Who better than a pastor – called to live in a peculiar way on behalf of a group of people unable to live this way most days – to practice the art of prophetically being one’s authentic self, rather than attempting to be one’s best, most marketable self?
I was terrified. Guns were stashed everywhere, right next door to our home
Beneath this star-spangled net of red, white and blue, we are trapped by hate and violence – and entitlement to our weapons.
‘Why do we need mountains?’ A child’s profound question merits a thoughtful response
If we listen carefully to how children ask their questions of God and church, we clergy, parents and other adults might discover ways to “speak Christian” plainly.
Prophetic apologies are coming from a surprising source – law enforcement; churches should pay attention
The prophets’ call to “heal the earth” is being awakened in surprising places — like police forces.
In divisive times, can we find ways to let our ‘better angels’ show?
My advice for living faithfully in these troubled times: Listen carefully to others, speak the truth in love and then . . . well, leave the rest to God.
Think you’re immune to the lures of the ‘prosperity gospel’? Maybe you should think again
We may not spend money on “gifts” to multi-millionaire, prosperity gospel ministers. But we do spend it on expertly-marketed Christian media.
Churches should be more like grand juries – except for the judging part
I spent two weeks on a grand jury listening to stories that make it clear the world needs good churches.
Four decades ago we sponsored two Vietnamese refugees. It changed lives – theirs, ours and America’s
Anh and Xuan’s plight was desperate and dangerous, their destiny cast into the hands of resentful and suspicious nations, their destination completely unknown. A generation later, their families are strong, and their contributions to our society are profound.
The best seminaries are laboratories for the Church of tomorrow
Seminaries should be religious science labs that help prepare leaders for the ever evolving work of the Holy Spirit in congregational life.