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 →
Shower the People
The pastor of a Disciples of Christ congregation in Colorado shows another way to help a church turnaround from decline: simply love the people: When I came to Mountair I had a close friend tell me to do nothing but love people for a year. I didn’t like that advice much. I saw so many... Continue Reading →
Trinity Sunday Sermon: "Come to the Table"
With Trinity Sunday coming up, I decided to share a sermon I gave on Trinity Sunday 2009. “Come to the Table”Isaiah 6:1-8, John 3:1-17June 7, 2009Trinity SundayFirst Christian ChurchMinneapolis, MNA few months ago, my partner Daniel and I were invited to have high tea. A friend of mine this in an auction and she invited... Continue Reading →
“Being There” (Version Two)
I will let you in on a little secret. This is actually the second version of the sermon I preached on Pentecost. I had written one sermon and it just didn't work for the situation. So, with about 40 minutes to spare before the service, I made some major edits. So, here is the second... Continue Reading →
How I Get Autism, Fears and Church Planting in One Post
I am not a good leader.This is not some confession of being guilty of some terrible sin, it's more of a judgement- I'm not a good leader. The people skills that others have, I don't have- at least not naturally. Being someone with Aspergers means having to learn how interact with people, something that is... Continue Reading →
Talking Back to the Strawman
As much as I love following and engaging in politics, I've have come to the opinion that politics is nasty business; especially for Christians and especially in these highly polarized times. The diversity of political opinion as well as healthy debate are hallmarks of a democratic society. My mom talks about growing up in her... Continue Reading →
Talking Back to the Strawman
As much as I love following and engaging in politics, I've have come to the opinion that politics is nasty business; especially for Christians and especially in these highly polarized times.The diversity of political opinion as well as healthy debate are hallmarks of a democratic society. My mom talks about growing up in her native... Continue Reading →
A Table, A Cross, An Elephant and a Donkey
Christ of the Polls by Stushie.There was a time in my life when I really loved talking about politics. I come from a family where my mother talked about politics constantly and still does. But these days, I don't enjoy politics as much as I used to. I still enjoy and I still blog about... Continue Reading →
Repost: Why Church Planting Matters
Jim, left and my partner, Daniel, right. From August 2010. As First Christian plans its future, a constant among the plans is to leave some money aside for to plant new churches. Both the Senior Pastor and I have made this a priority in what ever decisions are made. That has been met with some... Continue Reading →
Repost: Why Church Planting Matters
Jim, left and my partner, Daniel, right.From August 2010.As First Christian plans its future, a constant among the plans is to leave some money aside for to plant new churches. Both the Senior Pastor and I have made this a priority in what ever decisions are made.That has been met with some resistance. One person... Continue Reading →
The Clockwork Pastor 