It's been interesting watching my Facebook feed today in light of the Supreme Court decision on the Affordable Care Act. What has made it interesting is seeing a number of mainline pastors kind of be so nakedly partisan. I guess it shouldn't shock me. Mainline Protestantism has long ago jumped into bed with liberal interests... Continue Reading →
Salvation for Jerry Sandusky?
John Meunier opines on the Jerry Sandusky verdict according to Wesleyan theology: God wants to save Jerry Sandusky. God can save him. But unless Sandusky turns toward God, he will be under God’s wrath. Even if he turns to God and receives assurance of his salvation, he will remain tempted powerfully by the sin that... Continue Reading →
I Miss the Old Mel White
I recently read an interview with Rev. Mel White. Most of you know him as someone who grew up as an evangelical, was a ghostwriter for many big evangelical stars and then came out as gay. I remember hearing about him in the mid-to-late 90s and back then he was kind of the SpongeBob Squarepants... Continue Reading →
It’s Not About Sex, It’s About Discipleship
So says Methodist Pastor Sky McCracken: Changing the stance on homosexuality in the United Methodist Church will not stop the loss of membership in the denomination. It's at best a red herring and at worst a lie to espouse otherwise. The Southern Baptist Church continues to lose membership; they are in their fifth year of decline,... Continue Reading →
Quotes of the Day
Tim Dalrymple:For every believer, the first question when confronted with a political issue is never “What does my party think?” Membership in a political party may be adopted for pragmatic purposes, but the believer is defined by his relationship with God through Jesus Christ. He takes every thought captive for Christ, submits all things to... Continue Reading →
A Theology of Inclusion, Part One
The church where I serve as Associate Pastor is discerning becoming and Open and Affirming congregation. As we talk about this, I have been grappling with how to view this theologically. I don't consider myself the greatest bible scholar or theologian, but I do think that as Christians we have to give a clear response... Continue Reading →
Autism and Contemplative Worship
Last night at church we held our first Summer Evening Worship. As many of you know, First Christian shares space with a UCC congregation and a Lutheran congregation. I shared an idea with the pastor of the Lutheran church about having a contemplative worship service during the summer and she took to the idea. We... Continue Reading →
Regarding Sharon Watkins’ Pastoral Letter
Last week, Sharon Watkins, the General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) released a pastoral letter regarding the denomination's stance on homosexuality. It was sent to all churches in the denomination and late last week, a letter came to the church where I serve as Associate Pastor. You can read the... Continue Reading →
Sermon: Water is Thicker Than Blood
“Water is Thicker Than Blood”Mark 3: 20-35 and 2 Corinthians 4:13 - 5:1June 10, 2012First Christian ChurchMinneapolis, MNEarlier this year, I chaperoned my parents as we travled to Puerto Rico so that my mother could see her relatives. It was a good trip, I got to see my Uncle Salvador who still doing well in... Continue Reading →
All in the Family…Or Not
Growing up in the African American church, I'm used to hearing people in a congregation being referred as Brother or Sister So and So. I remember the women who sit in the front of the church usually in dressed in white and they have always been called "The Mothers Board." I've been used to hearing... Continue Reading →
The Clockwork Pastor 