Author Archives: Don Follis

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” … Romans 12:18—–In the new Steven Spielberg movie Bridge of Spies, Tom Hanks is described as “Standing Man” to emphasize the fact that he stood up for his beliefs. I really liked the film, as much as I likedContinueContinue reading “Living at peace with all people doesn’t all depend on you!”

In the Vineyard Churches, whose tribe I have been part of for the last 15 years or so, often I have heard leaders and others describe their philosophy like this: “This is very simple, folks — Love God; love people.”I like its simplicity, and often have used it myself.  I don’t know where the sloganContinueContinue reading ““Love God, love others” … It is that simple, and it is that hard!”

Today is the last Sunday of the Christian year — or Church or liturgical year.  This Sunday is called Christ the King Sunday.  In anticipation of what is to come, we recognize that even today Christ is king, we celebrate him and his reign.I remember way back in the way back when I was aContinueContinue reading “Today is Christ the King Sunday…”

Last night Jennifer and I joined good friends and saw the movie “Spotlight.”  Whoa, baby!  Very powerful and intense.  It knocked my socks off.  Made me mad; made me sad; made me realize leaders in the church are as broken as anyone else — no, even more broken; made me feel discouraged; made me cry;ContinueContinue reading “The Movie “Spotlight” reminds us how broken we all are…”

John Newton — Reformed slave trader … turned clergyman … and eventual writer of the hymn “Amazing Grace” said it this way: … I am not what I ought to be. I am not what I want to be. I am not what I hope to be in another world.  But still I am notContinueContinue reading “It’s all grace…”

I spend my days talking with pastors.  I hope it is the love of Christ that compels me to care deeply for those with whom I meet.  Even though I know I have a gift for what I do, it doesn’t mean I never feel inadequate.  After all, I am not an expert on PastorContinueContinue reading “Ministering to pastors: Coupling self-assurance with “I don’t know””

James 4:14 reads …”What is your life?  You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”This morning I read the following words by French philosopher Blaise Pascal, and I said to myself, “What a perfect explanation of James 4:14.” … especially last phrase (which I highlighted in red).Know then, proud man,ContinueContinue reading “Hello there … imperceptible speck of dust!”

Here’s my column in today’s Champaign-Urbana News-Gazette.  You’ll read about how my high school football coach took the chance to break a young 15-year-old stallion back in the day.  Not every crucial conversation has such willing participants, particularly one with a coach exhibiting such good emotional health.  But as you’ll read, might there just beContinueContinue reading “My first truly crucial conversation…”