X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, informed me yesterday that I've been a part of that community for 15 years. A Strange Year Last year, I reflected on my first 14 years noting that I might soon leave X given the many unfavorable changes that Elon Musk had implemented since purchasing this once great platform. And, yet, somehow I've lingered. And, now, I'm writing again after another year has passed. Sadly, I cannot report that there's been any signs of restoring the platform Read More …
Worship – Connecting with God (#2155)
This morning I preached the third message in a series based on Robert Schnase’s book Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations (revised). Today, we focused on the practice of passionate worship. Sermon My message, “Connecting with God” was based on Romans 12:1-2 and John 4:19-24. Passionate Worship The theme was evident well beyond the sermon as the congregation's Director of Worship and Music Ministries and choir returned after parental leave and a summer break. And, the Read More …
A More Spacious Christianity (#2154)
This morning the three day experience known as Faith & Justice's Fall Gathering: The Way of Justice for Today wrapped up at Open Book in Minneapolis. Author Debie Thomas' talk kicked off the morning. A Faith of Many Rooms Debie Thomas provided some of the story behind the story of her newest book: A Faith of Many Rooms: Inhabiting a More Spacious Christianity (Broadleaf Books, 2024 - rated here on So What Faith as 4.5/5). Importantly, her talk - much like the book - focused on her own Read More …
Visiting the George Floyd Memorial (#2153)
After a morning marked by rather traditional classroom based pedagogy, this afternoon Faith & Justice’s Fall Gathering: The Way of Jesus for Today moved to the streets. More specifically, the afternoon schedule included two hours at the George Floyd Memorial. Say Their Names As I exited an Uber and stepped out I was shocked to see a field of gravestones: the Say Their Names Cemetery. This initial experience set the tone for all that was ahead. Walking on Sacred Ground Our time Read More …
Reset Your Rhythm (#2152)
Have you ever gone through a season in life when you rhythm needed to be reset? Minneapolis Moment I arrived in Minneapolis earlier today to take part in Faith & Justice's Fall Gathering: The Way of Jesus for Today. While this event is open to the public, I'm here as a Preaching Justice Fellow (learn more by reading I’m a Preaching Justice Fellow!). After a general welcome and establishing ground rules, the weekend kicked off with a talk by Rev. Tyler Sit. For those reading this Read More …
God’s Work. Our Hands. Every Day. (#2151)
This morning most ELCA congregations, including Advent Lutheran Church, celebrated God's Work Our Hand's Sunday. In addition, we explored the fruitful practice of risk-taking mission and service as part of an sermon series based on Robert' Schnase's book Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations (revised). Sermon My message, “God's Work. Our Hands. Every Day.” was based on I Corinthians 12:1, 4-12, 25-27 and Matthew 25:31-40. Risk-Taking Mission and Service I preached from Read More …
Great New Books for September 2024 (#2150)
The best new books I’ve read in the last month are Atypical This atypical list features no books with a perfect rating and none written by authors previously featured on So What Faith. The Still Speaking Writers Group has, however, been mentioned previously. Read More …
Responding to God’s Welcome (#2149)
This morning I kicked off a new five week sermon series on the Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations with a sermon on radical hospitality. This series is inspired by a revised and significantly updated version of a book bearing that name written by United Methodist Bishop Robert Schnase. And it builds on the eight week series that we finished last week: The Jesus Priorities (see Known by Our Love). Sermon My message, “All Are Welcome” was based on Leviticus 19:33-34, Hebrews 13:1-3, Read More …
Who is Greg Smith & What is So What Faith? (#2148)
I recently updated the About page here at SoWhatFaith.com for the first time in several years. Now, I'm sharing the copy below as a post so that Note: I'm aware that the about content below is written in third person while my remarks above (and my general commentary here on the blog is written in first person). About Greg Greg is a follower of the Way of Jesus who is committed to doing all he can to make the world a better place for all people. He is married to Dr. Susan Read More …
Known by Our Love (#2147)
Today I wrapped up an eight week long summer sermon series called The Jesus Priorities, which is inspired by a book with the same name by Christopher Maricle. Today’s priority was love. Sermon My message, “The Jesus Creed” was based on Mark 12:28-31. Love I preached loosely from this manuscript. You can watch a recording of the livestream here (the Gospel lesson begins at 22:04 and the sermon begins at 23:06). Excerpt Harvey Cox's imaginative story shows us what outsiders Read More …