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Jeff McLain @jeffmclain.bsky.social · 13h

What Scripture has been a lamp unto your feet?

For me, 1 Thessalonians 4:11–12 has been my filter, reminder, calling, and encouragement over the past five years — I am just starting to grasp it recently.

What key verse keeps you on track these days?

📖

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Jeff McLain @jeffmclain.bsky.social · 1d

“In our relationship with God especially, we are all infants, hitchhikers waiting for grace, beggars in need of a handout. To be human is to be in need. To pray, "Give us this day our daily bread," is to recognize our absolute dependency and existential poverty before God.”

—Albert Haase, O.F.M.

Jeff McLain @jeffmclain.bsky.social · 1d

My favorite Bible translations as of late:

- NET
- NIV
- NASB
- GW
- NRSV/NRSVUE
- NTFE

What are yours and why?

Jeff McLain @jeffmclain.bsky.social · 1d

This is my story, and I’m sticking to it—wandering, grace, and finding home in unexpected places.

🛣️ The Sojourn Series is live:
1️⃣ Becoming a Spiritual Pilgrim
2️⃣ Becoming Vineyard
3️⃣ Becoming Anabaptist

...more to come.

Blogs on @patheos.com!

www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...

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Jeff McLain @jeffmclain.bsky.social · 14d

“Once you recognize that church was never meant to be a spectator event, you’ll never be satisfied with less.”

A blog post on @patheos.com.

www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...

A Dangerous Reminder: Synagogues & The Shape Of Shared Faith

Exploring a first-century synagogue reminds us that early worship was participatory, communal, and shaped by shared faith in Christ.

www.patheos.com

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Jeff McLain @jeffmclain.bsky.social · 28d

Pray by Neil Cole, is a call to live dangerously by living prayerfully.

jeffmclain.com/book-review-...

Book Review: Pray by Neil Cole - Jeff McLain

Prayer is dangerous, transformative, and essential. In Pray, Neil Cole calls us to leave the harbor and live a life drenched in prayer.

jeffmclain.com

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Jeff McLain @jeffmclain.bsky.social · 29d

“All of humanity's problems stem from man's inability to sit quietly in a room alone.”

― Blaise Pascal, Pensées

#BePresent #SayNo #SitQuietly #LeadAQuietLife

Jeff McLain @jeffmclain.bsky.social · 29d

Thanks, friends! Blessings to you.

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Jeff McLain @jeffmclain.bsky.social · Sep 16

I’ve been reworking my Rule of Life and reflecting on what it means to pursue a quieter, more intentional way with Jesus. Here are 5 books that have deeply shaped me along the way.

A Blog Post on @patheos.com.

#RuleofLife #NowReading #JesusisLord

5 Books That Shaped My Rule Of Life And Quiet Life Pursuit

Discover 5 books that shaped my Rule of Life and quiet life pursuit, offering rhythms, habits, and spiritual practices for faithful living.

www.patheos.com

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Jeff McLain @jeffmclain.bsky.social · Sep 12

In my latest blog, I reflect on why “Just Say No” is more than a slogan—it’s a spiritual discipline we desperately need in our noisy world.

A Blog Post on @patheos.com.

www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...

Just Say No: Resisting Busyness And Undisciplined Living

From 80s slogans to biblical wisdom, “just say no” reminds us to resist busyness, distractions, and embrace God’s gifts with discipline.

www.patheos.com

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Jeff McLain @jeffmclain.bsky.social · Sep 10

The increasing violence in our country over the past few weeks has been alarming.

Is there a more suitable way to pray than to echo Jesus' words, "Deliver us from evil"?

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Jeff McLain @jeffmclain.bsky.social · Sep 8

Our busyness shows that we follow a false gospel.

We are swept up into a sea of busyness for progress.

A blog post on @patheos.com.

www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...

Beaten By The False Gospel Of Busyness

Busyness promises progress but delivers emptiness. Discover why Scripture calls us to resist the false gospel of busyness.

www.patheos.com

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Jeff McLain @jeffmclain.bsky.social · Sep 8

Starting in January 2026, children at River Corner Church will begin a 2-year journey through The Biggest Story—seeing how all Scripture points to Jesus.

You are invited!

The Biggest Story: A New Journey for Our Kids

Join River Corner Church kids on a 2-year adventure through The Biggest Story, discovering how all of Scripture points to Jesus.

jeffmclain.com

Jeff McLain @jeffmclain.bsky.social · Sep 7

St. Dimitri of Rostov’s The Inner Man reminds us: unceasing prayer isn’t about length, but frequency. A short book with deep wisdom.

