I'm kinda over the phrase, "seminary didn't prepare me for this. I know that clergy use it as comic relief and a way to take out frustration, but the truth is that my seminary education (along with other life experience) DID prepare me for leadership during this time. A big shout out today to Candler…
5 Resolutions for the Local Church in 2019
For most, their experience of the Church universal is the local church. The local church remains the most powerful vehicle through which to spread God's love and grace. Despite what many numbers tell us, I still believe that some of the local church's best days are still ahead of it, especially within mainline traditions. Today,…
5 Ways to Really Keep Christ in Christmas
Yesterday, I saw a forgotten bumper sticker on the back of a car- Keep Christ in Christmas. It made me think of the manufactured “war on Christmas” that some groups have perpetuated in the last few years. Honestly, it doesn’t really matter if we are saying “Happy Holidays’ or “Merry Christmas” if we ignore the…
5 Things for Which I Am Thankful for at Thanksgiving
2018 has been giving 2017 a run for its money when it comes to civil dysfunction. Let’s be honest; things aren’t exactly getting better in our political and civil discourse. As a Jesus follower, my predisposition is towards hope, but that’s not exactly an easy path on some days. As we slow down and prepare…
5 Simple Ways to Create a Better Church Experience
Monday morning. The moment when I was able to properly reflect upon what happened at church the day before. The thing about being a pastor is the next Sunday is always right around the corner. You need to find time to reflect upon what happened the previous Sunday so that you, your staff, and your…
“Can We Use Em?” When Politics and Religion End Up in the Wrong Hands
Religious leaders, politicians, and the quest for power is a toxic mix. For those who seek to claim power for themselves, religion is held in high regard as a vessel. Religion to power is a reoccurring theme throughout human history. Part of the Cohen tape that caught my attention was the President asking this questions…
A Border, Two Pastors, and One God
$5,000 to $7,000 The local pastor and I were standing in view of Mexico’s border with the United States. The pastor knew the local neighborhood well. He knew the people-their joys and their struggles. For most, the biggest struggle was making ends meet for their family. Surviving each day. Our group was there building an…
The Wedding Sermon: 3 Things the Mainline Church Needs to Quit
A wedding sermon Of all the things that could possibly transform the mainline church, a wedding sermon? Think of the countless hours of meetings, the dollars spent on consultants and supposed experts, the physical and spiritual labor poured out, the tears shed, the failed strategies. When all else fails, it’s a wedding sermon that saves…
The Widow’s Might
Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I assure you that this poor widow has put in more than everyone who’s been putting money into the treasury.” Mark 12:43 Admittedly, I have a habit of associating much of what happens in the world with the Biblical story. This past weekend I managed to tie…
New
Danny, we will start in the deuce court. I’ve made three major changes in my life in the few months. First, I begun a new ministry with the Pension Fund of the Christian Church. Second, our family relocated to Carmel, Indiana Last, but not least, I started tennis lessons- at the intermediate level. We've…
