Michelle Van Loon
@michellevanloon.bsky.social
I write about faith, spiritual growth, and culture. Now available: Downsizing: Letting Go of Evangelicalism's Nonessentials. There’s always more to say. https://linktr.ee/michellevanloon
Did we stop asking this question when we took off the cheap plastic made-in-China bracelets imprinted with WWJD? Did we get weary of the slogan because fads are meant to be tossed? 1/2
November 16, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Did we stop asking this question when we took off the cheap plastic made-in-China bracelets imprinted with WWJD? Did we get weary of the slogan because fads are meant to be tossed? 1/2
For decades Evangelicals have sought to grow, grow, grow their congregations, ministries, and cultural influence. Just because it's big or seems popular doesn't mean those efforts are healthy or sustainable.
Jesus didn't speak about his kingdom in terms of org charts, building pledge drives, or 1/3
Jesus didn't speak about his kingdom in terms of org charts, building pledge drives, or 1/3
October 27, 2025 at 8:41 PM
For decades Evangelicals have sought to grow, grow, grow their congregations, ministries, and cultural influence. Just because it's big or seems popular doesn't mean those efforts are healthy or sustainable.
Jesus didn't speak about his kingdom in terms of org charts, building pledge drives, or 1/3
Jesus didn't speak about his kingdom in terms of org charts, building pledge drives, or 1/3
As the Hebrew calendar moves into the year 5786 at sunset this evening, this single word – shalom – is my prayer. May God grant us the gift of repentance and reconciliation with him that can empower us to pursue true shalom with others.
September 22, 2025 at 5:39 PM
As the Hebrew calendar moves into the year 5786 at sunset this evening, this single word – shalom – is my prayer. May God grant us the gift of repentance and reconciliation with him that can empower us to pursue true shalom with others.
It is Pope Leo's birthday today, and I just learned that the US Ambassador to the Vatican gifted him a chocolate cake from Chicago hometown favorite Portillo's to celebrate.
September 14, 2025 at 11:37 AM
It is Pope Leo's birthday today, and I just learned that the US Ambassador to the Vatican gifted him a chocolate cake from Chicago hometown favorite Portillo's to celebrate.
It was an excellent conversation with Cabernet & Pray host Jeremy Jernigan. We talked church and sipped wine as we did.
Here's the link to the podcast: www.jeremyjernigan.com/cabernet-and... OR youtu.be/EBzZk7-nc5s
Here's the link to the podcast: www.jeremyjernigan.com/cabernet-and... OR youtu.be/EBzZk7-nc5s
September 10, 2025 at 6:51 PM
It was an excellent conversation with Cabernet & Pray host Jeremy Jernigan. We talked church and sipped wine as we did.
Here's the link to the podcast: www.jeremyjernigan.com/cabernet-and... OR youtu.be/EBzZk7-nc5s
Here's the link to the podcast: www.jeremyjernigan.com/cabernet-and... OR youtu.be/EBzZk7-nc5s
We use the word "church" to mean a physical structure or institution as well as naming the people who follow Jesus. But if that isn't confusing enough, many people have experienced church as something like one or more of these descriptors?
August 28, 2025 at 2:12 PM
We use the word "church" to mean a physical structure or institution as well as naming the people who follow Jesus. But if that isn't confusing enough, many people have experienced church as something like one or more of these descriptors?
Sheba wouldn’t know chaos if it claimed to be her kitten.
August 27, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Sheba wouldn’t know chaos if it claimed to be her kitten.
It not only can happen here, it IS happening here. And my imagination is not stretching far enough to imagine a different script. I am not without hope, but I’d love to hear your thoughts on what can change the fascist future for my kids and grandkids. HT @karenswallowprior.bsky.social
August 23, 2025 at 12:22 PM
It not only can happen here, it IS happening here. And my imagination is not stretching far enough to imagine a different script. I am not without hope, but I’d love to hear your thoughts on what can change the fascist future for my kids and grandkids. HT @karenswallowprior.bsky.social
Whew. Grateful for kind words like these.
August 18, 2025 at 12:24 PM
Whew. Grateful for kind words like these.
If you’ve ever been a part of an unhealthy church, the realization may unfold for you slowly over time. Or it may happen like a thunderclap. One of my most memorable wake-up calls came in the form of a single word: teal. Click here to read more: michellevanloon.substack.com/p/teal-was-t...
August 6, 2025 at 2:41 PM
If you’ve ever been a part of an unhealthy church, the realization may unfold for you slowly over time. Or it may happen like a thunderclap. One of my most memorable wake-up calls came in the form of a single word: teal. Click here to read more: michellevanloon.substack.com/p/teal-was-t...
Today is release day for a women's devotional Bible unlike any other I’ve ever seen (and I used to sell Bibles in a seminary bookstore). I am honored to be among those who contributed commentary and insight to @TheMessageBible paraphase. I am looking forward to reading the Bible in their company!
