Mainline protestant clergy often preach messages on contemporary social issues. Leah D. Schade, with Amanda Wilson Harper and Wayne Thompson have been studying this topic for the last eight years. Their work to date includes engaging 7,000 preachers through four survey waves. Top Social Issues in 2025 In their most recent survey (2025), nearly 6 in 10 respondents (59%) indicated that they include social issues in their preaching, teaching, or other ministry efforts at least 10 times a Read More …
Great New Books for February 2026 (#2297)
The best new books I’ve read in the last month are Jesus and Justice John Dominic Crossan has long earned his place on my short list of all-time great authors here at So What Faith. Three of his previous works have already been named So What Faith Books of the Year in their respective years of publication: How to Read the Bible and Still Be a Christian: Struggling with Violence from Genesis through Revelation (2015), The Power of Parable: How Fiction by Jesus Became Fiction Read More …
My Visit to New Covenant Christian Church (#2296)
This morning I was a first time visitor at New Covenant Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma City. About New Covenant New Covenant is an open and affirming congregation in Northwest Oklahoma City that is affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Since 2021, the Rev. David Wheeler has served as pastor. Currently, the congregation offers once service of worship in its sanctuary each Sunday at 10:45am. This service is livestreamed on YouTube. Additionally, Read More …
When Worship Was Folded in Half (or in Thirds) (#2295)
Growing up, I remember always receiving a bulletin every time I entered the sanctuary for worship. The tradition of bulletin usage for all services continue when I was a seminarian and during the early years of my experience in parish ministry. In 2015, I stepped away from full-time parish ministry. As I began visiting churches, I started collecting their bulletins. Those shown below were mostly collected in late 2015 to just before the COVID-19 pandemic. To create the visual I first Read More …
The Sermon I Never Preached (#2294)
I was scheduled to be the supply pastor at Central Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Dallas, Texas this morning. A winter storm arrived on Saturday bringing the Dallas - Fort Worth area to a standstill, a pause that will last at least through tomorrow. Like many congregations in the region, Central Lutheran made the difficult decision to close the church campus and cancel all in-person activities, including worship. After more than thirty years of preaching, I finally experienced my first cancelation. Read More …
Another Church Closes: Saying Goodbye to Covenant Presbyterian After 70 Years (#2293)
When I visited Covenant Presbyterian Church two months ago (see My Visit to Covenant Presbyterian Church) it was clear the congregation had been in decline for some time. There was, however, no mention during the service, on the church's website, or in the printed marketing materials in the sanctuary to suggest it would soon be no more. Earlier this month I was shocked to learn this 70 year old Presbyterian (PCUSA) congregation would hold its final worship service on Sunday, January 25, Read More …
Being Clergy, Being Church in 2026 (#2292)
At a vigil for Renee Macklin Good - who was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Minneapolis - New Hampshire Episcopal Bishop Rob Hirschfeld spoke frankly about the real dangers associated with ministry in America. He remarked that clergy should be prepared for "a new era of martyrdom." And in a now viral statement he went on to say, "I've asked them to get their affairs in order to make sure they have their wills written," he said, "because it may be that now is no Read More …
Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists, and Flock-Fleecing Frauds (#2291)
John Fugelsang is a political commentator, comedian, TV and radio personality, performer, and writer. He was the host of America's Funniest Home Videos and has appeared frequently on news commentary shows on multiple networks. Most recently, he's the author of Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person's Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists, and Flock-Fleecing Frauds (2025), which I rated 4.5 in November 2025 (see Great New Books for November Read More …
Will You Be a Witness? (#2290)
Today I preached and presided as the supply pastor for Central Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Dallas, Texas for Feast of the Baptism of our Lord. Central was one of the 13 founding congregations that established White Rock Center of Hope in 1988. As Hope's CEO, I am grateful for all they have done to support Hope over the years and the many ways they continue to do so today. Sermon My message, “Will You Be A Witness” is based on Acts 10:34-43 and Matthew 3:13-17. You can watch Read More …
Beginning the Year of Wisdom (#2289)
You are never too old to try new things or even begin new traditions. In 2023, I adopted the increasingly popular spiritual practice of choosing a star word for Epiphany Each year I have looked across tables covered in stars before carefully choosing one. Then, I turn it over to reveal the star word that will light my path for the year ahead. Looking Back Last year my word was believe, which felt like a heavy, important, and relevant word. In 2025 I completed my first significant role Read More …