I have been in software engineering for over a decade. It always amazes me how much my theology influences my work. Lately, I have been contemplating whether any aspect of my computer science training could apply to ministry. In the same fashion that Paul employed classical rhetoric in a sanctified way, so too could we apply modern secular principles to the church. One thing I have considered about church evangelism is the necessity for a balance between intentionality and dependence upon the Holy Spirit. We can learn a lot about intentionality through applying the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) principles to local church evangelism. It might sound a bit corporate or tech-heavy at first, but it is actually a brilliant way to approach outreach. At its core, the SDLC is just a structured framework for taking an idea from a vague concept to a fully functioning, sustainable reality. When applied to church evangelism, it shifts the focus from haphazardly hosting random events and hop...
Often in this life, we find ourselves walking in the shadow of tragedy. Whether loss of a job, diagnosis of illness, or the death of a loved one, one thing remains true. No matter the catalyst of the suffering, the pain is acute and personal. In fact, we sometimes find ourselves feeling isolated and alone amid our trials. As sincere as people around us might be in helping us, at the end of the day, we are left alone in our own heads and hearts to process the tragedy. One comfort I would like to draw your attention to is the hope the gospel offers in suffering. Hope of Christ’s Nearness The call of the gospel promises that we are never alone. Truly, our hearts are given the only hope that can sustain us. While suffering often whispers in our hearts of abandonment, the gospel speaks of the incarnation and nearness of Christ. Christ did not save us from afar. Rather, he stepped into our pain, carried our sorrows, and remains present by His Spirit. Zephaniah 3:17 asserts, “The Lo...