Jeff McLain
@jeffmclain.bsky.social
Director at Water Street Mission • Pastor at River Corner Church • Blogger on Patheos • DMin Student • Goal: drink coffee & work on the boardwalk.
Pinned
Jeff McLain
@jeffmclain.bsky.social
· Nov 25
I'm a reflective continuist who started out as a disillusioned hitchhiker, event promoter, and spiritual pilgrim. I encountered Jesus in the Vineyard Movement.
Since then, I've borrowed many other theological influences, Quaker disciplines, and Anabaptism.
Pastoring in a simple Jesus community.
Since then, I've borrowed many other theological influences, Quaker disciplines, and Anabaptism.
Pastoring in a simple Jesus community.
The world pushes for spectacle; God invites us to simplicity.
In this post, I share 5 quotes that I came across recently that inspire a "slow-cooked" life, where God renews the heart.
A blog post on @patheos.com
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
In this post, I share 5 quotes that I came across recently that inspire a "slow-cooked" life, where God renews the heart.
A blog post on @patheos.com
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
The Quiet Life Manifesto: 5 Quotes On Escaping The Noise
Simplicity is discipleship, not just an aesthetic. Read 5 quotes challenging us to choose a slower pace and lead a quiet life.
www.patheos.com
November 26, 2025 at 4:31 AM
The world pushes for spectacle; God invites us to simplicity.
In this post, I share 5 quotes that I came across recently that inspire a "slow-cooked" life, where God renews the heart.
A blog post on @patheos.com
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
In this post, I share 5 quotes that I came across recently that inspire a "slow-cooked" life, where God renews the heart.
A blog post on @patheos.com
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
I just released the next Reading Shelf post.
I’m walking through the God’s Word (GW) translation and why it’s become my favorite for new believers and for preaching at WSM.
Natural, clear, and surprisingly faithful.
A blog on @patheos.com
I’m walking through the God’s Word (GW) translation and why it’s become my favorite for new believers and for preaching at WSM.
Natural, clear, and surprisingly faithful.
A blog on @patheos.com
Reading Shelf: God’s Word (GW) For Everyday Readers
Exploring the God’s Word (GW) translation and why its clarity, faithfulness, and natural flow make it a powerful tool for reading Scripture.
www.patheos.com
November 21, 2025 at 6:14 PM
I just released the next Reading Shelf post.
I’m walking through the God’s Word (GW) translation and why it’s become my favorite for new believers and for preaching at WSM.
Natural, clear, and surprisingly faithful.
A blog on @patheos.com
I’m walking through the God’s Word (GW) translation and why it’s become my favorite for new believers and for preaching at WSM.
Natural, clear, and surprisingly faithful.
A blog on @patheos.com
Reposted by Jeff McLain
Sometimes God’s voice feels quiet.
In those seasons, I’m learning to root myself in values—anchors that help me stay faithful when direction feels foggy.
A new post on @patheos.com.
In those seasons, I’m learning to root myself in values—anchors that help me stay faithful when direction feels foggy.
A new post on @patheos.com.
When God Seems Silent: Naming Values For The Season
When God seems silent, root yourself in faithfulness. Discover how naming values for the season—like “intersections”—can help you listen and live with purpose.
www.patheos.com
November 12, 2025 at 1:38 AM
Sometimes God’s voice feels quiet.
In those seasons, I’m learning to root myself in values—anchors that help me stay faithful when direction feels foggy.
A new post on @patheos.com.
In those seasons, I’m learning to root myself in values—anchors that help me stay faithful when direction feels foggy.
A new post on @patheos.com.
Reposted by Jeff McLain
The quiet work you invest in your marriage becomes the legacy you leave. Little rhythms shape lasting love. #leadaquietlife
A blog post on @patheos.com
A blog post on @patheos.com
You Are What You Invest: Quiet Work Of A Healthy Marriage
A healthy marriage grows from what you invest. Small rhythms, intentional boundaries, and quiet practices build lasting love.
www.patheos.com
November 14, 2025 at 10:53 PM
The quiet work you invest in your marriage becomes the legacy you leave. Little rhythms shape lasting love. #leadaquietlife
A blog post on @patheos.com
A blog post on @patheos.com
The KJV vs. NIV vs. ESV debate is exhausting and, frankly, distracting.
