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,... Continue Reading →
“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... Continue Reading →
5 For the Next 500: 5 Changes I Would Like to See in the Church
It’s the beginning of the next 500 years for the Protestant Church. The first 500 really flew by didn’t they? A lot changed over those first 500 years, beginning with Martin Luther nailing his 95 theses to the door. I don’t have 95 things, but I do have a few I would like to see... Continue Reading →
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... Continue Reading →
A Thin Line Between Protest and Prayer
Colin Kapernick kneeled, Jemele Hill of ESPN spoke out, Steph Curry hesitated to visit the White House, and the President turned his racial prejudiced agenda against athletes and those who cover them. To quote Ron Burgundy, “that escalated quickly.” On Friday, the President referred to NFL players as “SOBs” and tweeted that those who did... Continue Reading →
Jesus Wept- In Defense of DACA
“I was a stranger and you welcomed me” Matthew 25:35(b) It is the easiest parts of the Bible to understand that are the hardest ones to live out. As the Trump administration prepares to end DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) I have a hard time seeing how Christians would support this action. If anything,... Continue Reading →
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... Continue Reading →
The Work of Christmas
This appeared today as the Christmas Day devotion for my congregation. Sandy Springs Christian Church. The child is here, and through him the whole world rejoices. I think we love Christmas Day so much because the world stops. We have some time to simply be. What a wonderful gift! Tomorrow, life will begin again, in... Continue Reading →
No More Apologies (or Labels)
"Oh, I'm not that kind of Christian." I have uttered those words more times than I can count. As a child, playing with neighbors, in the halls of middle and high school, in social gatherings in college, in offices I've worked in, and now, as an ordained minister, seemingly to most every person I meet.... Continue Reading →
