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 …
Mansfield Mission Center
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 …
Giving Thanks – Mansfield Mission Center (#1938)
Over the last four years, I've had the joy of serving the Mansfield Mission Center (MMC). In short, MMC is the place people turn when unexpected challenges arise, and it is the center of opportunity for individuals, families, and the entire community. Introducing the Mansfield Mission Center Founded as the benevolence ministry of First Methodist Mansfield and originally known as the Wesley Mission Center, the organization became its own non-profit in 2013, and was renamed Read More …
My Ministry Journey: Another BIG Step (#1933)
I'm excited to share the news that I've accepted a new ministry position. On June 21, 2021, I'll become the next Executive Director of the White Rock Center of Hope. This big next step is possible because of so many other steps of varying sizes I've already taken. The following account is an attempt to provide a high level overview of my preparation for this step. My approach is primarily chronological utilizing a series of phases or acts. While give thanks for the hundreds of Read More …
Ministry in the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic (#1858)
Over the last 10 days, COVID-19 has increasingly impacted all areas of life for many Americans. A week ago today I wrote "Worship in the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic" to share my experience of virtual worship on the first Sunday most congregations transitioned from worshiping on their campuses in sanctuaries and other sacred spaces to providing virtual worship. Today, I'm reflecting on just how quickly ministry has changed, is changing, and likely will continue to change as efforts to Read More …
Top 10 Posts of 2019 (#1842)
2019 has been quite a year. My return to the Mansfield Mission Center and decision to join First Presbyterian Church (Fort Worth, TX) both made the top ten list of most viewed blog posts written in 2019. The full list appears below. Volunteer Appreciation – Closing Prayer (April)Book Recommendations - March 2019 (March)I’m Back: My Return to the Mansfield Mission Center (March)Our Search for a Church 2.0 is Over! (May)Visiting 50+ Churches in Dallas – Fort Worth (February)Book Read More …
My “What Next?” (#1827)
Tomorrow I start a a new role as the Associate Executive Director at the Mansfield Mission Center. In this new role, I'll be focusing on three Ps: People: designing and implementing a new human resources strategy (we currently have an amazing team of 30+ staff and 500+ volunteers and expect many more people to join us as we live into our bold vision for a brighter future for all people in our community)Programs: refining and implementing a new integrated program model to better serve Read More …
Overwhelmed with Gratitude (#1826)
I’m overwhelmed with gratitude in response to the incredible turnout and generous support the community provided the Mansfield Mission Center this week. Three Years of Expansion I've been blessed to contribute to the incredible growth of the Mission over the last few years 2017 - I joined the staff as Director of Social Enterprise 2018 - I helped open our second location - the best thrift store in the area (don't take my word for it, our store was recently Read More …
I’m Back: My Return to the Mansfield Mission Center (#1785)
Mansfield is a family friendly city primarily in Tarrant County Texas that is nearly equidistant from Dallas and Forth Worth. I first experienced life in Mansfield when I purchased a home there in the 1990s. Since that time the population has nearly tripled, growing from around 25,000 to 70,000. As Mansfield has grown so has the need to care for all who call the city home. Individuals, businesses, government, faith communities and nonprofits have worked independently and collaboratively to Read More …
Top 5 Posts of 2018 (#1768)
2018 has been a year of new beginnings for me. The year began with my family moving into a new home. As the year progressed other major changes followed including two that appear in this year's list of top blog posts (selected based on total number of views this calendar year): Top 10 Books of 2018 (December) Book Recommendations - May 2018 (May) Now Open (March) Book Recommendations - July 2018 (July) My Year of Social Enterprise (July) So What? This year's list Read More …