One of the most precarious tasks a preacher faces is that of being a prophet. The role of prophet is one that many ministers feel a deep ambivalence toward. All preachers know that relevant preaching must address the great issues…
VITAL SIGNS: What do you lie to yourself about?
My seminary-student son recently told me about a website called soulpancake.com. Specifically, he mentioned a thread of responses to the question “What do you lie to yourself about?” When I went to the site and began to read the anonymous…
VITAL SIGNS: Everyone needs a Nathan
Who is your Nathan? Every minister needs a Nathan. No exceptions. You know Nathan, the bold truth-teller who finally broke through King David’s rationalizations and justifications. Nathan served the Kingdom by speaking God’s truth to David’s deceptions. Only Nathan was able…
VITAL SIGNS: Facing the raging blizzard
Why a regular column about healthy churches and healthy ministers? Some would argue that such a thing doesn’t exist. For far too many clergy and laity alike, healthy is not the word they use to describe their life in a…
VITAL SIGNS: Facing the raging blizzard
Why a regular column about healthy churches and healthy ministers? Some would argue that such a thing doesn’t exist. For far too many clergy and laity alike, healthy is not the word they use to describe their life in a…