Posts by Daniel Darling
The Way Home: Episode 32 with Phillip Bethancourt
What does strategic and visionary leadership look like for Christian organizations? This is the topic of today’s podcast where I’m joined by my colleague, Phillip Bethancourt. Phillip is the executive vice-president of ERLC. He previously served as Vice President for Enrollment Management and Assistant Professor of Christian Theology at Southern Seminary. He completed an MDiv and PhD…
Read MoreAre you preaching the right Jesus on Sunday?
From my recent article at Lifeway Pastors: A few years ago I began a preaching series through the book of James. To be honest, I decided to preach through James because I felt it addressed some issues I wanted to address, from Scripture in our congregation. James is a book that doesn’t mess around. It…
Read MoreAnything is Possible if You Work Hard . . . Until it Isn’t
“Anything is possible if you work hard . . . ” this is a message that we hear, over and over again, a credo embedded in the ethos of many Americans. I say “many” because the realities of those of us who have grown up in safe, relatively affluent suburbs is vastly different from my…
Read MoreThe Way Home Episode 31 featuring Max Lucado
Max Lucado needs no introduction. He’s the bestselling author of 32 books, a popular speaker, and pastor of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio. Max joined me today on the podcast to talk about his writing process, leadership transitions, and why he’s bullish about the church, in spite of increasing cultural pressure. Listen to this…
Read MoreThe Way Home Episode 30 featuring Chad Harrington and Jason Houser
Today I am glad to be joined by the authors of a great new book, Dedicated, Training Your Kids to Trust and Follow Jesus. Jason Houser is the founder of Seeds Family Worship Ministry and is a family pastor in Twin Falls, Idaho. Chad Harrington is writer in Nashville, TN. Listen to this week’s episode…
Read MoreThis World is Not Our Home . . . Or Is It?
“This World is Not My Home” was one of my favorite songs growing up. I sang it as part of a quartet that won first at the state convention in Illinois. (Relax, it was a Christian school competition, not exactly American Idol). But was popular song theologically right? In some ways, yes. The world system, run…
Read MoreThe Way Home Episode 29 featuring Tony Reinke
Most people know John Newton as the author of the classic and beautiful hymn, “Amazing Grace.” The hymn represents his own life story, as former slave owner and slave ship captain who was radically saved by God’s grace. However, few of us know what Newton was like as a pastor, the role he served for more…
Read MorePastors, Don’t Be Passive on Planned Parenthood
This is my latest piece for Leadership Journal: how pastors can lead their churches to fight for life in this cultural moment: Pro-life activism has been a part of Christian witness throughout church history, but has received particularly focused attention by evangelicals and Catholics since the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. Now, though, we find…
Read MoreThe Way Home Episode 28 featuring Owen Strachan
Chuck Colson was a towering figure among evangelicals in the last half of the twentieth century and on into the twenty-first. His story of redemption motivated generations of young people to commit to Christ and his winsome cultural witness is still being felt today. This is why I’m delighted to be joined on the podcast by Owen…
Read MoreWhy Encouragement is Not Optional
From my recent article at In Touch: “I love working with you, Dan.” It was only a simple text from a colleague, but it buoyed my spirits during an intense week of work on a project together. As I thought over his kind comment, it reinforced to me a simple truth I’ve learned during my years…
Read MoreThe Way Home Episode 27 featuring Jon Acuff
Today’s workforce is increasingly more mobile. People are facing career transitions at younger ages and are being forced to adapted to changing environments. So how do pastors and church leaders help their people facing new careers? Today’s podcast features Jon Acuff, blogger, best-selling author, and speaker. He was recently profiled in Christianity Today. Jon first…
Read MoreA Moving Speech by Senator James Lankford
This is a powerful and moving speech by Senator James Lankford on the subject of Planned Parenthood. I’ve had the privilege to meet Sen. Lankford, a faithful follower of Christ. I really hope you take 8 minutes or so and watch. I pray this stirs the hearts of American consciences to protect the life of the…
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