For as long as I can remember, people in my religious tradition have been talking about decline. When I was a child, Mainline Protestantism was still a major force in American religious life. Today, many of its congregations have a much smaller membership comprised of people who are significantly older than the general population. Now, nearly everyone is wondering what the future holds. This is personal. I have spent my entire life inside this tradition. I grew up, was confirmed, and received Read More …
ELCA
Halfway Through 2026: Worshiping with 7 Congregations in 3 States (#2329)
Mid-year is a good time to pause, reflect on the first half of the year, and refine plans for what lies ahead. A few years ago I began sharing a mid-year update on my experiences of worshiping in different congregations (see Where’s Greg Worshipping in 2024? 12 Congregations in 3 States). This year's edition is a bit simpler, but no less meaningful. In August 2025, I concluded my part-time ministry as Interim Senior Pastor of Advent Lutheran Church in Arlington, Texas (see Giving Thanks: 14 Read More …
Will the ELCA Lose 75% of It’s Members? (#2309)
Mainline Protestant decline is no longer debated. It is measured, tracked, and widely acknowledged. As a lifelong member of this tradition and an ordained minister within it, I have spent years paying close attention to what is happening and asking why. Nearly two years ago, I gathered much of that work into a single place: My Religion is Dying: A Deep Dive into Mainline Decline. That post serves as a hub, linking to more than 50 additional posts that explore both broad Mainline trends and Read More …
Ash Wednesday: Are You Ready? (#2300)
Today I served as the supply pastor for Central Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Dallas, Texas on Ash Wednesday. Sermon My message, “Are You Ready?” is based on Psalm 51:1-17 and Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21. You can watch on Facebook (sermon begins at 37:10) or read the manuscript. Excerpt Grief is difficult and deeply personal. In our culture, grief is something we tend to experience privately. When we are grieving, we are cautious about who we are real with, and most folks Read More …
Transfiguration Sunday: Listen to Jesus (#2299)
Today I preached and presided as the supply pastor for Central Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Dallas, Texas on Transfiguration Sunday. Central was one of the 13 founding congregations that established White Rock Center of Hope in 1988. As Hope’s CEO, I am grateful for all they have done to support Hope over the years and the many ways they continue to do so today. Sermon My message, “Listen to Jesus” is based on Matthew 17:1-9. You can watch on Facebook (sermon begins at Read More …
The Sermon I Never Preached (#2294)
I was scheduled to be the supply pastor at Central Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Dallas, Texas this morning. A winter storm arrived on Saturday bringing the Dallas - Fort Worth area to a standstill, a pause that will last at least through tomorrow. Like many congregations in the region, Central Lutheran made the difficult decision to close the church campus and cancel all in-person activities, including worship. After more than thirty years of preaching, I finally experienced my first cancelation. Read More …
Will You Be a Witness? (#2290)
Today I preached and presided as the supply pastor for Central Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Dallas, Texas for Feast of the Baptism of our Lord. Central was one of the 13 founding congregations that established White Rock Center of Hope in 1988. As Hope's CEO, I am grateful for all they have done to support Hope over the years and the many ways they continue to do so today. Sermon My message, “Will You Be A Witness” is based on Acts 10:34-43 and Matthew 3:13-17. You can watch Read More …
10 Congregational Ministry Experiences That Shaped My 2025 (#2285)
I have always loved the local church. I earned an undergraduate degree in ministry then went to seminary before starting to serve in this ministry setting. And, I served faithfully across churches, denominations, and states. Vocationally this was my world through 2015. Toward the end of 2015, I stepped away from local church ministry. Now I serve as CEO of White Rock Center of Hope - an ecumenical ministry supported by dozens of congregations across the East Dallas community. For the majority Read More …
Now is the Time (#2275)
Today I preached and presided as the supply pastor for Central Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Dallas, Texas on the first Sunday of Advent. Central Lutheran Church is among the founding member churches of White Rock Center of Hope. Hope founder Donagene Christian was a member of this congregation. Sermon My message, “The Time is Now” is based on Romans 13:11-14 & Matthew 24:36-44.. You can watch on Facebook (sermon begins at 22:38) or read Read More …
From One Church to Many Churches (#2259)
On August 31 I concluded a 14 month role as the Interim Senior Pastor of Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Arlington, Texas (see Keep Living and Loving Like Jesus). In the three weeks since, I've enjoyed three very different worship experiences in nearby congregations affiliated with three denominations. Week 1: Cathedral of Hope On September 7, I worshipped at the 10:00am service at my home church: Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ in Dallas. Week 2: Nor'kirk Read More …