https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLjtDAKNp90 Where can we find hope in the current political context? For Methodist pastor Drew McIntyre, that hope took place in an empty tomb when Jesus rose from the dead. Drew and I talk about the distinction between hope and optimism, and the cultural pessimism prevalent in society today. We also look at the significance... Continue Reading →
Are We A Progressive Church?
Is First Christian a progressive congregation? The answer is complex.
Eastern Airlines and the Lost Cause
Sitting on the sidelines and calling potshots might be safe, but it can also keep unjust people or systems in power.
No, It’s Not Going to Get Better
Sometimes the light at the end of a tunnel is an oncoming train.
I Am Sure (I Think)
As a kid, I sometimes wondered if heaven existed. Since I couldn't see anything, did it really exist? I don't know if there were other nine-year-olds who were having existential thoughts, but I was. How do we believe something we can't see? But then there were those moments when something would happen that gave me... Continue Reading →
God Is A Concept.
When I was in journalism class in high school, I remember seeing a poster in the teacher's classroom that caught my attention. It was one of those posters that shows something like a big sky or the stars at night. At the bottom of the poster were these words: "God Is A Concept." I really... Continue Reading →
Sermon: “The Interactive Church”
I preached this on the Fourth Sunday of Easter in 2008, which is also called Good Shepherd Sunday. Acts 2:42-47, John 10:1-10 April 13, 2008 (Good Shepherd Sunday) Lake Harriet Christian Church Minneapolis, MN I'll admit it; I'm a geek. Some of you know I wrote the main article in this month's church newsletter. It's... Continue Reading →
Sermon: “But We Had Hoped…”
Luke 24:13-35 Third Sunday of Easter May 4, 2014 First Christian Church Mahtomedi, MN In the evening I went very unwillingly to a society in Aldersgate Street, where one was reading Luther's preface to the Epistle to the Romans. About a quarter before nine, while the leader was describing the change which God works... Continue Reading →
Repost: Church Planting; A Step of Faith
I'm not saying that pastor and other church leaders should not be paid. What I am saying is that in many cases, we aren't so willing to take a step of faith, in planting churches and in the funding of church plants and planters.
On Funerals and Christian Cliches
This past weekend, I was in Orlando, Florida for the funeral of an uncle. My Uncle David was the youngest of my mother's siblings dying at the age of sixty. Diabetes took it's toll on David's body and finally that body gave out. David leaves behind a grieving widow and five children, three of which... Continue Reading →
The Clockwork Pastor 