At Christmas, the idea of family gets bigger. Beyond blood and tradition, the church becomes a place of belonging—formed by grace, rooted in fellowship, and united under the blood of Christ.
When Family Isn’t About Blood
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Allen Mowery
Allen Mowery is a storyteller and creative explorer whose work spans photography, writing, and media production. A nationally published photographer turned multi-disciplinary creator, he blends artistry, strategy, and human connection in everything he does. Whether behind a camera, a microphone, or a keyboard, Allen’s mission is simple: to tell stories that resonate and reveal the deeper layers of the world around us.
More Posts from Allen
A Christmas Story for the Chronically Human
Christmas arrives every year like a glitter-covered reminder that humanity is both beautiful and a bit of a disaster. Beneath the lights and the forced cheer, there’s a quieter truth: the miracle wasn’t in the perfection, but in God stepping straight into our mess. This reflective, slightly snarky take on Christmas explores the tension between wonder and weariness—and why the first Christmas gives us permission to breathe, be human, and find hope in the chaos.
Feeling It Doesn’t Make It Real: A Reckoning with Romanticism’s Lie
Romanticism taught us that deep feeling is proof of deep truth — that passion validates reality. But when the heart becomes the arbiter of what’s real, clarity collapses. This essay challenges that seductive legacy, asking what happens when emotion outranks truth, and whether the stories we tell ourselves are actually leading us toward wisdom—or further into illusion.
The Blessings of Assurance: Knowing Christ and Resting in the Truth Already Given
In 1 John 2:23–27, John reminds us that assurance doesn’t come from chasing new revelations or fresh “truth.” It comes from holding on to what God has already given — the gospel, the Son, and the Spirit who guards us from deception.
If you’ve ever battled doubt or felt pressured to look for something “deeper,” this passage brings you back to the simple, steady confidence found in Christ alone.
Abide in Him. That’s where assurance lives.
The Shepherd Who Became the Lamb: Psalm 23 and the Christ Who Fulfills It
Psalm 23 is more than a comforting passage—it’s a prophetic portrait of Christ Himself. The Shepherd who restores, the Lamb who was slain, and the Host who delights in His people. Every verse points us to Jesus, the One who leads us when we’d lose our way, walks with us through the valley, and welcomes us home to dwell with Him forever.
An Examination of the American Church’s Missionary Failures Abroad
Explore how cultural insensitivity, financial mismanagement, and neo-colonial attitudes have undermined the American church’s global missionary efforts. This article reveals how inadequate training for missionaries has strained local relationships and offers key lessons for fostering more respectful, accountable ministry.
United in Mission: Embracing Spiritual Unity in the Body of Christ
United in mission, our shared Gospel unites us to reach the lost and transform communities worldwide. Despite differences in doctrine, our commitment to Jesus empowers us to work together as one family of believers. When churches and missions join forces, we become a beacon of hope that overcomes darkness. Let’s stand united and shine His light across the globe.
Word of Faith Movement: Its Spiritual Dangers and Damaging Impact on Global Missions
Explore our critical analysis on how the Word of Faith movement’s promise of instant miracles distorts the gospel in mission fields. Learn how its transactional approach can undermine local communities and hinder genuine, long-term discipleship.
What It Means for a Church to Be Missions-Minded: Evidence and Impact
A missions-minded church isn’t just about local outreach—it’s about embracing the global call to spread the gospel. From supporting missionaries to creating a culture of mission in everyday life, discover what makes a church truly committed to the Great Commission and the powerful impact it can have on communities around the world.
The Missionary Welfare State: How American Missions Have Created Dependency Instead of Empowerment
For generations, American missionaries have brought the gospel, education, and humanitarian aid to communities in need, often transforming lives in powerful ways. Yet, in many cases, these well-intentioned efforts have inadvertently fostered long-term dependency rather than sustainable growth. Instead of equipping local churches and leaders to thrive independently, missions have too often created a system where foreign funding and governance are necessary for survival. We explore the unintended consequences of the “missionary welfare state” and calls for a radical shift in how missions are done—one that prioritizes local leadership, financial self-sufficiency, and true empowerment over perpetual aid.