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 …
Discipleship
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 …
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 …
10 Congregational Ministry Experiences That Shaped My 2025 (#2285)
I have always loved the local church. I earned an undergraduate degree in ministry then went to seminary before starting to serve in this ministry setting. And, I served faithfully across churches, denominations, and states. Vocationally this was my world through 2015. Toward the end of 2015, I stepped away from local church ministry. Now I serve as CEO of White Rock Center of Hope - an ecumenical ministry supported by dozens of congregations across the East Dallas community. For the majority Read More …
Hearing Mary’s Song (#2284)
Passage for Reflection: Luke 1:46-55 I cannot seem to escape Christmas carols this year. Wherever I go – whether shopping, trying to escape shoppers, or gathering with others for worship – the music follows me. Sacred and secular this music makes the story feel safe, predictable, and uplifting. But Mary’s Song in Luke 1:46–55 doesn’t fit nicely on a “Happy Holidays” playlist. Instead of sleigh bells or gentle manger scenes, Mary sings of a God who overturns the usual order: lifting the Read More …
My Visit to Church of the Open Arms (#2281)
This morning I was a first time visitor at Church of the Open Arms in Oklahoma City. About Open Arms Church of the Open Arms is affiliated with the United Church of Christ and started in 1997 on the campus of Mayflower Congregational UCC. Interestingly, my first ever worship in experience in the state of Oklahoma was at Mayflower. The congregation purchased and moved into their current building in 2001. Open Arms called their current pastor, Rev. Kayla Bonewell, to serve as their Read More …
Now is the Time (#2275)
Today I preached and presided as the supply pastor for Central Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Dallas, Texas on the first Sunday of Advent. Central Lutheran Church is among the founding member churches of White Rock Center of Hope. Hope founder Donagene Christian was a member of this congregation. Sermon My message, “The Time is Now” is based on Romans 13:11-14 & Matthew 24:36-44.. You can watch on Facebook (sermon begins at 22:38) or read Read More …