Ryan Burge's tweets on May 9, 2023, about the decline in membership in the Presbyterian Church (USA), including his suggestion the denomination is less than 20 years away from dissolving, has generated numerous conversations across social media and beyond. The Story of Presbyterian Decline As someone who has spent more years in the Presbyterian Church (USA) than any other denomination, I've been aware of the denomination's decline for many years. And, I've written extensively about it here Read More …
Discipleship
Holy Ground Ahead (#2047)
Passage for Reflection: Exodus 3:1-12 I’ve been a part of many mission trips, service-learning activities, and other enrichment offerings that involved travel. For each of these occasions, participants engaged in significant planning and preparation. We felt a need to prepare to enter new spaces. While there were never any “Holy Ground Ahead” road signs, there were ample warnings. And, from the moment we stepped off of the plane or bus, we knew we had arrived on holy Read More …
Preaching Abundant Life (#2045)
This morning I had the opportunity to preach at Central Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Dallas, Texas. This was a truly one of a kind opportunity since a member of Central Lutheran was the founder and first Executive Director of White Rock Center of Hope, which is the organization I now lead. The Sermon My message, "Abundant Life," was based on the lectionary passages (Psalm 23, Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 2:19-25, and John 10:1-10). A Radical Excerpt Let’s get the radical stuff out of Read More …
Seeking Ordination – Update #7 (#2044)
I found my way to the United Church of Christ only after spending considerable time in several other Mainline Protestant denominations. In the 2010s, I had the opportunity to serve in three congregations in the United Church of Christ Naples United Church of Christ (for more on this experience check out The Church of Unsticking)United Church of Marco Island (for more on this experience check out The Church of New Beginnings)Fort Myers Congregational United Church of Christ (for more on Read More …
A New Easter Tradition (#2043)
A big family Easter meal has been a constant in my life. When I was growing up and well into my adult years, my Mother hosted gatherings that included grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and more. When my wife and I moved back to my place of origin (Dallas - Fort Worth, Texas) after nearly a decade away , we assumed hosting duties. And, we continued the tradition of inviting family living even somewhat nearby to join us. The initial experiences are shown below. Then we observed a Read More …
Officially a Member in Discernment (#2042)
It's official: I'm now a Member in Discernment! This is the next step on my journey toward ordination in the United Church of Christ. On Saturday, April 1, 2023, following review of the materials I submitted and an interview, the North Texas Association Committee on Ministry affirmed my ongoing discernment by declaring me a Member in Discernment (MiD). During this meeting they also outlined the next steps I need to complete, which include Completing boundary trainingUndergoing a Read More …
Week by Week, Step by Step (#2040)
My journey toward ordination in the United Church of Christ continues. This Week's Update This morning I preached and led worship at West Fork Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) in Grand Prairie for the second week in a row. Today's message, "Check the Guest List," was based on Matthew 9:9-13. It was an encouragement to engage in intentional and radical hospitality. And, it was a reminder of the importance of truly welcoming everyone at the table and more broadly in the life of the Read More …
Back in the Pulpit Again! (#2039)
Over the course of nearly 20 years in parish ministry, I did a lot of preaching. Early on in my transition into the faith-based non-profit world, I did some preaching. Then, I stopped. I last preached in March of2018. Enough for Everyone Yesterday, I preached at West Fork Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) in Grand Prairie, Texas. My message "Enough for Everyone," was based on Mark 6:30-44 (The Feeding of the 5,000). This was a reminder to look again, to adopt an asset based Read More …
Pilgrimage: Sharing my Story (#2037)
Over the last few months, I've been sharing updates on my discernment process and steps toward ordination in the United Church of Christ. A Story of Stoles: Discerning What Next (January 2023)Update: My United Church of Christ Ministry Discernment Journey (February 2023) Pligrimage Paper In my most recent discernment post I shared a list of documents I've created or curated, including a document called a "pilgrimage paper." The pilgrimage paper is an exploration of how it is Read More …
Lent, License Plates, & Christian Nationalism (#2035)
About this time last year I shared an unusual religious license plate - a cross beside "REP3NT" - in a wide ranging reflection titled "It’s Lent Again." While focusing on my Lenten journey for 2022, the piece also mentioned a number of posts from previous Lenten experiences. Then it happened again. This past Sunday I was on my way to church to worship on the first Sunday in Lent. As I made my final roadway turn before turning into my congregation's parking lot I saw the most unexpected Read More …