Church Life Archives - Margaret Feinberg

An Open Letter to Christian Artists Everywhere @ScottThePainter @EcclesiaHouston

Margaret — November 10, 2012 — 11 Comments

Let me introduce you to my friend, Scott Erickson. Scott is the Artist-in-Residence at Ecclesia Church in Houston (led by Pastor Chris Seay). I recently featured Scott, Chris, and Ecclesia in a blog post about Tattoos and the season of Lent. Check it out, here.

Scott is probably the only person in the world who is an artist-in-residence at a church. He also travels around the world with various organizations, conferences, and events painting live for the audience.

Throughout this year, I want to introduce you to some of my friends. People whose voices I know, respect, and appreciate. Their words often challenge me in my thinking and faith. I hope they’ll challenge you, too. Enjoy!
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In Church Life @Scottthepainter, Art, Artist, Chris Seau, Christian, Church, Creative, ecclesia, Houston, letter, Scott Erickson

An Open Letter to Everyone Over 40 Who Has Left the Church

Margaret — October 29, 2012 — 140 Comments

To whom it may concern and to whom, more importantly, it should concern:

Over the last few months I’ve met so many of you. Maybe I haven’t met you, but I’ve met others with enough similarities in their stories that I thought I should write. You’re over 40, and you’ve been in the church for years.

If you have children, then more than anything you want your kids to have a strong foundation, to grow up knowing the Lord. I think that’s beautiful. But now your kids are older–either following the Lord bravely or choosing to sin boldly. Depending on the day, your heart celebrates or mourns with your kids. It probably always will.

As the years have passed and the nest grows emptier, you’re no longer going to church for them, you’re going for you. And that creates a void. Deep down inside, you’re wondering whether you really should bother going at all.

In Church Life age, bride, children, Christ, Church, empty, letter, nest, open, spiritual, the bride

Are you a November 6th or November 7th Christian?

Margaret — October 24, 2012 — 20 Comments

As the date, yes, that date grows closer, I am finding the tone of the election continues to turn darker and more unsavory. One of the biggest issues with politicians turning nasty (on both sides) is that it gives permission for everyone else to do the same–our neighbors, our co-workers, our fellow church members. It brings out the worst in all of us.

Yes, the election is growing closer, but I can’t help but ask the question:

Are you a November 6th or a November 7th Christian?

In Church Life, Leadership 2012 presidential election, America, Christian, election, heal, nation, politics, presidential election, United States

4 Keys to Finding The Perfect Mentor You’ve Always Wanted

Margaret — October 22, 2012 — 44 Comments

Over the years, I’ve found some incredible mentors in my life—people who have spoken words of wisdom and guidance into our marriage, finances, personal life, and ministry. These people have left me wonderstruck by the richness they’ve added into my life. But to be honest, finding such people hasn’t been easy. At times, I’ve reached out to people I hoped would become mentors who didn’t respond, didn’t have time, or didn’t particularly connect with the idea. Other times, I’ve waited for people to reach out to me, even dropping hints along the way, but the relationship never developed.

Here are four keys I’ve discovered to finding the perfect mentor:

In Church Life, Leadership coach, how to, mentor, perfect, select, share, tips, wisdom

The October issue of Christianity Today highlights and celebrates women who are making a difference throughout the body of Christ in various channels of influence. Sarah Pulliam Bailey and the editors compiled a list (in no particular order) of 50 who are shaping the life of the church and culture in significant ways. (To order your copy, click here.)

I was thrilled to see friends and soon-to-be-friends on the list. I couldn’t help by cheer with Sara Groves whose music I’ve long adored, Ann Voskamp (when are we having that sleepover?), Elisa Morgan who continues to lead leaders, Jo Ann Lyon who is a fearless leader among the Weslyans, Kara Powell whose research is changing the way teenagers are raised, and so many more.

But I also can’t help but notice that any list like this has its limits, as noted by the editors of Christianity Today. These kinds of lists raise the questions of who should be included and who would you nominate.

I know many more “Women to Watch” than any list like this could ever contain—I bet you do, too. I know women like Heather Zempel who is changing the way community life and small groups are done at National Community Church in Washington D.C. Women like Amena Brown who are carving out a unique place in the church as a spoken word artist. Women like Tammy Dunahoo who help lead the Foursquare Denomination. Women like Selma Wilson and Faith Whatley who are providing guidance in their roles at Lifeway. Women like Sheila Frost who are using their gifts to serve faithfully at a church outside of Charlotte, North Carolina. Women like Christa Flannery who are raising suburban’s full of kids to know and love Christ.

Christianity Today’s list wasn’t meant to be complete—not without your name on it (if you’re a woman). But rather this list is an invitation to begin looking at the women all around who are passionately serving Jesus and using their gifts for His glory and be inspired to do the same.

Will you join me? Oh, and who would you love to add to this list?