A regular Friday round-up of articles which I have found interesting / thought-provoking / challenging / amusing during the week, pointing you in the direction of some stuff you might have otherwise missed.

Very pushed for time this week, so no time for more than a series of bookmarked links. All of these are well worth following up though. There’s much I want to say on the subjects covered, but maybe some of you can provide your own commentary by adding your thoughts in the comments at the bottom of the post.

Thoughts, reflections and rants! Leadership

When Jesus came proclaiming the good news (Gospel) of the Kingdom of God he talked not of the big things of this world, but the small things, yeast, salt, mustard seeds. In the same way we approach faith not as professional leaders, but as children. The Kingdom has upside down values that we struggle with. We think success can be measured and quantified, but I do not believe God looks at success or failure, but on the desire to trust in him and place our faith in him.

(The comments are worth reading through, too)

Missing Generation: Be Bold, Be Strong

Why do we teach our children to be strong? Why do we tell them that once they’re a Christian they don’t need to be afraid? Why is strength a commodity we value so much, and weakness a trait for those who “aren’t quite there yet”?

Third Way: Every Day Is Like Sunday

God’s first blessing was not conferred on his chosen people, nor on the promised land, but on the universal Sabbath day of creation. This was the way Israel understood the Sabbath from the time of the Babylonian exile. God dwells in time. The Sabbath is the Jewish cathedral. On the Sabbath, time and eternity touch. The Sabbath is the mystical moment, the ‘present’ of eternity.

Growing Faith: Ten Tips for going to Church with your Family

Growing up in a family that didn’t go to church, I was determined when I married for ‘church’ to be the centre of our family. Of course, this was idealistic, and there were many moments when I thought it would have been easier to stay at home . . . I know that we should just go to church come what may as we want to meet the Lord, but are there any tips we can share about creating a positive attitude to what is a pretty important activity?

Theos: The Other Jubilee

The last thing on most people’s minds this weekend will be economic, social or environmental justice. That is not surprising or problematic. There is nothing wrong with wanting to celebrate the Queen’s sixty years on the throne or, indeed, to hold a good party. But as we celebrate that ‘jubilo’, we should strain our ears and listen for the distant sound of the ‘jobel’.

And finally, this is brilliantly done: