We knew about a week ago that it might snow this past weekend, but ministers have to be in denial about it at least until Saturday afternoon. During the senior adult luncheon last Tuesday when the mere possibility of snow…
The greatest challenge your pastor will face in 2017
Pastors across America will face a common challenge in 2017, and it could be you. Not that you’re a bad person or mean. But the greatest challenge for your pastor in this new year could be you — if you…
‘Give the King your justice, O God’
“Give the King your justice, O God,” the Psalmist writes to begin the 72nd chapter — the lectionary text for this day of Epiphany, Jan. 6, 2017. “That he may rule your people righteously and the poor with justice. ……
What Martin might say to us in a troubled time
It is the first week of January and I must admit to you that I have been dreading the coming moments for a few months. Back in early November, I assumed, like many others that these fears — fears about…
The new banana republic
The 20th century has been defined by the rise of the U.S. Empire. President Theodore Roosevelt introduced “gun boat diplomacy” and “speaking softly but carrying a big stick,” policies which laid the foundation for the development of today’s multinational corporations….
An increase in exercise — and an increase in obesity?
I have to admit that I am slightly obsessed with counting my steps on my FitBit. My sons talked me into getting one under the premise that I could “friend” people who also have them, and we could “encourage” each…
Zero G, and I feel fine
The recent passing of astronaut John Glenn has revived interest in our country’s early space flights. I remember as an elementary student being herded into our school library so we could all watch this brave man in an oversized tin…
Believing despite grievous suffering
Carnage surrounds the birth of the child Jesus. All was not peace and good will. The Gospel reading for the first Sunday following Christmas recounts the fury of Herod and his order to kill all male children who were 2…
The visit of the Magi: What those outside our faith still bring to it
Growing up, my favorite part of the Christmas story was always the wise men and their star-lit pursuit of the baby Jesus. It may have been because they always had the best costumes in Christmas pageants, with their elaborate sateen…
Opinions diverge but relationships grow
“Mom, if you’re going to say things like that, you have to expect me to respond.” My eldest, a recent college graduate in the process of applying for political science Ph.D. programs, was about to start a rant (a fairly…
Fake news, gossip and ‘Just want my church back!’
Editor’s note: This column is the last for George Bullard as a columnist for Baptist News Global. Due to his responsibilities in other areas, he has asked to be released from this task and of course we’ve agreed, though with…
A wind-up Jesus
The week before Christmas, I received a small package from minister-friends in eastern North Carolina. It contained the sage-looking, plastic-action figure pictured below. The enclosed card read: “A gift for you from two wise men in the East. Maybe you…