Category Archives: Social Issues

FOBO and Other Trends Spotted

I love trend-spotting. There’s something about a new year and a new semester at Kent State University that makes for ideal trend-spotting conditions. Maybe it’s the Winter Break, where we all had some extra time to rest and reflect. Maybe … Continue reading

Posted in Adolescence, Church, COVID-19, Culture, H2O Kent, Introspection, Nostalgia, Social Issues, Transition, Trend-Spotting, Young Adulthood | Comments Off on FOBO and Other Trends Spotted

Can’t Stop Won’t Stop

I recently finished reading Jeff Chang’s book, Can’t Stop Won’t Stop: A History of the Hip-Hop Generation. It was recommended to me by my friend Mark. Even though I’m a slow reader, I had some extra time off over Kent State University’s … Continue reading

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Proclaiming Christ in Post-Christian Contexts

I led our H2O interns through a life-mapping exercise a couple of weeks back. We talked about looking for Spiritual Inukshuks, as I often do with interns. Even though it takes some explanation, I think this concept from Inuit culture … Continue reading

Posted in Church, God, H2O Kent, Introspection, Leadership, Ministry, Prayer, Social Issues, The Bible, Transition, Young Adulthood | Comments Off on Proclaiming Christ in Post-Christian Contexts

Trend-spotting: Post-COVID College Life

I love trend-spotting. For instance, Marci and I have recently noticed the decline of the single, steady, upraised hand as a gesture of gratitude from the driver of one car to another who has yielded his or her right of … Continue reading

Posted in Adolescence, Church, COVID-19, Culture, Culture Shock, H2O Kent, Introspection, Leadership, Small Groups, Social Issues, Transition, Trend-Spotting, Young Adulthood | Comments Off on Trend-spotting: Post-COVID College Life

The Path Forward

It’s the beginning of the best month of the year: mid-September to mid-October! I finally decided to join the Summit Metro Parks Fall Hiking Spree (“the largest and longest-running event of its kind in the nation”), and I always feel … Continue reading

Posted in Adolescence, COVID-19, Culture, Culture Shock, God, H2O Kent, Health, Hiking, Introspection, Kent, Ohio, Prayer, Social Issues, The United States of America, Transition | Comments Off on The Path Forward

Indignation

I’ve spent more time than usual scrolling through my Instagram stories this weekend. And wow. It’s been hard to observe the deeply emotional responses to the recent decision of the United States Supreme Court regarding federal abortion policy. My right-leaning … Continue reading

Posted in Church, COVID-19, Culture, H2O Kent, Introspection, Prayer, Science and Christianity, Social Issues, The United States of America, Transition | Comments Off on Indignation