I recently attended the Evangelical Press Association’s yearly conference. I hadn’t been in a few years. It reminded me that my very first EPA conference inspired me to begin writing. Until that point, I’d only written for my job; never for pleasure. But a class taught by Mark Galli (editor of Christianity Today) inspired me to begin writing for fun. Lo and behold, about 6 years later, my just-for-fun writing led me to a book deal. So, thanks Mark! And thanks EPA! This is the first piece I wrote after that EPA conference. In fact, I wrote it on the plane ride home. It’s funny to see how my writing has evolved since this first article. Enjoy. Read the rest of this entry →

I’ve heard an awful lot over the past few years about tithing, or the lack thereof. There has been a push by many to say that Jesus never taught tithing, and even that the New Testament as a whole does not teach one to tithe as we see throughout the Old Testament. It’s not a new argument, it’s been around for years, but the no-tithe bandwagon has certainly become a popular one as of late. And of course it has. Who wouldn’t want to believe we aren’t required to give God 10% of everything? Especially in our me-first, money-first society. Read the rest of this entry →

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DISCIPLESHIP INK!

Just a few days ago Discipleship Ink turned one! After blogging for a year I must say I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. And as I do with every birthday (that’s a lie), I now pause to reflect on what I’ve learned over the past year.  (Actually, most birthdays I just eat cake, watch TV, and check my bald spot in the mirror. True reflection is rare.) So without further ado, let the reflecting (of more than just my bald spot) begin. Read the rest of this entry →

In the process of finding a publisher for my book, I’ve learned a lot about the current state of the business. I’m still a rookie in the whole scheme of things, but here’s a few things I’ve learned in my short stint in trying to get published. More specifically, here’s what NOT to do when trying to get published.

5) Avoid Facebook, Twitter, and all blogging sites like the plague. Believe social media is just a passing fad and that it could never help you sell your book.

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I’ve recently been signed as an author with Passio, an imprint from Charisma House publishers. My book will be released October 1st. I’ve submitted the manuscript and we’re now in the editing process. They sent me a preview of the cover, and endorsements continue to roll in! You can already pre-order it on here on Amazon as well as several other major book retailers, including Barnes & Noble.

Publisher:

Passio

(Charisma House)

Release date:

Oct. 1, 2013

BOOK SUMMARY:

Do you ever really think about God and your faith?

Darren Schalk was raised in a pastor’s home. He heard all the teaching, all the Sunday morning Bible stories, and could recite more verses than he cared to count. But, as he grew, he actually started to think about what he’d been taught, and it raised a few questions. Read the rest of this entry →

After my son’s first seizure, in the midst of fervent prayer, I heard God’s voice. He said Jake was, and I quote “ALREADY” healed.  I had the audacity to believe God, particularly when He confirmed it only moments later. But here we are,  4 seizures and one 4-day-ICU-stay later, and my son’s sickness remains. So, the obvious question is, “Did God lie to me?”

This is the question I’ve had to ask myself. Deep down I couldn’t possibly believe this to be true, but the question remained Read the rest of this entry →