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Moving to California in 3 Easy Steps
Moving from Nebraska to California included quite a few adventures. And it started before we moved…
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Seeking Hope in the Soap (Opera)
I’ve been thinking a lot about privilege and what it means in a diverse community. I had a chance to explore that recently in a sermon in the new congregation where I’ve been appointed.
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Unlikely Leaders
A few weeks ago, I preached on the story of Mary and Martha in the Gospel of Luke (see Luke 10:38-42)…
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More on the Bible & Homosexuality
I’ve been pretty clear previously on my stance around issues of homosexuality. See one of my earlier posts on the subject here. I continue to be outspoken. And I will not be silent. And I’m not alone. So why do I choose to continue to speak out? A 2009 book by Dr. Jack Rogers (Professor […]
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Bible-Based Sermons
There seem to be two basic ways that preachers organize their sermons. One group is “topical,” taking a topic and using several scripture texts to support it. The other is “textual,” taking one scripture text and exploring how it applies to the world today. Do you prefer one to the other? I do…
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On the “Guaranteed Appointment”
Many United Methodist clergy are feeling some wonder at how a recent decision by General Conference to end the tradition of “guaranteed appointments” for clergy might affect their futures. Some see hope and others don’t. And many see a broken promise.
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Mainline Hope
In the midst of membership decline among many mainline denominations, there’s hope & possibility.
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The “E” Word
The perception of evangelism seems to me to be pretty bleak. Is it possible to think of evangelism as anything other than a four-letter-word?
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What Happened to Miracles?
All four of the Gospels tell a story of Jesus feeding thousands of people with an incredibly small about of food. How did he do it, and where are his miracles today?
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Elevator Talk
In a class this semester, we were asked to write a short blurb about our theological convictions. The catch was that it had to be an “Elevator Talk.” Think of it this way. Imagine you get into an elevator and punch the button for your floor. It’s a pretty big building and it’ll take a […]