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 …
United Church of Christ
The Coming Wave of Church Closures in the United Church of Christ (#2330)
When discussing the numerical decline of a denomination, the conversation usually focuses on membership loss from its historic peak. While that is an important measure, it tells only part of the story. An equally important question is this: How large is the average congregation today, and how many churches have become so small that their long-term viability is in doubt? Membership Continues to Decline The average UCC congregation is now roughly half the size it was in 1970. Using Read More …
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 …
Being Clergy, Being Church in 2026 (#2292)
At a vigil for Renee Macklin Good - who was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Minneapolis - New Hampshire Episcopal Bishop Rob Hirschfeld spoke frankly about the real dangers associated with ministry in America. He remarked that clergy should be prepared for "a new era of martyrdom." And in a now viral statement he went on to say, "I've asked them to get their affairs in order to make sure they have their wills written," he said, "because it may be that now is no 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 …
My Visit to Church of the Open Arms (#2281)
This morning I was a first time visitor at Church of the Open Arms in Oklahoma City. About Open Arms Church of the Open Arms is affiliated with the United Church of Christ and started in 1997 on the campus of Mayflower Congregational UCC. Interestingly, my first ever worship in experience in the state of Oklahoma was at Mayflower. The congregation purchased and moved into their current building in 2001. Open Arms called their current pastor, Rev. Kayla Bonewell, to serve as their Read More …
Giving Thanks – Top 10 Experiences in 2025 (#2269)
November is the season of gratitude, a time to celebrate the good that has shaped the year. As I look back on 2025, I’m grateful for so many experiences. Today, I’m sharing my Top 10. Top 10 This is the fifth edition of what has become an annual tradition: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021. Read More …
Celebrating My Ordiversary: Reflections on Another Year of Ministry (#2267)
While I have been in ministry for more than 25 years, I have only been an ordained United Church of Christ minister since 2023. Two years ago today I was ordained to ministry in the United Church of Christ and installed as the CEO of White Rock Center of Hope (for more on that experience see My Ordination and Installation). On the occasion of the first anniversary of my ordination, I wrote this reflection. Today, I offer an update on what has happened in the 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 …
Interim Ministry: Then and Now (#2235)
Then This morning when I opened my Facebook feed I saw a number of "on this day" memories, including one from 11 years ago. On June 18, 2014, I highlighted the conclusion of my interim ministry role in Southwest Florida, "Final meeting with the Board of Trustees at United Church of Marco Island earlier this evening. It has been a blessing to serve as the Interim Senior Minister for the last 10 months." Now I am currently 11 days away from completing my first year as the Interim Read More …