I'm launching a new series: Reading Shelf: Six Bibles for Making Sense of the Scriptures. I'm exploring the six Bible Translations I use most.
A Lead a Quiet Life Blog post on @patheos.com
I'm launching a new series: Reading Shelf: Six Bibles for Making Sense of the Scriptures. I'm exploring the six Bible Translations I use most.
A Lead a Quiet Life Blog post on @patheos.com
Reading Shelf: Six Bible Translations For Meditation & Study
Bible Translations can be confusing. This series, Reading Shelf, explores 6 translations to bring clarity to your reading and study.
www.patheos.com
November 18, 2025 at 3:34 PM
The KJV vs. NIV vs. ESV debate is exhausting and, frankly, distracting.
I'm launching a new series: Reading Shelf: Six Bibles for Making Sense of the Scriptures. I'm exploring the six Bible Translations I use most.
A Lead a Quiet Life Blog post on @patheos.com
I'm launching a new series: Reading Shelf: Six Bibles for Making Sense of the Scriptures. I'm exploring the six Bible Translations I use most.
A Lead a Quiet Life Blog post on @patheos.com
Daddy-daughter outing with my second oldest.
Waffle House. All-Star Specials.
We’re about to put a serious hurting on some breakfast. 🧇
Waffle House. All-Star Specials.
We’re about to put a serious hurting on some breakfast. 🧇
November 15, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Daddy-daughter outing with my second oldest.
Waffle House. All-Star Specials.
We’re about to put a serious hurting on some breakfast. 🧇
Waffle House. All-Star Specials.
We’re about to put a serious hurting on some breakfast. 🧇
The quiet work you invest in your marriage becomes the legacy you leave. Little rhythms shape lasting love. #leadaquietlife
A blog post on @patheos.com
A blog post on @patheos.com
You Are What You Invest: Quiet Work Of A Healthy Marriage
A healthy marriage grows from what you invest. Small rhythms, intentional boundaries, and quiet practices build lasting love.
www.patheos.com
November 14, 2025 at 10:53 PM
The quiet work you invest in your marriage becomes the legacy you leave. Little rhythms shape lasting love. #leadaquietlife
A blog post on @patheos.com
A blog post on @patheos.com
“Give us today our daily bread” means trusting "Abba" for enough today, not stockpiling for safety or status.
And when we pray "our," we are remembering others.
If God gives us more loaves today, we share because we trust God will give again tomorrow, and that our sharing is an act of provision.
And when we pray "our," we are remembering others.
If God gives us more loaves today, we share because we trust God will give again tomorrow, and that our sharing is an act of provision.
November 14, 2025 at 12:38 PM
“Give us today our daily bread” means trusting "Abba" for enough today, not stockpiling for safety or status.
And when we pray "our," we are remembering others.
If God gives us more loaves today, we share because we trust God will give again tomorrow, and that our sharing is an act of provision.
And when we pray "our," we are remembering others.
If God gives us more loaves today, we share because we trust God will give again tomorrow, and that our sharing is an act of provision.
Sometimes God’s voice feels quiet.
In those seasons, I’m learning to root myself in values—anchors that help me stay faithful when direction feels foggy.
A new post on @patheos.com.
In those seasons, I’m learning to root myself in values—anchors that help me stay faithful when direction feels foggy.
A new post on @patheos.com.
When God Seems Silent: Naming Values For The Season
When God seems silent, root yourself in faithfulness. Discover how naming values for the season—like “intersections”—can help you listen and live with purpose.
www.patheos.com
November 12, 2025 at 1:38 AM
Sometimes God’s voice feels quiet.
In those seasons, I’m learning to root myself in values—anchors that help me stay faithful when direction feels foggy.
A new post on @patheos.com.
In those seasons, I’m learning to root myself in values—anchors that help me stay faithful when direction feels foggy.
A new post on @patheos.com.
Discover how Luther’s four threads—Instruction, Thanksgiving, Confession, and Prayer—can weave stillness and community into daily faith.
A blog post on @patheos.com.
A blog post on @patheos.com.
