On Saturday, little Bobby walked down to the corner store. He had no money. But he did have his bookbag and, even at just 9 years old, some practice at getting his hunger sated without the aid of money. On…
Measurable data misses the point of a community of faith
Recently, someone asked me about the “measurable data” of my years of ministry. The question bemused me and my sense of calling. The question is clear. It is about numbers: attendance, baptisms, annual giving, and other quantifiable characteristics. But the…
Even monsters pet dogs: Grappling with evil
Currently, I am living in Germany as a Fulbright scholar at Johannes Gutenberg University. During my time here, I have visited concentration camps, attempting to understand how an advance and civilized society, a culture which gave the world Beethoven, Luther…
The president’s proposed budget: A new definition of compassion
Compassion doesn’t start with success. Compassion starts by measuring the people who are in need, and by investing our own time and energy and money in their lives.
Prophetic preaching: some reflections
As I left the recent Alliance of Baptists annual meeting and its excellent workshop on “Prophetic Preaching,” some reflections on the topic of prophetic preaching came rushing to the surface. William Barber‘s prophetic teaching and preaching had set the tone…
Strong leadership and ‘making straight what has been crooked’
More than any leadership strategy, book, resource or plan I have ever encountered, the most important thing a leader needs to be successful in her work is character.
Churches are struggling: Should government help?
Do numerical, financial and cultural declines compel churches to seek expanded assistance from the secular government? As culture-privilege deteriorates, does government-privilege become increasingly essential?
The month of May brings tears but also graduation, buildings and a bright future
Graduations are memorable and joyful experiences. Graduations are sad, too, however, as I realize that these students will not walk the halls and the classrooms of the university again on a daily basis. So I find myself with mixed feelings of celebration as well as grief.
El mes de mayo trae lágrimas, pero también graduación, edificios y un futuro brillante
Las graduaciones son experiencias memorables y gozosas. Sin embargo, las graduaciones también son tristes, ya que me doy cuenta de que este grupo de estudiantes no volverá a caminar a diario los pasillos y aulas de la universidad. A veces experimento el mismo sentimiento de duelo en ambientes más informales cuando hablo en conferencias o talleres en diferentes lugares alrededor del mundo.
Jesus is the gate. But are there others?
In John 10:9 Jesus says, “I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture.” What does it mean to say that Jesus is the gate through which one…
Making seminary education global, personal and horizonal
Seminaries are changing in our time. Some have called theological education a “troubled industry,” and many trends support this analysis. As ecclesial patterns shift, seminaries are becoming more nimble in addressing the cultural marginalization of congregations. More important than ever,…
Changing #thingsonlychristianwomenhear
Recently, social media was abuzz with the hashtag #thingsonlychristianwomenhear. If you haven’t followed the conversation, you might want to peruse some of the comments. I have heard most of the things listed, particularly since I was ordained in a Baptist…