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 …
Great New Books – June 2023 (#2051)
The best new books I’ve read in the last 30 days are listed below. (5.0) The Everyday Advocate: Living Out Your Calling to Social Justice by Ross Murray (Fortress Press, 2023)(4.5) Jesus Sophia: Returning to Woman Wisdom in the Bible, Practice and Prayer by Sally Douglas (Cascade Books, 2023)(4.5) The Other Evangelicals: A Story of Liberal, Black, Progressive, Feminist, and Gay Christians by Isaac B. Sharp (Wm. B. Eerdmans, 2023)(4.5) A Front Porch for All People by John Edgar 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 …
Seeking Ordination – Update #8 (#2049)
Since a month has passed since my last update (see Seeking Ordination – Update #7), I figured it was time for another post. During the last month, I Preached at Central Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Dallas (see Preaching Abundant Life)Completed boundary trainingPublished a devotional through the Center of Congregational Ethics (see Holy Ground Ahead)Started a second year as Board Chair of the Texas Association of Charitable Clinics Participated in a clergy retreatAttended the 42nd Annual Read More …
End of Presbyterianism: Farewell PC(USA)? (#2048)
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 …
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 …
Great New Books – May 2023 (#2046)
The best new books I’ve read in the last 30 days are listed below. (5+) Poverty, By America by Matthew Desmond (Crown, 2023)(5.0) The Generosity Crisis: The Case for Radical Connection to Solve Humanity's Greatest Challenges by Nathan Chappell, Brian Crimmins, and Michael Ashley (Wiley, 2023)(4.5) 7 Principles for Living Bravely by Denise L. Eger and Neil G. Thomas (TKG Communications, 2023)(4.5) God the Bestseller: How One Editor Transformed American Religion A Book at a Time by 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 …