Blog posts

Wounding Work: Creative Service as Cross Bearing

By Joseph Sunde Across the realm of evangelicalism, we’ve seen a renewed focus on the deeper value, meaning, and significance of our daily work. Yet as easy as it may be for some to alter old attitudes and begin appreciating the gift of creative service, it can be extremely difficult for others — and often for good reason. Indeed, until the last… Read More

Grandpa Abe and the Workers

By Chris Horst I sat on the countertop as my mom shared the tragic news: My grandpa—Abe Horst—had died. A heart attack seized his last breath at the early age of 63. While reading the newspaper during a summer day in 1997, he passed. He was healthy and active and we were not ready to say goodbye. While our relationship revolved around my early… Read More

The Beauty of Oyster Farming

By Joseph Sunde The oyster population in the Chesapeake Bay has severely dwindled, amounting to less than 1% of historic levels, according to the NOAA. In turn, from a consumer’s perspective, Virginia oysters have been increasingly replaced by other varieties from around the globe. But if Rappahannock Oyster Co. has anything to say about it, the… Read More

Social Justice and the Evangelical Church Today

This essay is adapted from the introduction to The Church’s Social Responsibility: Reflections on Evangelicalism and Social Justice, a new book edited by Jordan J. Ballor and Robert Joustra, available through Christian’s Library Press. By Jordan Ballor An understanding of the rise, decline, and reinvigoration of institutions in the history of… Read More

Retrenchment, Revision, and Renewal: 3 Futures for Evangelicalism in America

By Charlie Self There are three possible futures for American Evangelicalism. These diverse destinies depend upon the moral, social and theological convictions of the communities and leaders of the different streams. They also represent patterns found in three centuries of American Evangelical history. These futures will also determine whether or… Read More

Why Christians Should Listen to Mike Rowe on (Not) ‘Following Your Passion’

By Joseph Sunde Television personality and former Dirty Jobs host Mike Rowe has become notorious for penning pointed responses to fans and critics on Facebook, offering routine challenges to prevailing American attitudes about work, calling, and vocation. In a recent rant, he stays true to form, explaining to a man named “Stephen” why popular … Read More