Jeff McLain
@jeffmclain.bsky.social
Director at Water Street Mission • Pastor at River Corner Church • Blogger on Patheos • DMin Student • Goal: drink coffee & work on the boardwalk.
Pinned
Jeff McLain
@jeffmclain.bsky.social
· Nov 25
I'm a reflective continuist who started out as a disillusioned hitchhiker, event promoter, and spiritual pilgrim. I encountered Jesus in the Vineyard Movement.
Since then, I've borrowed many other theological influences, Quaker disciplines, and Anabaptism.
Pastoring in a simple Jesus community.
Since then, I've borrowed many other theological influences, Quaker disciplines, and Anabaptism.
Pastoring in a simple Jesus community.
Well, it’s time to bring out the Phillies gear.
As far as the Eagles, let us hope for a better season next year, and some more creator offensive coordination.
🦅
As far as the Eagles, let us hope for a better season next year, and some more creator offensive coordination.
🦅
January 12, 2026 at 1:31 AM
Well, it’s time to bring out the Phillies gear.
As far as the Eagles, let us hope for a better season next year, and some more creator offensive coordination.
🦅
As far as the Eagles, let us hope for a better season next year, and some more creator offensive coordination.
🦅
Next week I’m presenting part of my doctoral research, focusing on how it intersects with the contexts I serve every day. As I work through it from a social and cultural lens, I’d appreciate prayers for creativity, clear and coherent thinking, and the energy to write.
January 7, 2026 at 12:10 AM
Next week I’m presenting part of my doctoral research, focusing on how it intersects with the contexts I serve every day. As I work through it from a social and cultural lens, I’d appreciate prayers for creativity, clear and coherent thinking, and the energy to write.
Pausing between what was and what’s ahead.
Not resolutions. Practices.
Inventory. Gratitude. Patience.
Asking what we’re stewarding—and how.
A quieter way to enter a new year.
A Blog Post on @patheos.com.
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
Not resolutions. Practices.
Inventory. Gratitude. Patience.
Asking what we’re stewarding—and how.
A quieter way to enter a new year.
A Blog Post on @patheos.com.
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
What Was And What’s Ahead: Good Practices For A New Year
A New Year reflection on what was and what’s ahead—values, stewardship, habits, and choosing practices over resolutions.
www.patheos.com
January 1, 2026 at 7:14 PM
Pausing between what was and what’s ahead.
Not resolutions. Practices.
Inventory. Gratitude. Patience.
Asking what we’re stewarding—and how.
A quieter way to enter a new year.
A Blog Post on @patheos.com.
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
Not resolutions. Practices.
Inventory. Gratitude. Patience.
Asking what we’re stewarding—and how.
A quieter way to enter a new year.
A Blog Post on @patheos.com.
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
The Lord’s Prayer is more than something we recite.
It’s a revolutionary way of life.
I shared a few reflections after watching the documentary, The Lord’s Prayer from @angelstudios.bsky.social.
It’s a revolutionary way of life.
I shared a few reflections after watching the documentary, The Lord’s Prayer from @angelstudios.bsky.social.
Review: The Lord's Prayer Documentary with Dr. Brad Gray
Reflections on The Lord’s Prayer documentary with Brad Gray (Angel Studios) and how Jesus’ prayer forms a way of life.
jeffmclain.com
December 30, 2025 at 4:10 PM
The Lord’s Prayer is more than something we recite.
It’s a revolutionary way of life.
I shared a few reflections after watching the documentary, The Lord’s Prayer from @angelstudios.bsky.social.
It’s a revolutionary way of life.
I shared a few reflections after watching the documentary, The Lord’s Prayer from @angelstudios.bsky.social.
This year, Christmas forced a pause.
This post isn’t about pretending things are fine—it’s about building margin to face when they’re not. I also look back and reflect on my top 5 blog posts from this year.
An honest blog post on @patheos.com
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
#YearinReview2025
This post isn’t about pretending things are fine—it’s about building margin to face when they’re not. I also look back and reflect on my top 5 blog posts from this year.
An honest blog post on @patheos.com
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
#YearinReview2025
Finding Margin: A Review And Reflection Of 2025.
A year-end reflection on margin, family, faith, and resistance—finding a quieter, faithful way forward shaped by Scripture and presence.
www.patheos.com
December 28, 2025 at 4:05 AM
This year, Christmas forced a pause.
This post isn’t about pretending things are fine—it’s about building margin to face when they’re not. I also look back and reflect on my top 5 blog posts from this year.
An honest blog post on @patheos.com
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
#YearinReview2025
This post isn’t about pretending things are fine—it’s about building margin to face when they’re not. I also look back and reflect on my top 5 blog posts from this year.