Book Review: The Inner Man by Saint Dimitri of Rostov

A review of St. Dimitri of Rostov’s The Inner Man, exploring Orthodox wisdom on unceasing prayer and the inward life with God.

jeffmclain.com

Jeff McLain @jeffmclain.bsky.social · Sep 1

What if the church looked less like a place to attend and more like a conversation to join? Let’s push back on ‘normal.’

A blog post on @patheos.com.

Shared Learning: Rethinking What Church Can Look Like

At River Corner Church, we’re cultivating fifth Sunday conversations—reading Scripture together and experiencing shared learning.

www.patheos.com

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Jeff McLain @jeffmclain.bsky.social · Aug 27

I just posted 3 book reviews from my recent reading for my doctoral studies. Each book offered encouragement and a fresh perspective, and I think you may find them meaningful too.

1. jeffmclain.com/book-review-...
2. jeffmclain.com/book-review-...
3. jeffmclain.com/book-review-...

Book Review: Dirty Glory by Pete Greig

Pete Greig’s Dirty Glory blends story and teaching, showing how prayer transforms us and propels us into God’s mission and justice.

jeffmclain.com

Jeff McLain @jeffmclain.bsky.social · Aug 24

I am SUPER grateful for some quality family time today—bayside for hours in Havre de Grace MD, a picnic in Perryville MD, then home for movie night before sermon prep. Even with the pressures of what needs done, these moments remind me what matters most.

Tomorrow, back to doctoral studies.

Reposted by Jeff McLain

Jeff McLain @jeffmclain.bsky.social · Aug 19

Faith is a journey, not just a moment. Explore the Four Stages of Faith and Conversion that I see: calling, challenge, catalysts, and convergence. #FaithJourney

A blog post on @patheos.com.

www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...

Four Stages Of Faith And Conversion

Discover the Four Stages of Faith and Conversion—calling, challenge, catalytic moments, and convergence—as a journey of spiritual growth and discipleship.

www.patheos.com

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Jeff McLain @jeffmclain.bsky.social · Aug 23

“When Christianity is reduced to an all-encompassing ideology. those of us who live in the modern age are all too prone to be skeptical about its relevance to our life experience.”

- Henri J.M. Nouwen, The Wounded Healer

Jeff McLain @jeffmclain.bsky.social · Aug 20

“Idols in today's world are no longer made of gold, at least not in North America. No, in our contemporary context the preferred materials manufacturing idols are images and ideas, ideologies.“

- Kevin J. Vanhoozer (Everyday Theology)

Jeff McLain @jeffmclain.bsky.social · Aug 19

Faith is a journey, not just a moment. Explore the Four Stages of Faith and Conversion that I see: calling, challenge, catalysts, and convergence. #FaithJourney

A blog post on @patheos.com.

www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...

Four Stages Of Faith And Conversion

Discover the Four Stages of Faith and Conversion—calling, challenge, catalytic moments, and convergence—as a journey of spiritual growth and discipleship.

www.patheos.com

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Jeff McLain @jeffmclain.bsky.social · Aug 13

Four simple words—I·C·N·U—can change a life. Call out the good you see in others and watch God grow it. #Leadership #Discipleship

A blog on @patheos.com

ICNU: The Power Of Calling Out The Good In Others

Discover the power of ICNU conversations—simple, intentional words that can unlock gifts, inspire growth, and change a life.

www.patheos.com

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Jeff McLain @jeffmclain.bsky.social · Aug 12

God is still speaking. 📖👂

Through Scripture, people, experiences, awareness/common sense, and kairos moments—are you listening? #Faith #QuietLife #GodSpeaks

A blog post on @patheos.com

www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...

God Is Still SPEAKing: 5 Ways To Hear God’s Guiding Voice

Discover 5 biblical ways to hear God's voice today—because God is still speaking through Scripture, people, and life’s moments.

www.patheos.com

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Jeff McLain @jeffmclain.bsky.social · Aug 5

I just reviewed "Living Prayer" by Dennis Fuqua—an accessible, heartfelt guide to living the Lord’s Prayer daily. #Prayer #BookReview

Book Review: Living Prayer (The Lord's Prayer Alive in You) by Dennis Fuqua

A practical, heartfelt guide to praying the Lord’s Prayer in daily life—Fuqua helps readers to experience living prayer, not just recite.

jeffmclain.com

Jeff McLain @jeffmclain.bsky.social · Jul 30

In reading for my doctoral research, I found a practical and refreshing companion in "How to Pray" by Pete Greig. #LordsPrayer

jeffmclain.com/book-review-...

Book Review: How to Pray by Pete Greig

A review of How to Pray by Pete Greig—an accessible, Spirit-led guide to prayer that blends Scripture, history, and practical insight.

jeffmclain.com