Monthly Archives: March 2012

Why Ministry Training Must Change: forming learning communities

Posted on March 29, 2012 by Mark Love

I am fully convinced that situated learning, or learning in context, is the way to prepare ministers. I was dubious about whether learning that depended a great deal on online delivery would work toward these ends. I was particularly concerned … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian practice, missional leadership, missional theology, theology | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Buzz About Unclean

Posted on March 28, 2012 by Mark Love

Richard Beck’s book, Unclean, is getting outstanding notices. We’re thrilled to have him coming to Streaming this June 18-20, and to put him in conversation with Walter Brueggemann. (They will have a one-on-one chat at the end of our program). … Continue reading →

Posted in missional theology | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Why Theological Training Must Change: cultivating a God-centered identity

Posted on March 27, 2012 by Mark Love

The great NT scholar, Richard Hays, once spoke at a conference I hosted on the topic, Reading Scripture in Community. He made a brilliant presentation on “practices of the resurrection” that should inform the way we engage Scripture as a … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian practice, missional leadership, missional theology | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Why Ministry Training has to Change: leading where you are

Posted on March 26, 2012 by Mark Love

At 52 years of age, I am still in school. I am writing a dissertation right now for a PhD in congregational mission and leadership from Luther Seminary. There has seldom been a time in my adult life when I … Continue reading →

Posted in missional leadership, missional theology, theology | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Saturday Tracks:songs and seasons of life

Posted on March 24, 2012 by Mark Love

Today I will run with the Black Keys in my ears. I can’t get enough of them right now. I’ve always liked them, but these days I begin every genius playlist on itunes with either She Said, She Said, Everlasting … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Mercy, Not Sacrifice: Welcome to the table of the Lord

Posted on March 22, 2012 by Mark Love

I grew up in a tradition, the tradition in which I still participate, that practiced the Lord’s Supper every Sunday. It was impressed upon me by those presiding at the table that this was not a practice to be trifled … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian practice, missional theology, theology | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Why Ministry Training Must Change: we’re not in Kansas anymore

Posted on March 21, 2012 by Mark Love

No one has invested more in the way we have been training ministers for the past 200 years than I have. I have a BA in biblical studies, an MA in Christian history, an MDiv (the gold standard ministry degree), … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian practice, culture, missional leadership, missional theology, theology | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

Turkey, Islam, and Hospitality

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Mark Love

“Whoever gives you a cup of water because you bear my name will not lose their reward” Mark 9:41. I received some of the warmest hospitality I have ever experienced from Muslims in Turkey. We saw the sites–Hagia Sophia, Blue … Continue reading →

Posted in culture, theology | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Being Saved: living in patterns of trust

Posted on March 15, 2012 by Mark Love

In a previous post, I wrote that our own participation in the “word of the cross” is saving. Put another way, when the death and resurrection of Jesus becomes autobiographical for us, we find ourselves being saved. But what does … Continue reading →

Posted in missional theology, theology | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

My Trip to Turkey: standing where others stood

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Mark Love

First, stood is an odd looking, sounding word. Just saying. I haven’t blogged in a bit mostly because I took a trip to Turkey during our college’s spring break. You can have Florida. I’ll take a spring break in Turkey … Continue reading →

Posted in culture, theology | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments