Due to the great response we've received about the Missional Manifesto for the People Called United Methodist, we have created a separate site for you to review the document, express your support, and join in conversation on the future of the church.  Come check us out at http://www.missionalmethodist.org.

Earlier today I was reading a post by the ever supercilious Bishop Will Willimon in which he offered his critique of those who who questioned the bishop’s Call To Action initiative, suggesting in his take-no-prisoners fashion that those who asked questions of the initiative were simply invested in maintaining the status quo. “I am confident … Continue reading Casting a Vision for the People Called Methodist →

This is a continuing letter to a friend of my who was recently named as a new District Superintendent in his annual conference. You can read earlier installments, here, here, here, here, and here. Dear ________, During the past week to 10 days I’ve offered some of my thoughts on some of the things that … Continue reading Letter to an Incoming D.S.–The Final Chapter →

This is a continuing letter to a friend of my who was recently named as a new District Superintendent in his annual conference. You can read earlier installments, here, here, here, here, and here. Dear ________, During the past week to 10 days I’ve offered some of my thoughts on some of the things that … Continue reading Letter to an Incoming D.S.–The Final Chapter →

This is a continuing letter to a friend of my who was recently named as a new District Superintendent in his annual conference. You can read earlier installments, here, here, here, and here. Dear ______, You know it’s pretty arrogant of me, a simple country pastor, suggesting that I know anything about what is required … Continue reading A Letter to an Incoming D.S.–Part 5 →

This is a continuing letter to a friend of my who was recently named as a new District Superintendent in his annual conference. You can read earlier installments, here, here, here, and here. Dear ______, You know it’s pretty arrogant of me, a simple country pastor, suggesting that I know anything about what is required … Continue reading A Letter to an Incoming D.S.–Part 5 →

This is a continuing letter to a friend of my who was recently named as a new District Superintendent in his annual conference. You can read earlier installments, here, here, and here. Dear _______, I’ve spent some time on building relationships, which is a key component of your new job. In a sense, my next … Continue reading A Letter to an Incoming D.S.–Part 4 →

This is a continuing letter to a friend of my who was recently named as a new District Superintendent in his annual conference. You can read earlier installments, here, here, and here. Dear _______, I’ve spent some time on building relationships, which is a key component of your new job. In a sense, my next … Continue reading A Letter to an Incoming D.S.–Part 4 →

A Letter to an Incoming D.S. – Part 1 A Letter to an Incoming D.S. – Part 2 Dear _______, I’ve spent some time talking about the relational side of your new job, and the more I think about it the more convinced that it all comes down to relationships. In a very real way, … Continue reading A Letter to an Incoming D.S.–Part 3 →

A Letter to an Incoming D.S. – Part 1 A Letter to an Incoming D.S. – Part 2 Dear _______, I’ve spent some time talking about the relational side of your new job, and the more I think about it the more convinced that it all comes down to relationships. In a very real way, … Continue reading A Letter to an Incoming D.S.–Part 3 →

Letter to an Incoming D.S. – Part 1 Dear ______, As I suggested in the previous post, relationship building is a key component of the task ahead of you. It’s with that in mind that I offer my next proposal: 2. Don’t have district meetings. Instead create relational space. Almost every new D.S. that I … Continue reading Letter to an Incoming D.S.–Part 2 →

Letter to an Incoming D.S. – Part 1 Dear ______, As I suggested in the previous post, relationship building is a key component of the task ahead of you. It’s with that in mind that I offer my next proposal: 2. Don’t have district meetings. Instead create relational space. Almost every new D.S. that I … Continue reading Letter to an Incoming D.S.–Part 2 →

Last week one of my friends from seminary shared that he was about to be appointed as the United Methodist District Superintendent of a large city. As I usually do, I shared both congratulations and condolences. As we’ve chatted back and forth via Facebook, I got the idea of sending him a letter outlining some … Continue reading A Letter to an Incoming D.S.–Part 1 →

Last week one of my friends from seminary shared that he was about to be appointed as the United Methodist District Superintendent of a large city. As I usually do, I shared both congratulations and condolences. As we’ve chatted back and forth via Facebook, I got the idea of sending him a letter outlining some … Continue reading A Letter to an Incoming D.S.–Part 1 →

Way back when, when I was just a poor undergraduate student at Western Kentucky University (go Hilltoppers!!) I had the honor of studying under the guidance of William Lane. Bill Lane is known by many as the mentor to Christian artist Michael Card (yep, he was around WKU when I was) and was one of … Continue reading Questions and Answer…and the church →

Way back when, when I was just a poor undergraduate student at Western Kentucky University (go Hilltoppers!!) I had the honor of studying under the guidance of William Lane. Bill Lane is known by many as the mentor to Christian artist Michael Card (yep, he was around WKU when I was) and was one of … Continue reading Questions and Answer…and the church →

If you have ever read this blog (and there doesn’t seem much of a reason to do so anymore since I’ve been so scattered in writing) you will likely know that I have been a critic of the United Methodist Bishops Call to Action, and the subsequent flurry of activity to restructure the church into … Continue reading The Call to Justification, Methodist Style →

Originally submitted at Roku Adds an enhanced remote for playing games, plus extra connectivity options. Roku 2 XS Streaming Player It simply works.... By Jay the Preacher from Nashville, TN on 1/9/2012 4out of 5 Pros: High quality picture, Great value, Easy to use, Easy to set up, Compact, Built in Wi-Fi, Video selection Best … Continue reading My Review of Roku 2 XS Streaming Player →

And the baby was born, in a manger bed. Born of humble beginnings, so the Good Book says. Just an ordinary child, born in extraordinary times. Yes the baby was born, born to bring us new life. (c) 2003 by Jay Voorhees Singer needed badly, along with a fiddle, guitar, and mandolin break!!! But since … Continue reading While I’m at it, is there a bluegrass band looking for a Christmas Song →