Is a Denomination a Brand or a Something Very Different?

Earlier today a package from a friend at UMCom showed up in my mailbox. It was a CD of materials for a "multimedia package" for congregations to use during the Advent season. The good folks at UMCom have provided a theme for the season, "A Life-giving Christmas -- Keeping it Real" and will be offering … Continue reading Is a Denomination a Brand or a Something Very Different? →

A Co-Creator With God

I got an email today informing me that Ddani Aguilar died today, his spirit leaving this world and passing on into the other realm. I was privileged to work with Dani for several years during my time at UMCom, and we would occasionally cross paths as we wandered throughout the city. It was during one … Continue reading A Co-Creator With God →

The Purpose Driven Organization

My buddy Sam Davidson pointed me to the following video that is both entertaining and enlightening on the movement from being profit centered to purpose centered organizations. For those of us in church circles, it begs the question of whether our focus on "church growth" (with our profits being attendance and offerings) has led us … Continue reading The Purpose Driven Organization →

Prayer for a Saint Known From Afar

I learned this afternoon that Harold Frelix Jr. was killed yesterday in a motorcycle accident on I-24. Harold is a the son of Harold Sr., pastor of the Priest Lake Community Baptist Church, and after a stint in the military, was becoming a leader in the Antioch community. Harold and I were at best acquaintances, … Continue reading Prayer for a Saint Known From Afar →

And we listen to Pat . . . why?

Rutherford County Mayor Ernest Burgess and others scoffed at comments by nationally known televangelist Pat Robertson on his 700 Club program Thursday that Muslims could bribe local officials to expand their influence. "It's entirely possible," Robertson said during the broadcast following a report from his show about the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro's plans to build … Continue reading And we listen to Pat . . . why? →

A Last Minute Pitch

Next Friday, the girls and I will load up the car (and probably a small trailer given the stuff we need to take) and head down I-40 to the mecca of Southern United Methodism at Lake Junaluska. Lake Junaluska is a great place and our family has come to love it, but the main reason … Continue reading A Last Minute Pitch →

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 →

A final word…

Left or Right of Orthodoxy

One of the dangers of having an I-Pod Touch on my nightstand is that when I wake up in the middle of the night, I sometimes turn it on to read myself back to sleep, only to find myself driven more fully awake by something I read. That is the reason that I'm up at … Continue reading Left or Right of Orthodoxy →

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) →

The Benefit of Being Connectional

For several years now I have heard friends throughout the states belittle the value of denominations in our country. “We are in a post-denominational world” they say. “Denominational structures get in the way of ministry. Why do you continue on a a dying system?” There are many days when I agree with them, many days … Continue reading The Benefit of Being Connectional →

The Congregational Footprint

One of the dangers we preacher folks tend to fall into when evaluating the ministries of our congregations is to focus on the metrics of participation, membership, and financial giving. There are good reasons for this, from denominational expectations around those numbers to the fact that these numbers have the most impact on our day … Continue reading The Congregational Footprint →

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 →

Song of the Moment — We Are One

This song just spewed forth from some deep places in where God is speaking to me. Some day I will get around to recording it so you can know the tune, but here are the lyrics: We Are One We are one gathered here together in your name. We are one Lifting up our hearts … Continue reading Song of the Moment — We Are One →

A Prayer for Meharry

Ed. Note: Last week I was invited to offer the invocation at the opening convocation of the Meharry Medical College, a historic institution that has trained doctors for the African American community since 1876, located in Nashville, TN. This is the prayer that I offered at that event. Creating God, giver of life and sustainer … Continue reading A Prayer for Meharry →