An honest blog post on @patheos.com
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
#YearinReview2025
A review of Jan Milíč Lochman’s The Lord’s Prayer and why this theological book still shapes how we pray and live. #LordsPrayer
Book Review: The Lord's Prayer by Jan Milíč Lochman
A Book Review from Jeff McLain on The Lord’s Prayer by Jan Milíč Lochman, exploring theology, prayer, and lived faith.
jeffmclain.com
December 27, 2025 at 4:35 AM
A review of Jan Milíč Lochman’s The Lord’s Prayer and why this theological book still shapes how we pray and live. #LordsPrayer
A look at the New English Translation (NET) and why its clarity, transparency, and scholarship have earned a place on my reading shelf. #NETBible
A blog post on @patheos.com.
A blog post on @patheos.com.
Reading Shelf: The New English Translation (NET)
A look at the New English Translation (NET), its history, scholarship, and why its 60,000+ notes have earned a place on my reading shelf.
www.patheos.com
December 23, 2025 at 9:27 PM
A look at the New English Translation (NET) and why its clarity, transparency, and scholarship have earned a place on my reading shelf. #NETBible
A blog post on @patheos.com.
A blog post on @patheos.com.
A reflective review of Kevin DeYoung’s The Nicene Creed, affirming its theological clarity while asking how creeds can better form disciples and shape lived faith.
A blog post on @patheos.com
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
A blog post on @patheos.com
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
Reading DeYoung On The Nicene Creed: Reflections And Review
A concise review of Kevin DeYoung’s The Nicene Creed, exploring its theological clarity, historical importance, and limits.
www.patheos.com
December 22, 2025 at 9:39 PM
A reflective review of Kevin DeYoung’s The Nicene Creed, affirming its theological clarity while asking how creeds can better form disciples and shape lived faith.
A blog post on @patheos.com
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
A blog post on @patheos.com
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
This book by J.I. Packer is a practical guide to prayer. I reviewed "Praying the Lord’s Prayer"—what it gets right, where I wrestled, and why this prayer still shapes Christian life.
jeffmclain.com/book-review-...
jeffmclain.com/book-review-...
Book Review: Praying the Lord's Prayer by J.I. Packer
A review of Praying the Lord’s Prayer by J.I. Packer, exploring its strengths, limits, and what the prayer reveals about Christian life.
jeffmclain.com
December 18, 2025 at 2:34 AM
This book by J.I. Packer is a practical guide to prayer. I reviewed "Praying the Lord’s Prayer"—what it gets right, where I wrestled, and why this prayer still shapes Christian life.
jeffmclain.com/book-review-...
jeffmclain.com/book-review-...
Behold: the joy of the season.
Also behold: frozen toes.
Also behold: frozen toes.
December 14, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Behold: the joy of the season.
Also behold: frozen toes.
Also behold: frozen toes.
Reading Shelf, part three 📖
This week, I’m sharing why The New Testament for Everyone (NTFE) by N.T. Wright has become my go-to Bible for slow, prayerful reading. Clear, faithful, and surprisingly fresh—without dumbing things down.
A blog post on @patheos.com.
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
This week, I’m sharing why The New Testament for Everyone (NTFE) by N.T. Wright has become my go-to Bible for slow, prayerful reading. Clear, faithful, and surprisingly fresh—without dumbing things down.
A blog post on @patheos.com.
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
Reading Shelf: New Testament For Everyone (NTFE)
The NTFE (New Testament for Everyone) offers simple, accurate reading for meditation. N.T. Wright's dynamic, critical-text translation.
www.patheos.com
December 13, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Reading Shelf, part three 📖
This week, I’m sharing why The New Testament for Everyone (NTFE) by N.T. Wright has become my go-to Bible for slow, prayerful reading. Clear, faithful, and surprisingly fresh—without dumbing things down.
A blog post on @patheos.com.
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
This week, I’m sharing why The New Testament for Everyone (NTFE) by N.T. Wright has become my go-to Bible for slow, prayerful reading. Clear, faithful, and surprisingly fresh—without dumbing things down.
A blog post on @patheos.com.
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
"I can preach at you till I'm blue in the face,
judge you to death, and put you in your place.
I can feed your body, yeah, share the wealth,
and still lose my soul to the fires of Hell.
Love Speak."
Glenn Kaiser, Resurrection Band
judge you to death, and put you in your place.
I can feed your body, yeah, share the wealth,
and still lose my soul to the fires of Hell.
Love Speak."
Glenn Kaiser, Resurrection Band
December 9, 2025 at 1:36 PM
"I can preach at you till I'm blue in the face,
judge you to death, and put you in your place.
I can feed your body, yeah, share the wealth,
and still lose my soul to the fires of Hell.
