Most data related to Mainline Protestant decline focuses on one of two measures: Absolute decline (how many fewer members are in the denomination today as compared to a specific year in the past)Percentage decline (how much smaller the denomination has become as understood by expressing the membership decline as a percentage) In this post, I'll consider these before exploring what I find to be a more helpful measurement of decline. This new measure is also an easier way to understand the Read More …
Look Again (#2074)
It's time to look again. Eyeball Sometimes I don't see things, even things that are in plain sight. This is the case when it comes to a 30 foot tall eyeball located in downtown Dallas. This piece of art was created by Tony Tasset who modeled it after his own eye. Originally displayed in Chicago, it moved to downtown Dallas in 2013. Despite dozens of visits to downtown Dallas in recent years that took me right by or brought me close to the Eye, I had never actually seen it. Last Read More …
Abiding Contentment (#2073)
Passage for Reflection: Philippians 4:10-15 My wife and I reside in a beautiful home with ample room for everyday living and to provide hospitality for guests. Last week a larger house across the street was listed for sale. How might our life change if we had 20% more square feet? I serve a ministry supported by many generous individuals and congregations. Recently I was contacted by a determined headhunter. She attempted to lure me with the promise of financial security, “How much more Read More …
Great New Books – August 2023 (#2072)
The best new books I’ve read in the last 30 days are listed below. (5.0) Only Work Sundays: A Laidback Guide to Doing Less while Helping Your Church Thrive by Liz Miller (Pilgrim Press, 2023)(4.5) King: A Life by Jonathan Eig (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2023)(4.5) The Word Made Fresh: Preaching God's Love for Every Body by George A. Mason (Front Edge Publishing, 2023)*4.5) The Song of Significance: A New Manifesto for Teams by Seth Godin (Portfolio / Penguin, 2023)(4.0) Walking With Read More …
53 Years of Hope: Celebrating Cathedral of Hope’s Anniversary (#2071)
I was excited to be able to worship this morning at Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ after missing out the last several weeks to worship with other area congregations that support the work of the faith-based non-profit I serve (for my sermon at St. James Episcopal Church see Preaching Hope or for my message at Eastminster Presbyterian Church see Preaching Difficult Discipleship). Celebrating 53 Years! 53 years ago something new happened in Dallas. In July of 1970 a group of 12 Read More …
My Ministry in the United Church of Christ – Ordination Update #12 (#2070)
In this series on my journey to ordination in the United Church of Christ, I’ve shared some of my experiences as a Member in Discernment. In the last update, I shared that I submitted the final item requested from my by the North Texas Association Committee on Ministry: an ordination paper. The paper consists of three sections: My Theology (an exploration of what I believe)My Understanding of the History and Polity of the United Church of ChristMy Ministry in the United Church of Christ Read More …
Preaching Hope (#2069)
This morning I had the opportunity to preach at both worship services at St. James Episcopal Church and share more about the ministry of White Rock Center of Hope during the education hour. This was a special joy as I've gotten to know this congregation better and better through my relationship with their WRCH Board Member, Russ Pate and their Rector, Fr. Jonathan Melton. Sermon My message, “Sowing Seeds of Hope” was based on the lectionary passages (Isaiah 55:10-13, Romans 8:1-11 & Read More …
Am I Living in the Most Protestant Place in America? (#2068)
Dallas - Arlington - Fort Worth, Texas (aka the D/FW metro area) has been my home for most of my life. Given D/FW's location, it isn't surprising that the area is more religious than the United States is on average. But, just how religious is it? And, just how Protestant? Most Religious Counties Last month sociologist Ryan Burge compiled a list of the Most Religiously Affiliated Highly Populated Counties in America as defined by the percentage of people in the county who are attached Read More …
Learning from 9 Congregations & 10 Denominations – Update #11 (#2067)
In this series on my journey to ordination in the United Church of Christ, I've been sharing some of the specifics of what my life has been like in recent months as a Member in Discernment. In this post, I explore how my current theology has been informed by lessons I've learned from 10 denominations or traditions. As I engage in this reflection I'm mindful of the nine congregations I've served, which are shown below: (1) First Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) - Duncanville, TX; (2) Central Read More …
Ordination Paper Submitted – Update #10 (#2066)
I'm in the process of seeking ordination in the United Church of Christ. This is my 10th update about that journey. Submitted Today, I submitted my ordination paper. It is a twenty-five page document that is divided into three sections: theology,history and polity of the United Church of Christ, andand my calling to and ministry in the United Church of Christ. So What? In nine prior updates I've shared lists of what I've been asked to do as a Member in Discernment (UCC-speak Read More …