In this series on my journey to ordination in the United Church of Christ, I’ve shared some of my experiences as a Member in Discernment. In the last update, I shared that I submitted the final item requested from my by the North Texas Association Committee on Ministry: an ordination paper. The paper consists of three sections: My Theology (an exploration of what I believe)My Understanding of the History and Polity of the United Church of ChristMy Ministry in the United Church of Christ Read More …
Discipleship
Preaching Hope (#2069)
This morning I had the opportunity to preach at both worship services at St. James Episcopal Church and share more about the ministry of White Rock Center of Hope during the education hour. This was a special joy as I've gotten to know this congregation better and better through my relationship with their WRCH Board Member, Russ Pate and their Rector, Fr. Jonathan Melton. Sermon My message, “Sowing Seeds of Hope” was based on the lectionary passages (Isaiah 55:10-13, Romans 8:1-11 & Read More …
Learning from 9 Congregations & 10 Denominations – Update #11 (#2067)
In this series on my journey to ordination in the United Church of Christ, I've been sharing some of the specifics of what my life has been like in recent months as a Member in Discernment. In this post, I explore how my current theology has been informed by lessons I've learned from 10 denominations or traditions. As I engage in this reflection I'm mindful of the nine congregations I've served, which are shown below: (1) First Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) - Duncanville, TX; (2) Central Read More …
Ordination Paper Submitted – Update #10 (#2066)
I'm in the process of seeking ordination in the United Church of Christ. This is my 10th update about that journey. Submitted Today, I submitted my ordination paper. It is a twenty-five page document that is divided into three sections: theology,history and polity of the United Church of Christ, andand my calling to and ministry in the United Church of Christ. So What? In nine prior updates I've shared lists of what I've been asked to do as a Member in Discernment (UCC-speak Read More …
Preaching Difficult Discipleship (#2063)
This morning I had the opportunity to preach at Eastminster Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) in Dallas, Texas. This was a special joy as the congregation has been a long-time supporter of White Rock Center of Hope, which is the organization I serve as Executive Director. The Sermon My message, "Difficult Discipleship," was based on two of the lectionary passages: Romans 6:1-11 and Matthew 10:24-39. A Difficult Excerpt As the Executive Director of a non-profit that is powered primarily Read More …
Where’s Greg Worshipping? 8+ Congregations in 3 States (#2060)
We are now roughly half way through 2023 (a point that will officially be reached on July 2). This offers a good reason to reflect on the year thus far, including where I've worshipped. Cathedral of Hope My home church is Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ. I've worshipped there most Sundays. And, even on weeks that I've not been able to be a part of the Sunday morning worship experience, I've stayed connected through the congregation's small group ministry. In fact, my wife and I Read More …
My Experiences with 14 UCC Congregations (#2059)
I've been a part of the United Church of Christ since 2010. During that time, I've visited 14 UCC congregations. Each has impacted me in a unique way. Currently, I'm a Member in Discernment in the United Church of Christ and hope to be ordained later this year (see Midlife & MiD Life: A 9th Update for more about this process). In this reflection on my journey in my denomination of choice, I explore the contributions of these 14 congregations. For the sake of simplicity, I've organized Read More …
Midlife & MiD Life: A 9th Update (#2058)
Yesterday was my birthday. It was the first birthday in many years that included multiple people guessing or asserting/assuming my age. I'll save you that effort: I'm now 46 years of age. Midlife The stage of life called midlife is generally understood to be from age 40 to 60. So, mathematically, it appears I'm now well into this phase. As I reflect on my midlife experience so far, it has been a time of clarity rather than crisis. Last night on several social media platforms I Read More …
Freeing Jesus – Small Group Opportunities & Resources (#2052)
For the last year and a half, I've had the privilege of being a part of the Small Group Ministry at Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ. This summer, we are trying something new by encouraging our groups to choose a book rather than having all groups study the same book. As the Small Group Ministry grows and develops, future terms will bring a mix of all groups studying the same material and groups choosing their content. As someone wearing many hats in this ministry (small group Read More …
Celebrating 25 Years of Ministry! (#2050)
Since completing my undergraduate degree in Ministry and Leadership at Dallas Christian College 25 years ago this month, I've held wide-ranging ministry roles in Texas and Florida. Notably, these roles vary widely and extend beyond what I even knew to be possible when I walked across the stage in May 1998. Today, I reflect on my first 25 years in ministry. Local Church Ministry My undergraduate education prepared me for ministry in the setting of the local church. In fact, many who Read More …