Corrie Mitchell recently wrote an insightful piece about the popularity of the so-called prosperity gospel that focuses on ten Scriptures leading preachers in this movement often misuse. While I have heard many people try to dismiss this version (or, if you prefer, perversion) of Christianity as a fad or as something that reaches only a small number, the longstanding popularity of people like Kenneth Copeland, Joel Osteen, and Creflo Dollar suggest the movement is far too significant to be Read More …
Discipleship
Sermon: Reality Check (#1420)
Sermon Text: Matthew 13:24-30 Sermon Excerpt Summer is almost here. It is a magical time for children – a time without school and a time for family vacations. All of us who have traveled with children know to expect four very important words with some regularity during any trip: Are we there yet? We expect impatience with children for whom the joy isn’t in the journey, but the destination. But, what about ourselves? Are you anything like me when it comes to struggling with Read More …
Fencing Out the Homeless (#1419)
On any given night, many homeless people sleep in an alley between Central Presbyterian Church (Atlanta, GA) and the Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Those who do so not only feel safer than they do in other parts of the city, but also have direct access to the many outreach services provided by these congregations. Recently, however, the governing body of Central Presbyterian voted in favor of a proposal to build a fence to keep homeless people out of their Read More …
Smarter Sentencing Act (#1415)
I am one of almost 700 clergy and faith leaders who have signed an interfaith letter to Congress about the Smarter Sentencing Act. The Act (S. 1410/H.R. 3382) is "a step towards addressing racial injustice as well as reducing the mass incarceration that characterizes our current justice system." So What? As followers of the Way of Jesus, we must recognize the inherent dignity of all people and advocate for a criminal justice system that treats people justly and humanely. As people Read More …
Sermon: Going Viral (#1413)
Sermon Text: Mark 4:1-20 Sermon Excerpt This morning things are different than usual. For you, maybe that difference started well before you got in a vehicle and made your way to church . . . Or maybe it started moments ago when you saw something unfamiliar happen as Pastor Ron moved a screen onto the chancel . . . Or maybe it will begin the moment I hit play . . . <Show World's Toughest Job Video> While not a religious holiday, many Christian worship services in Read More …
Music in Worship (#1411)
David Neff, former editor in chief of Christianity Today and church music director for nearly three decades, recently suggested that music in worship should be intentionally eclectic - utilizing a variety of styles and sources, and focused on enabling worship rather than artistic excellence (or a performance mentality). So What? Music plays an important role in Christian worship. When a given congregation experiences only a very narrow range of music styles or theological Read More …
Only in Church (#1409)
Jon Acuff recently shared a short list of things that only happen in church: ask a stranger to scoot to the middle, hug people you don't really know, and shout phrases of encouragement when someone says something good. So What? As I read his post and skimmed some of the many comments on it, I realized the focus was primarily on worship. While I am not part of a community of faith that practices shouting in worship (words of encouragement or otherwise!), I certainly have seen Read More …
Happy or Meaningful? (#1408)
Daisy Grewal's recent article - "A Happy Life May Not Be a Meaningful Life" - is a good reminder of the difference between happiness and meaningfulness. Happy According to recent research, happiness "was strongly correlated with seeing life as easy, pleasant, and free from difficult or troubling events." While money alone may not be enough to create happiness, "having enough money to buy what one needs in life, as well as what one desires, were also positively correlated with greater Read More …
Sermon: More Than Showing Up (#1406)
Sermon Text: Matthew 22:1-14 Sermon Excerpt: I still remember the first sermon I ever preached. Actually, I remember the preparation far better than the actual message . . . Thankfully no parishioners were exposed to or harmed by my effort. During the spring semester of my freshman year in college, I took an introductory course on preaching. The goal was to learn how to prepare a sermon, and how to deliver it. When it came time to actually work on our own sermons the first Read More …
UCC Files Landmark Lawsuit (#1405)
By now I hope you have heard that earlier this week the United Church of Christ filed lawsuit arguing that North Carolina marriage laws limit ministers' choices, violate the principle of "free exercise of religion" upon which the church is built, and restrict the freedoms of religion and expressive association guaranteed in the First Amendment. The following 2 1/2 minute video message from Geoffrey Black, President and General Minister of the United Church of Christ, provides a helpful Read More …