My Dwelling Place.

Mike Goeke, December 2009

I recently taught through the book of Philippians for the men’s Bible study at our church.  As is usually the case, I am quite certain that I benefitted from the study more than anyone else.  The book of Philippians is actually a letter written by Paul to the church in the city of Philippi.  The people of the church in Philippi were precious to Paul, beloved friends and partners in the ministry of the sharing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Paul wrote the letter while He was imprisoned (probably in Rome) for his own faith.  Even as Paul writes from prison, the letter is buoyant and upbeat. Read More

The Jesus Who Saves.

Mike Goeke, February 2010

I’m on a personal mission to wipe away the image that I call “children’s Bible Jesus.” I call it that because my first memory of this image graced the pages of my illustrated children’s Bible, but it is a familiar image culturally and worldwide. Read More

Gratefully Offended

– by Mike Goeke

As a pastor and as someone in ministry to churches and people all over the country, I have seen a growing trend over the last several years. It seems that we, as the church and as Christian individuals, spend a lot of time pulling back the outward expression of our faith for fear of offending people. Churches water down theology and their message to make sure no one leaves offended. People ignore the destructive, sinful behavior of their friends to make sure their friends are not offended. People seek community that is intentionally non-confrontational so that they will not personally be offended. Read More

A Challenge to the Conservative Church

Mike Goeke, August 2009

Since the news surfaced of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s (“ELCA”) decision to allow gays and lesbians in ‘committed relationships’ to serve as ordained clergy, I have been thinking about the fate of denominations in our Christian culture. I believe that while it is sometimes sad to see some of these denominations crumble, their breakdown opens new doors for the spreading of the Gospel. As crumbling, ineffective structures come down, new, stronger, more effective structures can be built. That is an exciting thought. Read More

A Stronger Foundation, a Stronger Church

Mike Goeke, August 2009

This past week, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (“ELCA”) voted to allow gays and lesbians in ‘committed relationships’ to serve as ordained clergy. As I read blogs and articles from conservative Lutherans and other Christians responding to the ELCA’s decision, I realized something curious and new in my own response. Read More

The Reality of Hope

Mike Goeke, May 2009

Last night I sat down with a group of friends and watched “Milk,” the recent movie depicting the life of slain gay rights activist Harvey Milk. I cried several times during the movie. I cried as the various outcasts came together in community for a common cause. I cried when Harvey’s disturbed lover hung himself. I cried when Prop. 6 was defeated and celebrated with Harvey and his followers. I felt their joy. And I cried at the end when Harvey was killed, and when the movie showed us the clips of the very real people who inspired the movie. Read More

Turning Away From Christianity and Towards Jesus

Mike Goeke, May 2009

These are not easy times to be a Christian.  I know that culture is increasingly against traditional Christianity and as a nation we are drifting further and further from our Judeo-Christian heritage, but that is not what I am talking about.  For me, the hardest thing about being a Christian is dealing with the ‘institution’ of Christianity. Read More

How to Make Influence From Scratch

Mike Goeke, November 2008

In the last several years, I have had the opportunity to travel to places in our country that are far, far away from Midland, Texas.Some of the places are far geographically, but many are extremely far from us culturally and spiritually. Read More