powerful Lesson I Learned from My Mom
I remember the moment as if it was yesterday. I was six years old and it was Christmas with our extended family. We were in the basement living room in our first house on Marberry Lane in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. Like most adults, my memories of my childhood are scattered and rosy, probably more hazy…
Read MoreThe Way Home: Episode 68 featuring Lauren McAfee
Lauren McAfee grew up in the Green family of Hobby Lobby. What was it like to grew up this way and what was it about her parents’ faith that was compelling for her own walk with Christ? Lauren and her husband Michael join me to talk about the Green family heritage, life in the spotlight,…
Read MoreThe Way Home: Episode 67 featuring Keith Getty
Keith and his wife Kristyn Getty have sparked a hymn-writing and hymn-singing revolution in the evangelical church. Today, songs like “In Christ Alone”, “The Power of the Cross,” “Oh, Church Arise” and others are a regular part of worship at churches and Christian conferences across the world. Keith has appeared on CBS, PBS and the BBC and performed…
Read MoreGet Caught Up on Church History
Followers of Christ should know their church history, not so you can win trivia games at the church potluck, but to get a sense of the sweep of God’s work in building His church in the last 2,000 years. Furthermore, a sense of church history keeps us grounded in good ways, from seeing our moment…
Read MoreThe Way Home: Episode 66 featuring Mark DeMoss
Mark DeMoss is Founder and President of DeMoss, the nation’s largest public relations agency serving Christian organizations and causes. One hundred of the largest non-profit organizations in America count on DeMoss for counsel and support in the areas of communications, media relations, marketing, and crisis management. Mark is also an author whose 2007 book The Little…
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