This is the sermon I preached today in my last official act as the pastor of the Antioch United Methodist Church. Next Sunday, I will begin my tenure as the Senior Pastor of the Old Hickory United Methodist Church. The text for today’s sermon was Ephesians 4:1-16. Three million, six hundred and eighty nine thousand, … Continue reading A final word…
Category: Ministry
A final word…
This is the sermon I preached today in my last official act as the pastor of the Antioch United Methodist Church. Next Sunday, I will begin my tenure as the Senior Pastor of the Old Hickory United Methodist Church. The text for today’s sermon was Ephesians 4:1-16. Three million, six hundred and eighty nine thousand, … Continue reading A final word…
Betwixt Here and There — The Consultation Dance
This past January, after much prayer and soul searching (and a bit of divine revelation) I informed my Staff Parish Relations Committee of my intention to ask to be appointed to another church. I have been at Antioch UMC for seven years and have had a good ministry. I wasn't facing any mutiny in the … Continue reading Betwixt Here and There — The Consultation Dance
Raining on the Parade: The Failure to Support New Potential Clergy
Ed note: It's been a while since I have written here, partially because I have moved my Nashville social commentary to http://justnashville.wordpress.com, but partially because I really haven't had much to say. I am hoping that recent changes in my schedule will allow for more commentary here on faith and life in in the United … Continue reading Raining on the Parade: The Failure to Support New Potential Clergy
Did David Gamble Misspeak?
I stumbled today on the recent controversy in British Methodist circles about the comments made by David Gamble, President of The Methodist Church in Great Britain. Folks across the pond seem bent out of shape over a speech he made to Church of England’s General Synod which is being interpreted as an expression of desire … Continue reading Did David Gamble Misspeak?
The Missional/Relational Dilemma (The Flip Side)
As I've thought about the comments on my last post, it seems that somehow folks think I am arguing for an "either/or" perspective on a congregation's focusing on mission and relationship. Obviously, from the beginning of this entire church thing, relationships have been important. The early Christians gathered regularly for the breaking of bread and … Continue reading The Missional/Relational Dilemma (The Flip Side)
Trunk or Treat and Being Neighbors
Yes, I should be working on the sermon tonight, but as often happens I have to take a break to exercise the thoughts that burst forth when my mind goes into full gear. Tonight’s revolves around a comment Kay made earlier about the lack of “trick or treaters” in the neighborhood. Several years ago our … Continue reading Trunk or Treat and Being Neighbors
What’s Up In Worship
Phil Dillingham is a friend in ministry, a neighbor, and the pastor of the Priest Lake Christian Fellowship here in Antioch. Priest Lake is an interesting place, birthed in the charismatic renewal of the traditional Churches of Christ here in Nashville. It’s a place that doesn’t get much publicity, and Phil is a pastor who … Continue reading What’s Up In Worship
What’s Up In Worship
Phil Dillingham is a friend in ministry, a neighbor, and the pastor of the Priest Lake Christian Fellowship here in Antioch. Priest Lake is an interesting place, birthed in the charismatic renewal of the traditional Churches of Christ here in Nashville. It’s a place that doesn’t get much publicity, and Phil is a pastor who … Continue reading What’s Up In Worship
Failing To Trust Ourselves
Yesterday I made the mistake of posting an obscure scream on Twitter about a frustration I was feeling in regards to what seems to be an increasing trend in United Methodist leadership. Many seemed confused by my comment that it seemed to me at the time that leaders in our communion seem to think being … Continue reading Failing To Trust Ourselves
The Church of our Youth
There has been a conversation that I’ve had many times during my ministry when I am talking with folks about why they chose to be a part our church… Me: So, why have you decided to hang around? What is it about our church that you find appealing? Them: Well, it reminds me of … Continue reading The Church of our Youth
Sally Morgenthaller @ TN Annual Conference, Session 3
Live blogging Sally Morgenthaller’s presentation to the TN Annual Conference 2009 Starts out with a clip from Ice Age How would you tell some of the parables in images like was done in the clip? Henri Nouwen saw the great painting of the prodigal son in Leningrad, which opened up the entire painting, leading to … Continue reading Sally Morgenthaller @ TN Annual Conference, Session 3
Sally Morgenthaler @ TN Annual Conference, Session 2
Live blogging from the stage of Sally Morgenthaler’s presentation to the Tennessee Annual Conference. Sally is the founder of Sacramentis, and a reknowned leader in the area of worship. I’m not sure the outline form really works for this, but bullet points don’t work in this template, so bear with me… Are you ready to … Continue reading Sally Morgenthaler @ TN Annual Conference, Session 2
Sally Morgenthaler @ TN Annual Conference – Session 1
Live blogging from the stage of Sally Morgenthaler’s presentation to the Tennessee Annual Conference. Sally is the founder of Sacramentis, and a reknowned leader in the area of worship. Revelation 5 as a model of passionate worship. What are you passionate about? Sally’s recent passions – Family grandchilds: Nathan and Roman Family is a passion … Continue reading Sally Morgenthaler @ TN Annual Conference – Session 1
Sally Morgenthaler @ TN Annual Conference – Session 1
Live blogging from the stage of Sally Morgenthaler’s presentation to the Tennessee Annual Conference. Sally is the founder of Sacramentis, and a reknowned leader in the area of worship. Revelation 5 as a model of passionate worship. What are you passionate about? Sally’s recent passions – Family grandchilds: Nathan and Roman Family is a passion … Continue reading Sally Morgenthaler @ TN Annual Conference – Session 1
Belief, Practices, and Re-Thinking Church
I’ve been re-reading Tom Frank’s excellent book, The Soul of the Congregation and while this thought is usually before me, it jumped out at me tonight as a good reminder: …people generally do not adopt a set of beliefs called “Christianity” and then pick out a church in which to express them. People become “Christian” … Continue reading Belief, Practices, and Re-Thinking Church
Nashville must support General Hospital
April 26,2009 written by Rev. Jay Voorhees As a pastor, I spend a lot of time in area hospitals. Fortunately, when most of us seek healing in a hospital, we trust that insurance will cover most of the bill. However, for growing numbers of Nashvillians, money is a huge concern when they need health care. … Continue reading Nashville must support General Hospital
A point of comparison…
Given my last post, here is our "traditional" service, which continues to meet at 10:30 a.m. Your comments are welcome. See the worship guide after the jump.
Tomorrow’s Order of Worship for prime::
prime:: is our contemporary/comtemplative service at AUMC, which we hold every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Frankly we would probably be better served holding this service at a different time, but we have a faithful crew of 10 to 20 that show up every Sunday, and so far we haven't had a clear call to move … Continue reading Tomorrow’s Order of Worship for prime::
A Preacher’s Rant on Weddings
This past weekend, in a fit of pique that was probably less than appropriate, I left a comment on Twitter that I was thinking about forgoing officiating at weddings for any couple under the age of 25. As I should have expected, I received all sorts of comments from folks who had married young and … Continue reading A Preacher’s Rant on Weddings
Only Wonder Understands 