We need prayer – like breath and water. It keeps us alive. --Ciona D. Rouse from “Like Breath and Water: Praying With Africa” Last night I went to Africa. I didn’t catch a midnight flight out of Nashville International and head to Lagos, although I confess I might indeed do that sometime in the next … Continue reading Like Breath and Water
Category: Faith
Did God create Adam and Steve?
…After all God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve! For far too many years now the church of Jesus Christ has found itself divided over considerations of sexual identity, orientation, etc. This division is often characterized by name calling and shouting out trite statements like the one above, serving to undermine the church’s … Continue reading Did God create Adam and Steve?
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
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
Wish I Was There…
A year ago this weekend, I found myself sitting here: It was the terrace of the Pilgerhaus in Tabgha in the Gallilean region of Israel. I was there on a pilgrimage with 19 other clergy folks at the start of two weeks that was renewing and transformative. I can’t say enough how wonderful the fully … Continue reading Wish I Was There…
Wish I Was There…
A year ago this weekend, I found myself sitting here: It was the terrace of the Pilgerhaus in Tabgha in the Gallilean region of Israel. I was there on a pilgrimage with 19 other clergy folks at the start of two weeks that was renewing and transformative. I can’t say enough how wonderful the fully … Continue reading Wish I Was There…
What does it mean to be “post-traditional”
Okay, I was one of the early “post” boys to the United Methodist table, thinking about our place in a “postmodern” world, moving to thinking about “postcolonialism,” and even thinking about post-evangelicalism, post-liberalism, yada, yada, yada, and the list goes on. However tonight I was asked by a friend and member of my congregation about … Continue reading What does it mean to be “post-traditional”
What does it mean to be “post-traditional”
Okay, I was one of the early “post” boys to the United Methodist table, thinking about our place in a “postmodern” world, moving to thinking about “postcolonialism,” and even thinking about post-evangelicalism, post-liberalism, yada, yada, yada, and the list goes on. However tonight I was asked by a friend and member of my congregation about … Continue reading What does it mean to be “post-traditional”
What I would Have Said
This morning, I watched the inauguration of President Obama with 400 neighbors and friends at the Belcourt Theatre in Hillsboro Village. The viewing “party” was sponsored by Nashville for All of Us, the group leading the opposition to the English Only amendment being voted on in Nashville this Thursday. I had been scheduled to speak … Continue reading What I would Have Said
Pray for the Peace of Gaza
This past April, I had the chance to make a fourteen day trip to Israel. It was a life changing experience, one that I will carry with me throughout my life, and it has connected me with that place, and the people who live there. Sitting over here, thousands of miles away from that place, … Continue reading Pray for the Peace of Gaza
Stream of Consciousness on a Monday morning
I’m sitting at Panera in Green Hills this morning with a million different thoughts going through my mind. There are many plates spinning – our Advent happenings at the church, a number of community possibilities, and the gearing up of opposition to the English First referendum here in Nashville. Combine that with our economic recession … Continue reading Stream of Consciousness on a Monday morning
The Golden Years
One of the realities of being a pastor in an aging church is being confronted with all of the complications that come with growing old. Yesterday, I had to tell a woman that she would likely never return to her home again. She has reached the point in life that she really can’t care for … Continue reading The Golden Years
NYWC Nashville
The 2008 National Youth Worker’s Conference moves at the end of this week to Nashville, and I’m going to be there for part of the event. Are you going to be there? Leave me a comment and let me know. BTW, I would love to have some visitors for our 8:30 a.m. worship service this … Continue reading NYWC Nashville
Dear Pastor – The Anger that Remains
Dear Pastor, I need to ask your advice in a matter that has been bothering me. It seems like all of the sudden I have people reacting to the fact that I voted for Obama, both family and friends. One in particular said some pretty disturbing things, and I can just feel the hatred. I … Continue reading Dear Pastor – The Anger that Remains
Dear Pastor – The Anger that Remains
Dear Pastor, I need to ask your advice in a matter that has been bothering me. It seems like all of the sudden I have people reacting to the fact that I voted for Obama, both family and friends. One in particular said some pretty disturbing things, and I can just feel the hatred. I … Continue reading Dear Pastor – The Anger that Remains
Being A Values Voter
Earlier today I was listening to some podcast or radio program when I heard a woman announce herself as a “values voter.” “Yep,” I’m a values voter,” she said. An air of satisfaction dripped from her voice. “I decide who I will vote on based on a few issues – prolife, gay marriage, prayer in … Continue reading Being A Values Voter
In The Order of Things: A Sermon on Romans 13:1-10
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold … Continue reading In The Order of Things: A Sermon on Romans 13:1-10
Known By Our Fruits
Later, Obama came to the long table where Fanning and other members of a local First Presbyterian church were gathered. He held out his hand to her and asked, “How are you, ma’am?” but she declined to shake his hand. 'Socialist,' 'Muslim' Ugly reception for Obama - Politico Staff - Politico.com.
Hate and Disrespect Are Not A Christian Values
I just finished watching a YouTube video that left me shaking my head. It featured persons in Johnstown, PA entering a rally with one of the vice presidential candidates screaming epithets at a group of supporters of the other candidate. The language was coarse, and the sentiments shared played upon all sorts of stereotypes. Although … Continue reading Hate and Disrespect Are Not A Christian Values
Bevel
A top lieutenant to Martin Luther King Jr. was sentenced Wednesday in a Virginia court to 15 years in prison for incest for having sex with his teenage daughter.The Rev. James L. Bevel was a key architect of the 1963 Children's Crusade in Birmingham, Ala., and other pivotal moments of the civil rights movement. He … Continue reading Bevel
Only Wonder Understands 