For the last three years I've hosted and facilitated a weekly small group gathering as part of the Life Group Ministry of Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ. Last summer we tried something new by choosing our own book and writing our own curriculum. Throughout the summer we explored Freeing Jesus: Rediscovering Jesus as Friend, Teacher, Savior, Lord, Way and Presence by Diana Butler Bass. This summer we have once again chosen our own book and are creating our own curriculum. We Read More …
Chronicling and Shepherding Religious Decline: One Pastor’s Story (#2139)
In recent years Ryan Burge has increasingly become known as the guy who effectively communicates the story of religious decline in America through accessible articles filled with charts and graphs. He currently serves as Associate Professor at Eastern Illinois University and as the founder of Graphs about Religion, which is a website focused on religion and politics. Burge is also the author of four books, including one of So What Faith's Top Books of 2022: 20 Myths About Religion and Politics Read More …
Called to Live Highly Relational Lives (#2138)
I’m delighted to be serving as Interim Pastor at Advent Lutheran Church in Arlington, Texas. This summer we are journeying together through the Jesus Priorities (based on a book with the same title by Christopher Maricle). Today's priority was "spread the word." Sermon My message, “Being and Making Disciples” was based on Matthew 28:16-20. Spreading the Word While I relied on this manuscript, I likely went a bit off script on a few occasions. You can watch a recording of the Read More …
I’m a Preaching Justice Fellow! (#2137)
I'm excited to share that I've been selected to be a Preaching Justice Fellow for the 2024-2025 academic year. About the Fellowship The Center for Faith and Justice, a vibrant nationwide community of spiritual formation and theological education focused on intersection of faith and justice, in partnership with San Francisco Theological Seminary, and with support from Lilly Endowment has created a year-long cohort-based experience to empower clergy to amplify justice Read More …
Summer Perspective: Change of Pace (#2136)
Regardless of your life stage, summer offers a change of pace. For the last several years I've started the summer off with a vacation. Each year I've visited my parents in Florida and have used some of this time away to reconnect with friends. This year my time in Florida included helping my parents shop for some new furniture for their condo, enjoying a number of meals out with family and friends, visiting the beach, and attending worship in a congregation I previously served. It also Read More …
Preaching Prayer – Just Do It! (#2135)
I'm delighted to be serving as Interim Pastor at Advent Lutheran Church in Arlington, Texas. This summer we are journeying together through the Jesus Priorities (based on a book with the same title by Christopher Maricle). Sermon My message, “Prayer: Just do It!,” was based on Matthew 6:5-13. Prayer While I relied on this manuscript, I’m aware that I went a bit off script on a few occasions. You can watch a recording of the livestream here (the Gospel lesson begins at Read More …
Preaching Healing (#2134)
This morning I preached at Advent Lutheran Church in Arlington, Texas for the second time in my new role as this congregation’s Interim Senior Pastor. And, following the service they held a reception to welcome my wife and I into the life of the congregation. The Sermon My message, “Your Healing Touch” kicked off a summer series titled "The Jesus Priorities." The series was inspired by Christopher Maricle's book, The Jesus Priorities: 8 Essential Habits (2007). Today's message Read More …
Great New Books for July 2024 (#2133)
The best new books I’ve read in the last month are The Truth To say immigration is a hot topic is to state the obvious. To suggest that most people hold views that are not fully supported by the best available data is perhaps less obvious, but more important. Wherever you find yourself on the political spectrum and whatever your theological foundation may be, Zeke Hernandez's new book offers an opportunity to engage in a deep dive on the wide ranging positive impact immigrants Read More …
Preaching Intention or Interruption? (#2132)
This morning I preached at Advent Lutheran Church in Arlington, Texas for the first time on the occasion of my first day serving as this congregation's Interim Senior Pastor. The Sermon My message, “Intention or Interruption?,” was based on today's Gospel reading: Mark 5:21-43. Intention, Interruption, or Intentional Interruption? While I relied on this manuscript, I'm aware that I went a bit off script on a few occasions. You can watch a recording of the livestream here (the Read More …
Where’s Greg Worshipping in 2024? 12 Congregations in 3 States (#2131)
In recent years I've worshipped in more than 75 Dallas - Arlington - Fort Worth area congregations (see Visiting 75 Churches in the Dallas – Fort Worth Metro Area). Last year, I reflected on some of those congregations as well as my worship experiences in congregations outside of Texas in June (Where’s Greg Worshipping? 8+ Congregations in 3 States) and December (Happy New Year! Celebrating Visits to 12 Churches). A few days ago I announced that I'll be returning to parish ministry later this Read More …