Christmas Eve is one of my favorite services of the year. As a pastor, I’ve had a few more verbal gaffes than I care to admit. It’s a busy season for everyone, including church staff. For some, in addition to…
Wonder as you wander the road to Bethlehem
Every December, the world starts rushing as seasonal lights go up, calendars fill up quickly and Christmas playlists spill from department store speakers before the Thanksgiving leftovers have cooled. There is a cultural trend to rush in and rush through…
Why is there a rooster on the steeple?
Most Christian churches in the Southeastern United States, especially in Alabama, where I was raised, have crosses on the steeples of their churches. During my sabbatical in 2012, prompted by the Celtic crosses on the campus of First Baptist Church…
7 organizational pitfalls that keep churches stuck
A veteran airline pilot once told me, “Even the most advanced aircraft won’t go anywhere without regular course corrections.” The same is true of churches. While rooted in timeless truth, churches must constantly assess whether they’re still aligned with their…
Hearing the elephant and seeing the owl: Memories of John Killinger
When I learned of John Killinger’s passing on June 5 at age 91, I found myself reflecting with deep gratitude on a friendship that spanned 35 years and strongly influenced my life and ministry. Respected as one of America’s most…
Walter Brueggemann challenged my assumptions and deepened my faith
On June 5, the world lost one of its most provocative and prophetic theological voices. Walter Brueggemann, Old Testament scholar, preacher, teacher and esteemed theologian, died at the age of 92. His death leaves a significant void in the landscape…
Holy Week as a sacred symphony
Each year, Christians around the world walk through the sacred rhythms of Holy Week, revisiting the final days of Jesus’ earthly journey before the Cross and the resurrection. Why is observing Holy Week important to our preparation for Easter? The…
10 ways to care for the emotional health of your congregation during a pastor transition
A pastoral transition is one of the most impactful seasons in the life of a church. Whether a pastor retires, resigns or is called to another ministry, the transition can stir a wide range of emotions — grief, uncertainty, anxiety,…
Love, faith and simplicity: Remembering our visit with President and Mrs. Carter
What is it like to visit in the home and the church of a former president? In the spring of 2012, my wife, Amanda, and I were blessed to spend a week in Plains, Ga., where I had been invited…
Building bridges in a divided world: 7 ways to cultivate unity
In a world that is increasingly divided, followers of Jesus can be proactive and intentional about building bridges over the chasm of our differences. Our faith calls us to be peacemakers, to love our neighbors and to cultivate unity in…
10 practices to help us cultivate a Jesus worldview
Irish singer and songwriter Bono of the band U2 confesses, “I believe Jesus is the Son of God; if we could be more like him, the world would be transformed.” It’s one thing to confess, “I believe in Jesus.” It’s…
Ten benefits of participating in a pastor peer group
In the realm of spiritual leadership, pastors shoulder a weighty responsibility of guiding, supporting and nurturing their congregations. Demands of the role can be both deeply rewarding and incredibly demanding, often leading to isolation and burnout. In the course of…