Threads Of Stillness: Learning To Let Scripture Read Us
Discover how Luther’s four threads—Instruction, Thanksgiving, Confession, and Prayer—can weave stillness and community into daily faith.
www.patheos.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Discover how Luther’s four threads—Instruction, Thanksgiving, Confession, and Prayer—can weave stillness and community into daily faith.
A blog post on @patheos.com.
A blog post on @patheos.com.
After church, we headed for the mountains — spending the afternoon and evening in Mauch Chunk (Jim Thorpe). The fog hung low, the train moved slow, and the evening walk reminded me how sacred simple days can be.
November 10, 2025 at 1:44 AM
After church, we headed for the mountains — spending the afternoon and evening in Mauch Chunk (Jim Thorpe). The fog hung low, the train moved slow, and the evening walk reminded me how sacred simple days can be.
This morning I am enjoying a daddy-daughter outing downtown with my oldest daughter. #iheartlancity
November 8, 2025 at 3:09 PM
This morning I am enjoying a daddy-daughter outing downtown with my oldest daughter. #iheartlancity
This week I concluded the Sojourn series with an examination of how in this season I find myself “post-everything.”
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
Sojourn: Post-Everything (Part Six)
A pastor’s journey beyond labels into post-everything but still following Jesus with simplicity, mission, and a quiet life.
www.patheos.com
November 4, 2025 at 2:12 PM
This week I concluded the Sojourn series with an examination of how in this season I find myself “post-everything.”
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
“The [Lord’s] Prayer, in this short phrase (Your Kingdom Come), inverts everything that we have considered normal and redirects our hearts toward the rule of God.”
— David Timms
— David Timms
November 4, 2025 at 2:30 AM
“The [Lord’s] Prayer, in this short phrase (Your Kingdom Come), inverts everything that we have considered normal and redirects our hearts toward the rule of God.”
— David Timms
— David Timms
Sometimes God sends the smallest reminders that the light of the Kingdom is still breaking into our ordinary spaces. A quiet room. A cup of coffee. Then—suddenly—a prism of color rests on the scriptures.
God, help me learn to give thanks in the middle of the messiness of life.
God, help me learn to give thanks in the middle of the messiness of life.
November 2, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Sometimes God sends the smallest reminders that the light of the Kingdom is still breaking into our ordinary spaces. A quiet room. A cup of coffee. Then—suddenly—a prism of color rests on the scriptures.
God, help me learn to give thanks in the middle of the messiness of life.
God, help me learn to give thanks in the middle of the messiness of life.
The Lord’s Prayer flips the power dynamic of our lives:
It’s not me — it’s us.
It’s not my God — it’s our Father.
God is near, yet above us — not bending to our will.
My kingdom yields to God’s Kingdom.
My will bows beneath God’s.
The Lord’s Prayer reorders our lives around the power of God.
It’s not me — it’s us.
It’s not my God — it’s our Father.
God is near, yet above us — not bending to our will.
My kingdom yields to God’s Kingdom.
My will bows beneath God’s.
The Lord’s Prayer reorders our lives around the power of God.
October 31, 2025 at 2:53 PM
The Lord’s Prayer flips the power dynamic of our lives:
It’s not me — it’s us.
It’s not my God — it’s our Father.
God is near, yet above us — not bending to our will.
My kingdom yields to God’s Kingdom.
My will bows beneath God’s.
The Lord’s Prayer reorders our lives around the power of God.
It’s not me — it’s us.
It’s not my God — it’s our Father.
God is near, yet above us — not bending to our will.
My kingdom yields to God’s Kingdom.
My will bows beneath God’s.
The Lord’s Prayer reorders our lives around the power of God.
We claim “God is near to the brokenhearted,” but then try to look unbroken.
Real talk: pretending doesn’t heal us.
Vulnerability does.
Imagine homes, churches, and friendships where we stop hiding and start healing.
Honesty > Image.
Real talk: pretending doesn’t heal us.
Vulnerability does.
Imagine homes, churches, and friendships where we stop hiding and start healing.
Honesty > Image.
October 28, 2025 at 8:35 PM
We claim “God is near to the brokenhearted,” but then try to look unbroken.
Real talk: pretending doesn’t heal us.
Vulnerability does.
