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 …
Discipleship
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 …
My Visit to Covenant Presbyterian Church (#2271)
This morning I was a first time visitor at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City. About Covenant Formally organized in 1955, the congregation initially gathered in a dance studio at Casady Shopping Center. They moved to their permanent campus in 1972, which was then updated in 2005. As Covenant celebrates 70 years of ministry in Oklahoma City they gather on Sundays for worship at 10:30am and are shepherded by Rev. Kathleen Luke, Interim Pastor. Welcome I arrived Read More …
Giving Thanks – Top 10 Experiences in 2025 (#2269)
November is the season of gratitude, a time to celebrate the good that has shaped the year. As I look back on 2025, I’m grateful for so many experiences. Today, I’m sharing my Top 10. Top 10 This is the fifth edition of what has become an annual tradition: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021. Read More …