Ben Connelly

Why Merge? (Part 1: Looking Back)

The City and Rooted are merging into one church family in Sept 2013. You can see the announcement video here (2 minutes), and learn more here. After getting several questions about this six-month-so-far process, I’m trying to answer some here. The first question that people seem to ask is “Why?”] Merger or Acquisition? It’s been … Continue reading »

How Did We Come to This Merger?

The City and Rooted are merging into one church family in Sept 2013. You can see the announcement video (2 minutes), or listen to the announcement sermon here (40 minutes). After getting several questions about this six-month-so-far process, I’m trying to answer some here. Before we really get into the questions, it has proven helpful … Continue reading »

Verge Network: “Building a Missional Family”

I got the opportunity to add a small part to some far greater resources, on building a missional marriage and family: Paul Tripp, Jo Saxton, Luma Simms, and Jayne Vanderstelt all share some great tips. Here’s the link to the Verge page; individual links are below. Building a Missional Marriage The Importance of the Gospel … Continue reading »

A Crazy Year; A Church Merger

I generally joke with folks that I write in spurts. This being first post since February proves that… Again. Here’s a bit of what’s been happening: A Crazy Year Our “Connelly family year” seems to run June through May, and on an all-day date to wrap up 2012-13, Jess and I reflected on the craziness … Continue reading »

Leadership Journal Article #2: “The Perfect Second Job”

“Not all jobs are created equal. Here are six things for the bi-vocational pastor to keep in mind…” That’s the byline given by LeadershipJournal.net for my follow-up article they published this month, following January’s “Five Perks of Being Bi-vocational.” Written specifically for leaders considering working in both “the church” and “the real world” (as the dichotomy … Continue reading »

Catch-up: lots of marriage sermons

“Bivocationality”: My Post for Leadership Journal

As The City Church turns three years old this week, I was honored that LeadershipJournal.net, the online version of Christianity Today‘s resource for “biblically faithful, pastorally practical writing” geared toward church leaders”(from their “About Us” page) published a post I wrote on the benefits I’ve found in working two jobs. I wanted to share a bit … Continue reading »

What I Learned About Mission from 18 Hours in Phoenix

Last week I went with a team to Phoenix, to the home office of an international missions sending organization (whose name I won’t mention for security reasons), in preparation to send a team from our church – hopefully the first of many! – across the world for the sake of the gospel. It was a … Continue reading »

Marriage: for happiness or holiness?

The City Church starts our look at marriage with a shocking truth: marriage might not be about your happiness! In all of life, God has one goal: to draw you closer to himself and show you that he’s truly the best thing for you. If you hope a spouse will complete you, meet every need, … Continue reading »