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 …
Discipleship
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 …
Worship in the Food Pantry (#2268)
I have worshipped in nearly any and every place imaginable. I have participated in formal communal worship services in places far beyond the walls of church campuses. Today, I worshipped in a food pantry for the first time in my life. Hope Pantry White Rock Center of Hope started in 1988 as a Food Pantry serving a single zip code in East Dallas. This 501(c)3 launched in a space offered as an in-kind donation by a Presbyterian church. Over the last 37 years Hope transitioned from Read More …
Inspired by The Rev. Dr. Bill Tillman: My 25-Year Writing Journey (#2265)
I first met the Rev. Dr. Bill Tillman 25 years ago, shortly after transferring to Hardin-Simmons University to complete my Master of Divinity degree at Logsdon Seminary. From Meeting to Mentorship: My Earliest Encounters with Dr. Tillman I was fortunate to arrive while he was serving as the T. B. Maston Professor of Christian Ethics. Taking nearly every graduate course he offered, I found him to be both a gifted teacher and a generous mentor. Dr. Tillman's insight, integrity, and Read More …
My Visit to St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral (#2263)
This morning I was a first time visitor at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral in Oklahoma City. About St. Paul's St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral was founded more than 125 years ago and has been listed on on the National Register of Historic Places since 1977. Located in downtown Oklahoma City the cathedral is the spiritual center of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma. Today, St. Paul's is "committed to being a place for all who seek and share God's unconditional and abundant love, Read More …
My Visit to Quail Springs United Methodist (#2260)
This morning I worshipped for the fourth time this year and eighth time in the last two years in Oklahoma. My prior experiences include: About Quail Springs United Methodist Quail Springs United Methodist Church is "an inclusive, diverse, and faithful community, that shares the love of God, beginning with our neighborhood and extending to a needy world" that seeks to "make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world." The congregation is part of the Reconciling Read More …