-
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…
-
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.
-
Tweeting Customer Dissatisfaction
Know ahead of time that I’m ranting. I know it. I own it. I’m staying at the Doubletree hotel in Orlando for a training event, and found on my arrival that the curved rod holding up the shower curtain was pulling out of the wall in such a way that I could see the threads…
-
Being More Christian: Loving the LGBT Community
I’ve been a member of a church my whole life. My grandfather was a pastor, his brother was a pastor, and there were others before them. And now I’m a pastor. I serve a fairly large church in Grand Island, Nebraska. The good life. On a stick. I’m also a United Methodist. My grandfather &…
-
Mainline Hope
In the midst of membership decline among many mainline denominations, there’s hope & possibility.
-
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?
-
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?
-
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…
-
Moving To the Country…
I remember that song that came out in 1995: “Moving to the country, gonna eat a lotta peaches…” The video’s here. My favorite part is the ninjas at the end!! Now you may be wondering what this is all about, and perhaps I’m offering humor as a sort of distraction from something that’s difficult to…
-
Jesus Loves Gay Porn Stars
Yup. I said it. Jesus loves gay porn stars. And what’s more, I believe it! A friend, classmate, and author named Steven Luff gave me a T-shirt just the other day with that saying on it, and it made me think. Just how far does Jesus’ love go? Is it possible that Jesus could really…