Sermon: Make Me Wanna Holler

Habakkuk 1:1–4, 2:2–4 and 3:17–19 First Sunday in Advent November 30, 2014 First Christian Church Mahtomedi, MN My dad was always concerned whenever I did something with one my white female friends. I never really understood what was the deal. I had no interest in dating them, just hanging out with them. I went to... Continue Reading →

Volunteers Needed: Church Launch/Re-Launch Team

First Christian Church of St. Paul is looking for the curious, the energetic, the adventurous and others who are interested in relaunching this Mainline Protestant congregation as well as launching a preaching point somewhere in the St.Paul area. The Re-Launch/Launch Team is the group of people who are simply saying I want to be a... Continue Reading →

More Thoughts on “Hate the Sin, Love the Sinner”

A recent online conversation has led me back to the old debate about the phrase "hate the sin, love the sinner."* As I said back in 2012, I've never had the reaction that other mainline/progressive Christians seem to have about it. Blogger Ben Godsen shares why he feels we need to kick this phrase to... Continue Reading →

What’s Missing?

For the last few months, I've been following a blog called Via Media Methodists.  The purpose of VMM is: 1."To offer an alternative beyond the current polarization in The United Methodist Church; 2. To raise the level of discourse within The United Methodist Church; and 3. To practice what we preach."  After a few bit... Continue Reading →

Let’s Talk About Sex?

A few months ago, Methodist pastor and blogger Allan Bevere wanted my viewpoint on the argument that the acceptance of same-sex marriage will lead to polyandrous relationships. (Allan doesn't share that view, but is trying to answer that question.) I have to admit that I haven't answered Allan's question yet. It's not for lack of... Continue Reading →

Sermon: “Better Churches and Gardens”

This is the sermon I wrote for this Sunday back in 2008. “Better Churches and Gardens” Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 July 13, 2008 Lake Harriet Christian Church Minneapolis, MN Last Thursday night, I decided to do something that I haven’t done in a long, long time. Long before I could drive. Long before I graduated from... Continue Reading →

We Call Ourselves Disciples

My wife Jan and I have been members of First Christian Church of St. Paul for nearly 20 years.  We love the congregational focus.  We particularly embrace the dedication to the principles of wholeness and inclusiveness of the Disciples of Christ, that welcome everyone to the Communion Table with no exceptions.  We have recently rededicated... Continue Reading →

Why Being Nice to The Gays Won’t Save Your Church*

This past week, the Presbyterian Church (USA) meeting in Detroit, approved pastors being able to marry same sex partners in states where same sex marriage is legal.  According to Presbyterian polity, it still has to get the approval of the majority of presbyteries (there are 172) before it becomes the law. Judging Facebook and Twitter... Continue Reading →

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