Love Speak."
Glenn Kaiser, Resurrection Band
judge you to death, and put you in your place.
I can feed your body, yeah, share the wealth,
and still lose my soul to the fires of Hell.
Love Speak."
Glenn Kaiser, Resurrection Band
The world pushes for spectacle; God invites us to simplicity.
In this post, I share 5 quotes that I came across recently that inspire a "slow-cooked" life, where God renews the heart.
A blog post on @patheos.com
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
In this post, I share 5 quotes that I came across recently that inspire a "slow-cooked" life, where God renews the heart.
A blog post on @patheos.com
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
The Quiet Life Manifesto: 5 Quotes On Escaping The Noise
Simplicity is discipleship, not just an aesthetic. Read 5 quotes challenging us to choose a slower pace and lead a quiet life.
www.patheos.com
November 26, 2025 at 4:31 AM
The world pushes for spectacle; God invites us to simplicity.
In this post, I share 5 quotes that I came across recently that inspire a "slow-cooked" life, where God renews the heart.
A blog post on @patheos.com
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
In this post, I share 5 quotes that I came across recently that inspire a "slow-cooked" life, where God renews the heart.
A blog post on @patheos.com
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
I just released the next Reading Shelf post.
I’m walking through the God’s Word (GW) translation and why it’s become my favorite for new believers and for preaching at WSM.
Natural, clear, and surprisingly faithful.
A blog on @patheos.com
I’m walking through the God’s Word (GW) translation and why it’s become my favorite for new believers and for preaching at WSM.
Natural, clear, and surprisingly faithful.
A blog on @patheos.com
Reading Shelf: God’s Word (GW) For Everyday Readers
Exploring the God’s Word (GW) translation and why its clarity, faithfulness, and natural flow make it a powerful tool for reading Scripture.
www.patheos.com
November 21, 2025 at 6:14 PM
I just released the next Reading Shelf post.
I’m walking through the God’s Word (GW) translation and why it’s become my favorite for new believers and for preaching at WSM.
Natural, clear, and surprisingly faithful.
A blog on @patheos.com
I’m walking through the God’s Word (GW) translation and why it’s become my favorite for new believers and for preaching at WSM.
Natural, clear, and surprisingly faithful.
A blog on @patheos.com
Reposted by Jeff McLain
Sometimes God’s voice feels quiet.
In those seasons, I’m learning to root myself in values—anchors that help me stay faithful when direction feels foggy.
A new post on @patheos.com.
In those seasons, I’m learning to root myself in values—anchors that help me stay faithful when direction feels foggy.
A new post on @patheos.com.
When God Seems Silent: Naming Values For The Season
When God seems silent, root yourself in faithfulness. Discover how naming values for the season—like “intersections”—can help you listen and live with purpose.
www.patheos.com
November 12, 2025 at 1:38 AM
Sometimes God’s voice feels quiet.
In those seasons, I’m learning to root myself in values—anchors that help me stay faithful when direction feels foggy.
A new post on @patheos.com.
In those seasons, I’m learning to root myself in values—anchors that help me stay faithful when direction feels foggy.
A new post on @patheos.com.
Reposted by Jeff McLain
The quiet work you invest in your marriage becomes the legacy you leave. Little rhythms shape lasting love. #leadaquietlife
A blog post on @patheos.com
A blog post on @patheos.com
You Are What You Invest: Quiet Work Of A Healthy Marriage
A healthy marriage grows from what you invest. Small rhythms, intentional boundaries, and quiet practices build lasting love.
www.patheos.com
November 14, 2025 at 10:53 PM
The quiet work you invest in your marriage becomes the legacy you leave. Little rhythms shape lasting love. #leadaquietlife
A blog post on @patheos.com
A blog post on @patheos.com
The KJV vs. NIV vs. ESV debate is exhausting and, frankly, distracting.
I'm launching a new series: Reading Shelf: Six Bibles for Making Sense of the Scriptures. I'm exploring the six Bible Translations I use most.
A Lead a Quiet Life Blog post on @patheos.com
I'm launching a new series: Reading Shelf: Six Bibles for Making Sense of the Scriptures. I'm exploring the six Bible Translations I use most.
A Lead a Quiet Life Blog post on @patheos.com
Reading Shelf: Six Bible Translations For Meditation & Study
Bible Translations can be confusing. This series, Reading Shelf, explores 6 translations to bring clarity to your reading and study.
www.patheos.com
November 18, 2025 at 3:34 PM
The KJV vs. NIV vs. ESV debate is exhausting and, frankly, distracting.
I'm launching a new series: Reading Shelf: Six Bibles for Making Sense of the Scriptures. I'm exploring the six Bible Translations I use most.