August 5, 2025 at 11:43 AM
Today is release day for a women's devotional Bible unlike any other I’ve ever seen (and I used to sell Bibles in a seminary bookstore). I am honored to be among those who contributed commentary and insight to @TheMessageBible paraphase. I am looking forward to reading the Bible in their company!
Downsizing: Letting Go of Evangelicalism’s Nonessentials offers an unfiltered look together at Evangelicalism’s recent history and reflects on the movement’s legacy. www.amazon.com/s?k=downsizi... Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
July 29, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Downsizing: Letting Go of Evangelicalism’s Nonessentials offers an unfiltered look together at Evangelicalism’s recent history and reflects on the movement’s legacy. www.amazon.com/s?k=downsizi... Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
This month's Sage Forum newsletter is devoted entirely to summer book and flick picks from our team. What are you reading or watching right now? Check out the list and add your own recommendations.
open.substack.com/pub/thesagef...
open.substack.com/pub/thesagef...
June 30, 2025 at 2:21 PM
This month's Sage Forum newsletter is devoted entirely to summer book and flick picks from our team. What are you reading or watching right now? Check out the list and add your own recommendations.
open.substack.com/pub/thesagef...
open.substack.com/pub/thesagef...
We need this kind of courage right now.
June 29, 2025 at 6:12 PM
We need this kind of courage right now.
Whether you're a long-time Evangelical or watching from the sidelines, I'd love to hear a bit about your experience with the movement. You're invited to take this short 7-question survey and you can choose to be entered in a drawing for a book or a gift card: form.jotform.com/251734538122...
June 25, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Whether you're a long-time Evangelical or watching from the sidelines, I'd love to hear a bit about your experience with the movement. You're invited to take this short 7-question survey and you can choose to be entered in a drawing for a book or a gift card: form.jotform.com/251734538122...
"...I am not silenced by the darkness, by the thick darkness that covers my face." (Job 23:17) Job's refusal not to be silenced despite his losses, grief, and utter desolation offers me a way to pray in a world that is growing darker by the minute.
Image: Samuel Martins Unsplash
Image: Samuel Martins Unsplash
June 19, 2025 at 12:04 PM
"...I am not silenced by the darkness, by the thick darkness that covers my face." (Job 23:17) Job's refusal not to be silenced despite his losses, grief, and utter desolation offers me a way to pray in a world that is growing darker by the minute.
Image: Samuel Martins Unsplash
Image: Samuel Martins Unsplash
Downsizing: Letting Go of Evangelicalism's Nonessentials explores the history and impact of a number of Evangelical branches, and asks, "What (if anything) has this branch given to the broader church and culture?" Pre-order your copy today and join the conversation. www.amazon.com/Downsizing-L...
June 16, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Downsizing: Letting Go of Evangelicalism's Nonessentials explores the history and impact of a number of Evangelical branches, and asks, "What (if anything) has this branch given to the broader church and culture?" Pre-order your copy today and join the conversation. www.amazon.com/Downsizing-L...
What will endure from the various expressions of Evangelicalism that have sprung up during the last 50 years?
It's a question that asks us all to take a long, honest look in the mirror - including those still in the movement, those who've exited, and those who are watching from afar. 1/2
It's a question that asks us all to take a long, honest look in the mirror - including those still in the movement, those who've exited, and those who are watching from afar. 1/2
May 7, 2025 at 12:53 PM
What will endure from the various expressions of Evangelicalism that have sprung up during the last 50 years?
It's a question that asks us all to take a long, honest look in the mirror - including those still in the movement, those who've exited, and those who are watching from afar. 1/2
It's a question that asks us all to take a long, honest look in the mirror - including those still in the movement, those who've exited, and those who are watching from afar. 1/2
Praying for those who will choose the next pope, and hoping they select another person who once used public transportation when they could have ridden in a limo.
April 26, 2025 at 12:20 PM
Praying for those who will choose the next pope, and hoping they select another person who once used public transportation when they could have ridden in a limo.
I just received this email from restaurant reservation app Open Table. This is a gracious way to serve their customers. Churches and businesses, please take note. Mothers Day is a rough day for many.
April 13, 2025 at 10:51 PM
I just received this email from restaurant reservation app Open Table. This is a gracious way to serve their customers. Churches and businesses, please take note. Mothers Day is a rough day for many.
Looking for a book group summer read? Born to Wander explores themes of exile and pilgrimage through Scripture's story and contemporary life. Becoming Sage discusses spiritual and emotional growth in the second half of life. Both are 50% off today only at moodypublishers.com.
April 7, 2025 at 11:59 AM
Looking for a book group summer read? Born to Wander explores themes of exile and pilgrimage through Scripture's story and contemporary life. Becoming Sage discusses spiritual and emotional growth in the second half of life. Both are 50% off today only at moodypublishers.com.