TimSchraeder.com

On  Tuesday, January 19, Cabrini Green Legal Aid and  Renew Chicago hosted a conversation with Dr. Tony Campolo entitled “Do Justice. Love Mercy.” Here’s a few notes.

Jesus came into the world with Good News for the poor.
Moses called the Jewish people to observe Sabbath …The Sabbath was three things: 1) the 7th day; 2) [...]

Blaine was inspired by Clay who was inspired by Chris… and yes it’s January 18, sort of a weird time to be declaring your goals for the New Year, but hey, that’s how I roll.
I’m over making resolutions but I love the idea of three words that you hope will mark your year. Instead of [...]

Matthew Paul Turner’s Twitter ID says it all: JesusNeedsNewPR.
It’s true.
Jesus needs new PR… the Church needs new PR.
The word Christian has moved from being a verb to a noun… and not a good one either.
To be Christian in the past meant you were following Christ, living out His call, acting justly, loving mercy, and living [...]

You know how God has to sometimes put something in front of us a few times before we notice it?
Well, for me, it’s been the simple phrase: God with us.
I’ve been thinking and pondering the significance of that simple statement… and was sort of oblivious to the fact that it was also the theme of [...]

‘Tis the season to give to your favorite charities, causes and organizations.
During this time of the year our attention typically goes to giving to people we love and causes we believe in.
When considering who or where I’d like to give to this Christmas, I didn’t have to look too far.
Andrew Marin is a great [...]

A welcome distraction in my day is emails I receive from many of you about different things we do at Park. I’ve decided to share the emails and my responses with all of you since I’m sure it could serve you and your churches, as well as answer some questions you are asking!
Here goes…
From Jenni [...]

If you pick up the latest issue of COLLIDE Magazine [I now subscribe to the digital edition], you’ll notice a familiar name on the cover.
Park was featured in COLLIDE’s Church Spotlight in their latest issue and the article features an interview with yours truly, our lead pastor Jackson, and Jason Widney our Media Arts Director.
Don’t [...]

Let’s be honest, most church staff dread missions week. [ Not to diss the very important, vital work of missions… it’s important… but missions week can be kind of a drag.]
Having grown up in a church that had a map of the world and pushpins to show every missionary we supported, missions was always a [...]

Texting has certainly changed the way we communicate. I’m notorious for not answering my cell phone. One of my friends’ voicemail  says, “Don’t leave me a message I don’t check them, send me a text.”
I think the only person I talk to on the phone for longer than 10 minutes is my mom. And that’s [...]

I’m going to old school here for a minute.
Remember rabbit ears?
No, not the ones your friend in high school or your Uncle Joe gave to people in pictures, but the rabbit ears that you used to have to use to get reception on your TV?
Yeah, it’s been awhile since most of us have had to [...]

As a communicator, two of the top challenges you often face are…

Getting your message to “stick” with people.
Communicating/coaching/helping people through change.

One book that has been on my “must read” list for awhile that addresses some of these issues is the book Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die by brothers Chip and [...]

“I can’t stand your religious meetings.  I’m fed up with your conferences and conventions. I want nothing to do with your religion projects, your pretentious slogans and goals. I’m sick of your fund-raising schemes,  your public relations and image making. I’ve had all I can take of your noisy ego-music.  When was the last time you sang to [...]