Over the last three decades of serving as a pastor, I’ve come to understand that silence can sometimes feel safer than speaking up. When someone sets their course and locks in their agenda, even a well-meant caution or redirection can…
Reflections on How Praise Anchors Us in Hard Times Life has a way of pushing us off center. You know what I mean. There are seasons when things don’t go as planned, when losses pile up, and when the noise…
In July 1996, I stepped into full-time ministry—and what a journey it’s been! Over these 29 years, I’ve had the privilege of serving in four churches: three with Converge and one with the Christian and Missionary Alliance. I’m so thankful…
There’s a powerful but tragic figure in the New Testament that many people overlook. His name is Demas. At one point, he was part of the apostle Paul’s ministry team—mentioned alongside faithful men like Luke and Mark. In Philemon 24…
As Americans, we look forward to the Fourth of July each year. Fireworks, parades, family gatherings, and flag waving—all reminders that we are blessed to live in a nation where freedom is part of our identity. But for believers in…
After Sunday’s message from 3 John, I took a few extra minutes to talk about what’s happening in the world right now. With the recent U.S. bombing of Iran, the rising threat of global war, and increasing confusion all around…
When I first launched this site over 14 years ago, it was a place to share thoughts, links, and whatever seemed helpful at the time. A lot has changed since then—both online and in ministry. With new technologies, updated WordPress…
Follow the “Well Faith with Chris Teien” Message Podcast where Pastor Chris and guests share practical, Bible-based messages to equip and encourage people of all ages to connect to Christ the Rock and experience WELL Faith—Worshiping, Encouraging, Learning, and Loving.…
What if your faith could feel more exciting, more alive, more purposeful? Have you ever looked around and thought, “I know a lot about the Bible… I’ve been a Christian for years… but something feels like it’s missing”? You’re not…
Have you ever seen a tumbleweed roll across the road in front of your car? They look like dry, scraggly balls of brush just tumbling aimlessly, but there’s something surprisingly intentional about them: tumbleweeds spread seeds as they go. As…
Should We Still Say “Ask Jesus Into Your Heart”? A Fresh Look at a Familiar Phrase Have you ever heard the phrase, “Ask Jesus into your heart”? Maybe you even prayed that prayer at a young age. For many, it…
Trusting God sounds easy—until you actually have to do it. We’ve all been there. Saying, “I trust God,” is simple, but proving it by our actions, choices, and decisions is an entirely different story. I recently reflected on this during…
What kind of life do you want to live? It’s a question we don’t ask often enough—but one we must. At the end of our lives, will we look back with joy and satisfaction, knowing we lived on purpose, or…
At the heart of the Christian life is a call to grow and to reproduce. As we finish this series on what it means to be a “WELL Disciple”—one who Worships, Evangelizes, Learns, and Loves—we are reminded that the journey…
We all want to grow. In our spiritual lives, in our relationships, in our impact. But sometimes the path to growth can feel unclear or overwhelming. In a world filled with distractions, changing values, and endless opinions, how can we…