Five months into an interim pastorate, I’ve discovered that sometimes a photograph can capture what words cannot. Since beginning my service as Interim Senior Minister at Fort Worth’s oldest congregation, First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), I’ve been paying attention to the moments that seem to tell something larger about this remarkable community of faith. Established in 1855 and located in the heart of downtown, First Christian’s “new” campus has been home to the congregation Read More …
Fort Worth
Three Churches in Three Days: Renewed Hope for the Future of the Church (#2326)
Over the last three days, I experienced church in three very different ways. Friday: I celebrated Pride Month at Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, attending the final Pride as Big as Texas concert presented by the Turtle Creek Chorale. The evening transformed the historic sanctuary into a space of music, story-telling, and celebration. It also served as the unofficial kickoff to Trinity Pride weekend. Saturday: I joined a number of clergy colleagues and the congregation of Read More …
Called to Share, Invited to Belong (#2314)
Yesterday at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in downtown Fort Worth, I preached a message titled "Called to Share, Invited to Belong" based on Matthew 28:16-20. And, we celebrated Goofy Glasses Sunday, an annual fundraiser benefitting the Community Eye Clinic. Sermon You can watch the sermon below or read the manuscript. Excerpt This passage of Scripture is important. It is given by Jesus as a way of empowering his disciples to continue his ministry. And this is a Read More …
Living as Easter People (#2312)
Today I preached my fifth sermon as the Interim Senior Minister of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in downtown Fort Worth, Texas (you can learn more about this new role here). Sermon My Easter message, “Living as Easter People” is based on Matthew 28:1-10. You can watch the sermon below or read the manuscript. Excerpt Theologians have amazingly complex and largely unsatisfying answers to all of these questions and to others we might ask. There is not one Read More …
Open Hearts, Open Eyes, New Beginnings (#2306)
Today I preached my third sermon as the Interim Senior Minister of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in downtown Fort Worth, Texas (you can learn more about this new role here). Sermon My message, “Open Hearts, Open Eyes, New Beginnings” is based on 1 Samuel 16:1-13 and John 9:1-41. You can watch the sermon below or read the manuscript. Excerpt I have much to learn when it comes to all that happens here on our church campus. Every time I am here, I see new Read More …
My New Role: Interim Minister at First Christian in Fort Worth (#2302)
20 months ago I announced that I was Returning to Parish Ministry as Interim Pastor at Advent Lutheran (ELCA). 14 months later that role concluded and I devoted myself to guest and supply preaching. Now, I am pleased to share that, beginning this week, I will serve as Interim Senior Minister at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in downtown Fort Worth. Returning to Fort Worth It is a joy to return to downtown Fort Worth where my wife and I lived until moving to our current Read More …
A New Presbyterian Experience (#2258)
As someone who has spent about half of my life as a Presbyterian, I'm thankful for new opportunities within this tradition. Today, I served as the guest preacher at Nor'kirk Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) in Carrollton, Texas, on the occasion of their Round Up Sunday (elsewhere commonly referred to as Rally Day or Kick Off Sunday). Notably, this congregation is preparing to celebrate their 50th anniversary next month. My message, Love Wastefully, is based on Luke 15:1-32. You can view it Read More …
Visiting 75 Churches in the Dallas – Fort Worth Metro Area (#2119)
Many people visit a few churches. Some people visit many churches. I've been fortunate to visit an incredible number of congregations, including 75 in the Dallas - Fort Worth metropolitan area of Texas. As I reflect on these diverse experiences, I begin with context. The map below shows the locations of each congregation When I first moved back to Texas in 2015 after nearly a decade away, my family resided in the Northern portion of the metro area. And, during those years, I 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 …
Mainline Decline in the Dallas – Fort Worth Metro Area (#2038)
While I've written extensively about Mainline decline this is the first time I've considered what this decline looks like in my own geography. As someone who has lived all but about a decade of my life in the Dallas - Fort Worth area of Texas, I've long wondered what Mainline decline really looks like here in the area I call home. The exploration that follows offers a county by county look at the region's most populous counties before exploring Mainline decline for the area as a whole. Read More …