A little over a year ago I reflected on the first 9 congregations I served and on the 10 denominations that have shaped my theology. Today, on the final day of the month of thankfulness, I pause to give thanks for the 10 congregations I've served (I started serving #10 in June 2024). In chronological order: Denominations I've served congregations affiliated with five denominations: Location These communities of faith are located in the Dallas - Arlington - Fort Worth area Read More …
Discipleship
Choosing Thanks: Don’t Give Thanks, Choose It (#2172)
This morning I preached a Thanksgiving themed sermon at Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA). Sermon My message, “Choosing Thanks” was based on Deuteronomy 8:7-18 and Luke 17:11-19. You can watch the message below or read the manuscript. Excerpt Thanksgiving is just a few days away. To prepare, I’ve been asking people to share some of their family traditions. Most of what I’ve heard so far focuses on the location of the gathering, the guest list, or the menu. And, in it isn’t just Read More …
You Belong: Inhabiting a More Spacious Christianity (#2170)
Today I wrapped up a six week sermon series inspired by Debie Thomas’ new book A Faith of Many Rooms: Inhabiting a More Spacious Christianity (Broadleaf, 2024). Today, we focused on belonging. Sermon My message, “Inhabiting a More Spacious Christianity” was based on John 14:1-14. Belonging You can watch the sermon below or read the manuscript. Excerpt In fact, this morning’s modern reading was an excerpt from the book’s introduction. A Faith of Many Rooms begins with Read More …
Wrestling with God (#2167)
This morning, just days after the elections in the United States, I preached the fifth message in a series inspired by Debie Thomas’ new book A Faith of Many Rooms: Inhabiting a More Spacious Christianity (Broadleaf, 2024). Today, we focused on wrestling. Sermon My message, “Wrestling with God” was based on Genesis 32:22-31. Wrestling You can watch the sermon below or read the manuscript (while I was informed by the manuscript I ended up preaching without referencing any Read More …
Beyond Simple Answers (#2165)
This morning, on All Saints' Sunday, I preached the fourth message in a series based on Debie Thomas’ new book A Faith of Many Rooms: Inhabiting a More Spacious Christianity (Broadleaf, 2024). Today, we focused on paradox. Sermon My message, “Beyond Simple Answers” was based on Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, and John 11:32-44. Story You can watch the sermon below or read the manuscript. Excerpt Presbyterian Pastor Richard Hansen captured how widespread paradox really is Read More …
Living the Stories (#2163)
This morning, on Reformation Sunday, I preached the third message in a series based on Debie Thomas’ new book A Faith of Many Rooms: Inhabiting a More Spacious Christianity (Broadleaf, 2024).Today, we focused on story. Sermon My message, “Living the Story” was based on Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, and John 8:31-36. Story You can watch the sermon below or read the manuscript. Excerpt I know many of you came to church this morning expecting me to say something Read More …
Struggling with S Words (Sin & Salvation) (#2161)
This morning I preached the second message in a series based on Debie Thomas’ new book A Faith of Many Rooms: Inhabiting a More Spacious Christianity (Broadleaf, 2024).Today, we focused on sin and salvation. Sermon My message, “Struggling with S Words” was based on Romans 6:1-14 and Mark 2:13-17. Sin and Salvation You can watch the sermon below or read the manuscript. Excerpt Let me begin with a big philosophical question: What problem does religion solve? Notice I said Read More …
Doubting Debie (and Doubting Thomas) (#2160)
This morning I preached the first message in a series based on Debie Thomas’ new book A Faith of Many Rooms: Inhabiting a More Spacious Christianity (Broadleaf, 2024).Today, we focused on doubt. Sermon My message, “Embracing Doubt” was based on Genesis 17:17-22, 18:10-15 and John 20:24-29. Doubt You can watch the sermon below or read the manuscript. Excerpt Doubt isn’t something to fear; it is one of the ways we explore our faith and truly make it our own.Looking at Read More …
Doing Life Together (#2158)
This morning I preached the fifth and final message in a series based on Robert Schnase’s book Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations (revised). Today, we focused on the practice of intentional faith development. Sermon My message, “Doing Life Together” was based on Acts 2:42. Intentional Faith Development I preached from this manuscript. You can watch a recording of the livestream here (the Scripture lesson begins at 16:22 and the sermon begins at 17:30). Excerpt Maybe Read More …
Going All In – Responding with Extravagant Generosity (#2157)
This morning I preached the fourth message in a series based on Robert Schnase’s book Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations (revised). Today, we focused on the practice of extravagant generosity. Sermon My message, “Going All In” was based on Mark 12:41-44. Extravagant Generosity I preached from this manuscript. You can watch a recording of the livestream here (the Gospel lesson begins at 23:58 and the sermon begins at 25:00). Excerpt Given our cultural tendency to love Read More …