Does God laugh? Is there any chance that God has a sense of humor? I am 100% certain the answer is YES. So the next question is, “What makes God laugh?” I think I have a few guesses…

For the past year I’ve been promoting a curriculum called The Quest For Holiness. In the month of September our churches around the world, in many languages, will be studying this material. Yesterday I noticed the front page of the curriculum sitting on my desk. It’s an introductory letter from yours truly explaining the material. I signed my name at the bottom of the page and placed my title under my name:

But when I glanced again, I was horrified to the core. Continue Reading →

I’m a firm believer in community. I harp on it quite often within the church. But my wife scoffs at me because I have a hard time practicing what I preach. She’s an extrovert, so connecting within groups energizes her. I’m an introvert, so community can at times be challenging. Pouring into others and connecting with unfamiliar faces takes an immense amount of energy so I have to work hard at it.

In fact, often times we expend way more energy than needed in Christian community because we put on a show. Everyone has to dress just right, speak just right, smell just right, and give just the right amount in the offering. Church can easily (and often does) become a place where no one truly sees anyone for who they really are. One common practice has always highlighted this for me: Continue Reading →

I’ve spent the last month working on my book. The few mental writing energies I possess have been thrust wholeheartedly into the first full edit required by my publisher. The release date for “Stuff I Hate About God” (October 1^st!) will soon be here! Some of my mental energies have also been focused on my failing septic tank, but that story is for another blog. I have a friend who is a germaphobe to the fullest extent. But in what seems to be divine retribution and irony, he has countless horrifying public bathroom stories. One is so horrifying he refuses to speak of it no matter how hard we prod. I’m starting to think some of my septic stories should fall into the same unspeakable category.

Anyway (great segue, eh?) in the midst of writing and rewriting my book, I realized a couple things about my writing style. Here’s  5 things I’ve learned while rewriting my book. Hopefully they’ll help you, as well.
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This is my first book review. And I’m THRILLED to be doing it on the new book from Tyndale called “Prototype: What Happens When You Discover You’re More Like Jesus Than You Think?” by Jonathan Martin.

The book covers exactly what the title implies: Jesus was/is our prototype for a whole new way of being human. There’s one quote that sums up the heart of the message: “When God called Jesus ‘my beloved,’ Jesus did something truly remarkable—He believed Him.” Continue Reading →

I recently attended the Evangelical Press Association’s yearly conference. I hadn’t been in a few years. It reminded me that my very first EPA conference inspired me to begin writing. Until that point, I’d only written for my job; never for pleasure. But a class taught by Mark Galli (editor of Christianity Today) inspired me to begin writing for fun. Lo and behold, about 6 years later, my just-for-fun writing led me to a book deal. So, thanks Mark! And thanks EPA! This is the first piece I wrote after that EPA conference. In fact, I wrote it on the plane ride home. It’s funny to see how my writing has evolved since this first article. Enjoy. Continue Reading →

I’ve heard an awful lot over the past few years about tithing, or the lack thereof. There has been a push by many to say that Jesus never taught tithing, and even that the New Testament as a whole does not teach one to tithe as we see throughout the Old Testament. It’s not a new argument, it’s been around for years, but the no-tithe bandwagon has certainly become a popular one as of late. And of course it has. Who wouldn’t want to believe we aren’t required to give God 10% of everything? Especially in our me-first, money-first society. Continue Reading →

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DISCIPLESHIP INK!

Just a few days ago Discipleship Ink turned one! After blogging for a year I must say I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. And as I do with every birthday (that’s a lie), I now pause to reflect on what I’ve learned over the past year.  (Actually, most birthdays I just eat cake, watch TV, and check my bald spot in the mirror. True reflection is rare.) So without further ado, let the reflecting (of more than just my bald spot) begin. Continue Reading →

In the process of finding a publisher for my book, I’ve learned a lot about the current state of the business. I’m still a rookie in the whole scheme of things, but here’s a few things I’ve learned in my short stint in trying to get published. More specifically, here’s what NOT to do when trying to get published.

5) Avoid Facebook, Twitter, and all blogging sites like the plague. Believe social media is just a passing fad and that it could never help you sell your book.

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“I appreciate struggle and doubt–I think they’re essential to thoughtful faith. So, I was encouraged by Darren Schalk’s honesty and transparency. His doubts, and ultimate faith in God’s grace and goodness, will be an encouragement to you on your spiritual journey.”

“This is the best book ever written in the history of mankind, second only to the Bible. You should immediately buy ten and give it to all your friends.”

—Karin Schalk Watson, Darren’s Mom

I’ve recently been signed as an author with Passio, an imprint from Charisma House publishers. My book will be released March 4th. You can already pre-order it here on Amazon as well as several other major book retailers, including Barnes & Noble.

BOOK SUMMARY:

Do you ever really think about God and your faith? Darren Schalk was raised in a pastor’s home. He heard all the teaching, all the Sunday morning Bible stories, and could recite more verses than he cared to count. But, as he grew, he actually started to think about what he’d been taught, and it raised a few questions. Continue Reading →