Imagine homes, churches, and friendships where we stop hiding and start healing.
Honesty > Image.
Real talk: pretending doesn’t heal us.
Vulnerability does.
Imagine homes, churches, and friendships where we stop hiding and start healing.
Honesty > Image.
Today, I am allocating some time to being resourced on building bridges in a changing world through funerals with Dr. Bill Hoy, in support of my responsibilities as a pastor at Water Street Mission and River Corner Church. This resourcing explores “Grief and Memorial Events” and “Memorial Anchors.”
October 21, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Today, I am allocating some time to being resourced on building bridges in a changing world through funerals with Dr. Bill Hoy, in support of my responsibilities as a pastor at Water Street Mission and River Corner Church. This resourcing explores “Grief and Memorial Events” and “Memorial Anchors.”
One of the commitments in my updated Rule of Life is taking each of my daughters on monthly daddy-daughter dates.
I pastor in two contexts, but I can’t let ministry win over family time. This helps win at home. This week, my second oldest picked The Pancake Farm, a trail, and the new Tron movie.
I pastor in two contexts, but I can’t let ministry win over family time. This helps win at home. This week, my second oldest picked The Pancake Farm, a trail, and the new Tron movie.
October 18, 2025 at 3:33 PM
One of the commitments in my updated Rule of Life is taking each of my daughters on monthly daddy-daughter dates.
I pastor in two contexts, but I can’t let ministry win over family time. This helps win at home. This week, my second oldest picked The Pancake Farm, a trail, and the new Tron movie.
I pastor in two contexts, but I can’t let ministry win over family time. This helps win at home. This week, my second oldest picked The Pancake Farm, a trail, and the new Tron movie.
One of the commitments in my updated Rule of Life is taking each of my daughters on monthly daddy-daughter dates.
These moments are special. They’re a way to honor who they are, invest in them, listen to what’s on their hearts, and model what healthy relationships look like.
These moments are special. They’re a way to honor who they are, invest in them, listen to what’s on their hearts, and model what healthy relationships look like.
October 18, 2025 at 3:23 PM
One of the commitments in my updated Rule of Life is taking each of my daughters on monthly daddy-daughter dates.
These moments are special. They’re a way to honor who they are, invest in them, listen to what’s on their hearts, and model what healthy relationships look like.
These moments are special. They’re a way to honor who they are, invest in them, listen to what’s on their hearts, and model what healthy relationships look like.
The Lord’s Prayer isn’t just a prayer — it’s a path and a framework.
It’s a path that leads us into confession and a framework that realigns our theology, priorities, and life with the kingdom of God.
It is prayed personally and communally—even when prayed individually, roots us in community.
🛤️
It’s a path that leads us into confession and a framework that realigns our theology, priorities, and life with the kingdom of God.
It is prayed personally and communally—even when prayed individually, roots us in community.
🛤️
October 17, 2025 at 12:13 PM
The Lord’s Prayer isn’t just a prayer — it’s a path and a framework.
It’s a path that leads us into confession and a framework that realigns our theology, priorities, and life with the kingdom of God.
It is prayed personally and communally—even when prayed individually, roots us in community.
🛤️
It’s a path that leads us into confession and a framework that realigns our theology, priorities, and life with the kingdom of God.
It is prayed personally and communally—even when prayed individually, roots us in community.
🛤️
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?
📖
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?
📖
October 16, 2025 at 11:20 AM
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?
📖
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?
📖
“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.
—Albert Haase, O.F.M.
October 16, 2025 at 12:09 AM
“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.
—Albert Haase, O.F.M.
My favorite Bible translations as of late:
- NET
- NIV
- NASB
- GW
- NRSV/NRSVUE
- NTFE
What are yours and why?
- NET
- NIV
- NASB
- GW
- NRSV/NRSVUE
- NTFE
What are yours and why?
October 15, 2025 at 8:15 PM
My favorite Bible translations as of late:
- NET
- NIV
- NASB
- GW
- NRSV/NRSVUE
- NTFE
What are yours and why?
- NET
- NIV
- NASB
- GW
- NRSV/NRSVUE
- NTFE
What are yours and why?
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...
🛣️ 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...
October 15, 2025 at 4:19 AM
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...
🛣️ 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...