At the start of the 2020s I had been blogging for 10 1/2 years, and was committed to continuing to provide new content focused on matters of faith that matter. While I started the 2000s and 2010s as someone engaged in full-time ministry in the local church, I started the 2020s leading a faith-based non-profit that is supported by many congregations (as well as a wide variety of other donors and supporters). In the 2020s (so far) I've continued on this path serving two organizations focused Read More …
COVID-19
Pandemic Posts: Wisdom for Ministry During the Time of COVID-19 (#1990)
When COVID-19 was initially announced no one knew how to respond, and everyone wondered how long it would last. Over the last two years and two months, I've written 35 posts focused on ministry during a pandemic. This post provides a comprehensive listing of these vital resources. In-Person Worship Attendance: Continued Challenges (April 2022) All Saints & All Souls in a Pandemic (November 2021)Pandemic Worship: 10 Sacred Spaces (October 2021)Mask Up (August 2021)Latest Church Trends: Read More …
Giving Thanks – 10 Experiences in 2021 (#1961)
Thanksgiving week has arrived. Last year, I dedicated a post to reflecting on Giving Thanks for 10 Ministry Experiences. This year, I'm giving thanks for 10 meaningful experiences from 2021: Receiving the COVID-19 vaccine (see Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine)Starting a new ministry role as Executive Director of White Rock Center of Hope (see My Ministry Journey - Another Big Step)Enjoying my second annual weeklong fall vacation in Naples, FL with my partner - our first two getaways of Read More …
Pandemic Worship: 10 Sacred Spaces (#1955)
A year before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, I wrote "Visiting 50+ Churches in Dallas-Fort Worth," highlighting congregations I had worshipped with since relocating to Texas from Florida. When the pandemic started, I stopped attending worship in person. After experiencing a full year of life without attending corporate worship, I gradually reentered that world. March 7 - I attended my first outdoor worship serviceMarch 14 - I attended my first indoor worship service Now, seven Read More …
Labor Day Reflections (#1950)
Throughout the day I've been thinking about work, including the role it has played in my life and the ways work has changed during my lifetime. On social media, I've paused to ponder memes exploring advances in workers' rights and on pictures of friends having fun outdoors. I've also taken time to read a number of articles exploring the end of unemployment benefits for 7 million American workers and the end of a $300 week federal supplement to state unemployment benefits for 3 million more Read More …
Mask Up (#1946)
Back in January, I shared my experience of getting the COVID-19 vaccine. In that post I wrote, "During the COVID-19 pandemic, one clear way to love one’s neighbor is to receive the COVID-19 vaccine." Today, I'd like to add mask wearing as another important way to show love for one's neighbor. My Experience For many months the last two things I did before leaving home were to put on shoes and select a mask for the outing. When the CDC issued new guidance in May stating that masks and Read More …
Top Posts of 2021 (January – June) (#1939)
In a few days, we will reach the midpoint of 2021. Many of my blog posts this year have focused on how churches and other ministries are reopening, and how the next normal will differ from what had been normative in a pre-pandemic world. Additionally, the first post of the month each month introduces great new books. Not surprisingly, all five of the top posts for the first half of this year fit in one of those two categories (top posts as defined by total page views): Reopening for Read More …
New Beginnings at First Presbyterian (Fort Worth) (#1928)
First Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) has been a part of the Fort Worth community for 148 years. Originally established in 1873, this urban congregation moved to its current location in 1956. Like many congregations, it ceased all indoor gatherings early in the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike most congregations, it also completed a search for a new pastor and head of staff during the pandemic. On February 7, 2021, the congregation elected the Rev. Dr. Brian Coulter to serve as its next pastor Read More …
First Indoor Worship Service in a Year (#1921)
Last Sunday I attended my first in person worship service in over a year. For that outdoor service at First Presbyterian Church (Fort Worth, TX) I sat masked in a socially distanced chair with fewer than 20 other outdoor attendees - a group which was supplemented by folks worshipping in a nearby parking lot in their vehicles. (For more on this check out my post titled First in Person Worship Experience in a Year.) Today was another milestone day: I attended my first indoor worship service in Read More …
Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine (#1912)
What does it mean to love one's neighbor? This is a question that followers of the Way of Jesus should ask (and also answer) regularly. And, it is a question with innumerable answers. Get Vaccinated During the COVID-19 pandemic, one clear way to love one's neighbor is to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. My Experience Yesterday I received an automated notification that I was eligible to be vaccinated today at a set location and at a given time. I quickly rearranged my Read More …