This morning at Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA) we concluded a summer sermon series: Stories That Shape Us: How Jesus’ Parables Transform the Way We See God, Ourselves, and the World. And, we celebrated the sacrament of baptism. Sermon My message, “Invite Everyone,” is based on Luke 14:15-24. You can watch below (note this recording is missing the first 45 seconds or so of the message due to technical issues) or read the manuscript. Excerpt Throwing a good party Read More …
Do You Follow Jesus This Closely? (#2247)
Last week I found myself second in line at a stoplight behind a blue Prius with a bumper sticker that reads. " Do you follow Jesus this closely?" Of course, I snapped a picture and quickly shared it on social media. I posted it on numerous platforms with a version of the following remark: Today's question comes in the form of a bumper sticker: Do you follow Jesus this closely? So What? I wonder how you would answer. Feel free to reply to share your thoughts. Personally, I Read More …
My Visit to St. Paul’s Lutheran in Oklahoma City (#2246)
This morning I worshipped for the third time this year and seventh time overall in Oklahoma. My prior experiences include: About St. Paul's Lutheran St. Paul's Lutheran Church (ELCA) has been part of the Oklahoma City community since its founding in 1945. The congregation moved to its current location in 1978 and has expanded this campus through multiple building campaigns. St. Paul's currently offers a single weekly worship service on Sunday at 9:30am. Welcome My wife and I Read More …
Southern Baptist Membership Drops Every Year Since 2006 (#2245)
I am not a Southern Baptist and have never been part of that Protestant denomination. I am, however, someone who has lived most of my life in Texas and who has followed the macro changes within American Protestantism. Since the Southern Baptist Convention's Annual Meeting was held in Dallas this summer, I've been drawn into more conversations than usual about what is happening in this denomination. Finally, as the largest Protestant denomination in America, long-term changes in membership in Read More …
Jesus in Disguise (#2244)
This morning at Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA) we continued a summer sermon series: Stories That Shape Us: How Jesus’ Parables Transform the Way We See God, Ourselves, and the World. Sermon My message, “Jesus in Disguise,” is based on Matthew 25:31-46. You can watch below or read the manuscript. Excerpt Y’all know I’m a Texan through and through. I was born and raised here. I lived here my whole life until I moved to Florida in 2007. After spending so Read More …
Home: My Story in 10 (or 11) Parts (#2243)
I grew up in Arlington, Texas — a city that proudly brands itself as the American Dream City. Positioned almost exactly between Dallas and Fort Worth, Arlington has long lived in the shadows of its better-known neighbors. But over time, it’s built a reputation all its own. Today it is the 50th largest city in the United States and 7th most populous in Texas. It’s home to two iconic sports franchises: Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers. And it is home to a R1 University: University of Texas at Read More …
God Doesn’t Play It Safe (#2242)
This morning at Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA) we continued a summer sermon series: Stories That Shape Us: How Jesus’ Parables Transform the Way We See God, Ourselves, and the World. Sermon My message, “God Doesn't Play It Safe” is based on Matthew 13:1-23. You can watch below or read the manuscript. Excerpt Newsflash #1: Christianity is declining. Over the past sixty years, we've seen a steady and significant decline in Christianity across this country. Read More …
Meet Greg Smith & Learn the So What Faith Story (#2241)
I recently updated the About page here at SoWhatFaith.com. I’m sharing it below as a post so that you know who I am and what So What Faith is all about. Additionally, it provides a permanent copy of the About page as it appeared in July 2025. Note: The content below is written in third person, while most of my blog posts (including this intro) are written in first person. I’m aware of the shift in voice—it’s intentional and fits the format of the About section. About Greg Read More …
Courageous Stewardship (#2240)
This morning at Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA) we continued a summer sermon series: Stories That Shape Us: How Jesus’ Parables Transform the Way We See God, Ourselves, and the World. Sermon My message, “Courageous Stewardship" is based on Matthew 25:14-30 You can watch below or read the manuscript. Excerpt Happy New Year! Since we last gathered for worship, Advent Lutheran Church has started a new year of mission and ministry. It is a joy to begin again Read More …
Great New Books for July 2025 (#2239)
The best new books I’ve read in the last month are Miracles and Wonders Elaine Pagels, an esteemed historian of religion who has taught at Princeton since 1982, offers a thorough and fascinating exploration of Jesus' identity in her latest book, Miracles and Wonder: The Historical Mystery of Jesus. This must-read volume unfolds chapter after chapter with the questions everyone asks and follows each with Pagels’ thoughtful consideration of the possible answers, including her Read More …