I'm delighted to be serving as Interim Pastor at Advent Lutheran Church in Arlington, Texas. This summer we are journeying together through the Jesus Priorities (based on a book with the same title by Christopher Maricle). Sermon My message, “Prayer: Just do It!,” was based on Matthew 6:5-13. Prayer While I relied on this manuscript, I’m aware that I went a bit off script on a few occasions. You can watch a recording of the livestream here (the Gospel lesson begins at Read More …
Prayer
Struck (#1944)
On Wednesday afternoon, I was driving from East Dallas to Mesquite for a meeting. The drive was going according to plan until it wasn't. Without warning, I was struck from behind by another SUV. Over the last few days I've reflected on the experience and the life changes that have followed: Health. Thankfully neither party was seriously injured. The many safety features on both vehicles performed as designed.Priorities. The other driver felt his next meeting so important that after Read More …
Stranded? (#1913)
If you are anything like me, you know what you'll be doing and when. Planning wisely is key, and executing a plan on schedule is vital. Experiencing the Unexpected Yesterday I pulled into a gas station to refuel my SUV. I pushed the button in the cabin to open the fuel door, exited my vehicle, and noticed the door had not opened. I leaned back into my vehicle, pushed the button a second time, heard the sound I assumed was the door opening. Unfortunately while my actions had been Read More …
Top 20 Posts – All Time (#1907)
Since launching So What Faith in 2009, I've written more than 1,900 posts about matters of faith that matter. Based on page views, my all time most popular posts (as of December 28, 2020) are Prayers of the People - Youth Sunday (2009) Pastoral Prayer – Love (2014) Review of Not a Fan (2011) 12 Marks of Convergence Christianity (2012) My Visit to Next Level Church (2012) Sermon: Lost --> Found --> Party (2015) Are 10,000 Churches Closing Every Year? (2019) Reading Read More …
Prayer in the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic (#1868)
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, I'm more aware of the importance of prayer and I'm spending more time praying. Prayer in Corporate Worship As I've participated in worship in congregations I know well and in those I am less familiar with, I've noted changes in prayer. The changes are varied and include who prays (limited by technology or use of a single sacred space with concern for others being physically present) what is included in the prayers (a blend of new concerns Read More …
Top 20 Posts of the 2010s (#1845)
You voted with your readership. The top 20 posts of the 2010s are the best of the best. Only the top 1% of all posts published during the decade made the cut. Based on the most views per Google Analytics, the top 20 posts are Pastoral Prayer – Love (2014)6 Decades of Decline in the United Church of Christ (2018)12 Marks of Convergence Christianity (2012)Valentine's Expectations (2013)My Visit to Next Level Church (2012) Pulpit Plagiarism (2014) Leaders Clear 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 …
Volunteer Appreciation – Closing Prayer (#1792)
Earlier today the Mansfield Mission Center held its first annual volunteer appreciation luncheon. This event provided an opportunity to say thank you to many of the people who power this dynamic ministry. I had the honor of providing the closing remarks. After talking a bit about love and family, I concluded with the following prayer: Volunteer Appreciation Prayer Loving God, we have gathered here today in your Many Names to pause the natural rhythm of life and ministry of the Read More …
Top 10 Posts of All Time (#1769)
I started So What Faith back in 2009, and added Google analytics to the site in 2013. Based on data gathered from 2013 to present the top all time posts are Pastoral Prayer - Love (2014) Prayers of the People - Youth Sunday (2009) 12 Marks of Convergence Christianity (2012) My Visit to Next Level Church (2012) Valentine's Expectations (2013) Leaders Clear Obstacles (2015) Pulpit Plagiarism (2014) Review of Not a Fan (2011) Theology on Tap (2011) The Immigrants Creed Read More …
America the Unique: Daily Prayer (#1741)
The Age Gap in Religion Around the World (Pew Research Center, June 2018) is packed with enough data to keep anyone interested in religious trends busy reading and pondering for quite some time. This new data supports the common claim that younger generations are less religious than elder both globally and in the United States. Of the 96 pages one captured my attention in a way the others did not. Page 21 (screenshot at right) offers a full page graphic showing the association Read More …