A Lead a Quiet Life Blog post on @patheos.com
I'm launching a new series: Reading Shelf: Six Bibles for Making Sense of the Scriptures. I'm exploring the six Bible Translations I use most.
A Lead a Quiet Life Blog post on @patheos.com
Daddy-daughter outing with my second oldest.
Waffle House. All-Star Specials.
We’re about to put a serious hurting on some breakfast. 🧇
Waffle House. All-Star Specials.
We’re about to put a serious hurting on some breakfast. 🧇
November 15, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Daddy-daughter outing with my second oldest.
Waffle House. All-Star Specials.
We’re about to put a serious hurting on some breakfast. 🧇
Waffle House. All-Star Specials.
We’re about to put a serious hurting on some breakfast. 🧇
The quiet work you invest in your marriage becomes the legacy you leave. Little rhythms shape lasting love. #leadaquietlife
A blog post on @patheos.com
A blog post on @patheos.com
You Are What You Invest: Quiet Work Of A Healthy Marriage
A healthy marriage grows from what you invest. Small rhythms, intentional boundaries, and quiet practices build lasting love.
www.patheos.com
November 14, 2025 at 10:53 PM
The quiet work you invest in your marriage becomes the legacy you leave. Little rhythms shape lasting love. #leadaquietlife
A blog post on @patheos.com
A blog post on @patheos.com
“Give us today our daily bread” means trusting "Abba" for enough today, not stockpiling for safety or status.
And when we pray "our," we are remembering others.
If God gives us more loaves today, we share because we trust God will give again tomorrow, and that our sharing is an act of provision.
And when we pray "our," we are remembering others.
If God gives us more loaves today, we share because we trust God will give again tomorrow, and that our sharing is an act of provision.
November 14, 2025 at 12:38 PM
“Give us today our daily bread” means trusting "Abba" for enough today, not stockpiling for safety or status.
And when we pray "our," we are remembering others.
If God gives us more loaves today, we share because we trust God will give again tomorrow, and that our sharing is an act of provision.
And when we pray "our," we are remembering others.
If God gives us more loaves today, we share because we trust God will give again tomorrow, and that our sharing is an act of provision.
Sometimes God’s voice feels quiet.
In those seasons, I’m learning to root myself in values—anchors that help me stay faithful when direction feels foggy.
A new post on @patheos.com.
In those seasons, I’m learning to root myself in values—anchors that help me stay faithful when direction feels foggy.
A new post on @patheos.com.
When God Seems Silent: Naming Values For The Season
When God seems silent, root yourself in faithfulness. Discover how naming values for the season—like “intersections”—can help you listen and live with purpose.
www.patheos.com
November 12, 2025 at 1:38 AM
Sometimes God’s voice feels quiet.
In those seasons, I’m learning to root myself in values—anchors that help me stay faithful when direction feels foggy.
A new post on @patheos.com.
In those seasons, I’m learning to root myself in values—anchors that help me stay faithful when direction feels foggy.
A new post on @patheos.com.
Discover how Luther’s four threads—Instruction, Thanksgiving, Confession, and Prayer—can weave stillness and community into daily faith.
A blog post on @patheos.com.
A blog post on @patheos.com.
Threads Of Stillness: Learning To Let Scripture Read Us
Discover how Luther’s four threads—Instruction, Thanksgiving, Confession, and Prayer—can weave stillness and community into daily faith.
www.patheos.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Discover how Luther’s four threads—Instruction, Thanksgiving, Confession, and Prayer—can weave stillness and community into daily faith.
A blog post on @patheos.com.
A blog post on @patheos.com.
After church, we headed for the mountains — spending the afternoon and evening in Mauch Chunk (Jim Thorpe). The fog hung low, the train moved slow, and the evening walk reminded me how sacred simple days can be.
November 10, 2025 at 1:44 AM
After church, we headed for the mountains — spending the afternoon and evening in Mauch Chunk (Jim Thorpe). The fog hung low, the train moved slow, and the evening walk reminded me how sacred simple days can be.
This morning I am enjoying a daddy-daughter outing downtown with my oldest daughter. #iheartlancity
November 8, 2025 at 3:09 PM
This morning I am enjoying a daddy-daughter outing downtown with my oldest daughter. #iheartlancity
This week I concluded the Sojourn series with an examination of how in this season I find myself “post-everything.”
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
Sojourn: Post-Everything (Part Six)
A pastor’s journey beyond labels into post-everything but still following Jesus with simplicity, mission, and a quiet life.
www.patheos.com
November 4, 2025 at 2:12 PM
This week I concluded the Sojourn series with an examination of how in this season I find myself “post-everything.”
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...