The last of my reflections on our new MCM vision statement which I'll highlight, addressing the baggage many of us have around "evangelism": mennochurch.mb.ca/article/1628...

Another one of my reflections on our new MCM vision statement, on following Jesus by listening to Micah: mennochurch.mb.ca/article/1623...

A reflection on our new MCM vision: "Follow me. That's the call of an itinerant rabbi to be with him, to learn his teachings, to imitate his way of life. It's the call of one who would be our Lord, commanding our allegiance, summoning us to his way of love." mennochurch.mb.ca/article/1622...

Another reflection on our new MCM vision statement: "People generally are drawn to church for the community and care; a faith commitment often comes after, and details of theology are typically secondary. Belonging comes before believing." mennochurch.mb.ca/article/1622...

One of my reflections on our new MCM vision statement, looking at what it really means to be a "flourishing church": mennochurch.mb.ca/article/1621...

I have a colleague whose name is Al. In these days of artificial intelligence and non-serif fonts, this can make for some funny, or just plain awkward, moments.

A few months ago Mennonite Church Manitoba approved a new vision and mission statement. Following that, I wrote a series of reflections on it. That statement and those reflections are here—and over the next couple of days I'll highlight some of my reflection pieces: mennochurch.mb.ca/about-us/vis...

I'm back! But here's the fine print: michaelpahl.com/2026/07/21/m...

My Online Presence

I’ve had an online presence of some kind for nearly 30 years, from coding my own course websites for my teaching in the 90s, to developing one of the original “biblioblogs” in the early 2000s, thro…

michaelpahl.com

I just spent 20 minutes on social media. It reminded me why I've spent hardly any time on social media the last couple of weeks. Keeping fighting the good fight, people. Nonviolently, of course.

Red flag: when someone talks about beliefs "essential" to Christianity or "the heart of the gospel" which are not found in any New Testament confessions or gospel summaries, or early Christian rules of faith or creeds.

This is just...sad. It's tragic. Genesis 1-2 isn't about the how and when of creation, but the who and the why—like all ancient origins myths. And many Christians have been fine with evolution since Darwin first proposed it. I suspect that Ken Ham has created more atheists than he has Christians.

I play violin in this terrific community orchestra. We've got a concert coming up Sunday, and it's gonna be good. If you're in Winnipeg or area, come on out!

Our puppy, after she has been ambushed yet again by our cat.

a group of people are standing in a room with the words " it is my intention if i may be so bold "

Alt: Dance scene from Pride and Prejudice, with Mr. Collins saying to Elizabeth Bennet: "It is my intention, if I may be so bold, to remain close to you throughout the evening."

media.tenor.com

If you're a Canadian trying to understand Trump 2.0 and how it affects Canada, here's a helpful article. (Probably also helpful if you're an American just trying to make sense of what's going on...) www.readtheline.ca/p/alex-muir-...

Alex Muir: What the various factions of MAGA think about Canada (if anything)

Trump sits atop a movement with real divides. But to the extent they share any consistent view on Canada, it's not good news for us.

readtheline.ca

I'm adding this to my pile of evidence to support the idea that there are two basic visions for humanity and human societies out there: 1. A segregationist vision. 2. An integrationist or pluralist vision. I know which one the New Testament points toward (it's not the first).

Hearing both sides equally isn't balance if the weight of evidence heavily favours one side. Hearing both sides equally isn't balance if the weight of power heavily favours one side. Truths the media needs to learn. Truths I am still learning myself.

Jesus said, "Blessed are those who have not seen me but still have believed" (John 20:29). If you're a believer today, that's you. That's me. Specifically blessed by Jesus.

Blue Jays!

Maybe this is an extreme. But it nicely illustrates a reality I've been noting for over a decade: Christianity is polarizing into two broad camps, each with a different Jesus, a different Spirit, a different gospel (2Cor11:4). Both claim biblical support, but they read their Bibles very differently.

"Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you'" (John 20:19). The resurrected Jesus' first words to his gathered disciples: "Peace be with you." Words so important he repeats them (John 20:21). May God's peace be with you—peace within you, peace among you, peace around you.

I had a terrific time this morning worshiping with Whitewater Mennonite Church in Boissevain! A wonderful Jesus-centred community in a great town.

"When Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself" (John 6:15). Jesus still does this, every time we try to make a "Christian nation." #NoKings

"They are defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus" (Acts 17:7). For Anabaptists, there are #NoKings but Jesus. And he's a king unlike any other. He gives himself for the world, and he gives his kingdom to the poor and the poor in spirit.

With anti-DEI rhetoric once again making its way from Trumpland to Canada, and especially the lie that "DEI" means "hiring unqualified people," it's time to tap the sign. ⬇️

Michael Pahl@mwpahl.bsky.social · last yr.

DEI hiring practices have nothing to do with simply hiring women, Black people, LGBTQ+ people, and so on, regardless of their qualifications. DEI hiring practices are about helping *qualified* people overcome social barriers to equal employment. Who doesn't want that?

"When Jesus was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him" (Luke 24:30-31). This is one way Jesus still reveals himself to us: in the breaking of bread, gathered together around the table.

"Then Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing'" (Luke 23:34). Of all the hard sayings of Jesus, this might be the hardest. Forgiving one's crucifiers. While hanging on the very cross they just crucified you on. Lord, have mercy.

You know, even if the Flames finish 1-81, it's still mission accomplished: beating the Oilers in Edmonton in the opening game of the season. #LifeAsAFlamesFan

Happy Thanksgiving! I'm grateful for many things, and one of them is living in Canada. Despite its flaws, which are real and at times seem overwhelming, Canada consistently ranks among the top countries in the world in terms of safety, political and economic stability, overall wellbeing, and more.

Growing up, I always wondered how people in Germany in the 1930s could allow fascism to take hold. In particular, as a Christian, I couldn't understand how *Christians* could allow that to happen. Now, watching the rise of fascism next door, I have at least a partial answer. ➡️

Jesus: "My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom belonged to this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over" (John 18:36). The kingdoms of this world are founded on violence—political violence, state violence, economic violence. God's kingdom is not.