Mike Peterson had some great things to say at a retreat we recently spoke at for North Coast Church. His words ended up inspiring me to write an article for Next Wave ... here it is.

What is the difference between there and here, we asked. Do they have better teaching or theology? No. In Russia we heard illuminating sermons on such subjects as what colors women were allowed to wear while picking mushrooms. Was it better music? No. In some places they invited us to sing and actually liked it... which shows you how bad their own music must have been. Was it better buildings? Certainly not. It was an old dormitory building in Siberia, a bamboo-walled structure in Bangladesh, a tent in Lesotho -- not much compared to even the church on the corner here. (read more)