As you can see we have a new look at barlowthompson.net. Same content with sweet new pictures. There are 6 total that come up at random. This is our post-seminary style.  Ashley and I are now finished with seminary! (come celebrate May 14th if you’re in the area) As we wrap up the last celebrations and the last of our responsibilities in Illinois we are looking forward to taking on a new life in ministry outside of school. Here are some of my thoughts about this new world…. [Read more →]

I have been attempting to think of possible church events that I have never seen at a church.  For example: Doubt Week.  A week where we invite people to come and express their doubts in community.  You could have speakers, small groups, etc.  As I brainstormed more I asked for some consulting from a friend who is cynical of organized religion.  I asked him what types of things a church could do that would peak his interest, and what kind of events would he attend even if they were hosted by a church.  Our conversation led to events that were less “churchy” and more community focused.  And that conversation led us to the two most interesting paragraphs of email I have had in a long time…… [Read more →]

In another life, I want to work for the DMV. Crazy? maybe… a calling? indeed.

Who among us hasn’t spent a stress-filled morning trying to find where to go, and what to fill out at the DMV?  It can be intimidating, overwhelming and at times, off-putting. Now, I am not dogging the DMV as a whole, the people that work at the DMV are a hard working and under appreciated bunch, and I often feel pity for the hard work and unappreciative people they have to put up with. At the same time, a recent experience of mine helped me to think about the role of hospitality in governmental offices…

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