Another Difficult Shepherding Case

by Tyler Dirks

There’s a long-time member of our church named Gideon. Gideon had over 5 dozen sons (with multiple women). One of Gideon’s sons received financing from his mother’s hometown community to hire worthless and reckless fellows to carry out genocide against his brothers. But the youngest of Gideon’s sons escaped the genocide. The youngest son of […]

Not As Important As I Think

by Tyler Dirks

When I was in middle school, Starter Jackets were “mandatory.” It was simply “unacceptable” to be without a Starter Jacket. So you can imagine my alarm when I did not receive a Starter Jacket for Christmas in 7th grade. I had known since October that simply qualifying for the popularity contest was contingent on owning […]

Manipulation?

by Tyler Dirks

ma·nip·u·late| məˈnipyəˌlāt | Handle or control, typically in a skillful manner. Control or influence (a person or situation) cleverly. pres·sure| ˈpreSHər | The use of persuasion, influence, or intimidation to make someone do something. Now it is superfluous for me to write to you about the ministry for the saints, for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal […]

Willy Wonka

by Tyler Dirks

Here’s what you need to appreciate about Willy Wonka… He is a stronghold for the oppressed (Psalm 9:9). Willy prioritizes the redemption of persecuted peoples, like the Oompa-Loompas. The Oompa-Loompas faced terrible hardships and peril in Loompaland (nothing but thick jungles infested by the most dangerous beasts in the world – – – > hornswoggles […]