I finally gave in. In fact, three times now. I successfully navigated the self-serve kiosk at McDonald’s. With a touch of reluctance, I admit the experience was satisfying. I approached the kiosk, touched the screen, scanned my points code, placed…
In conversation with Jim Somerville
For 18 years, Jim Somerville has done something many pastors talk about but far fewer actually attempt. He has led a historic congregation to change. This change isn’t merely cosmetic or programmatic but rather the kind that presses on identity…
Despair is not a choice
Many of us who care and are paying attention to the current reign of evil and terror in America are finding it hard to stay on the path of hope. When we see little children being used as pawns by…
King of the Hill reminds us change can be good, too
In an age when politics overpowers all aspects of life, it isn’t surprising adult cartoons regularly embrace it for fodder. South Park’s new season drew White House acrimony after depicting Donald Trump as an egomaniacal devil-worshipping tyrant. And this was…
Metanoia and your spiritual journey
April traditionally arrives with images of rebirth — an empty tomb, the sight of unfolding lilies, reading familiar words of promise. The vision of hope springs up, bringing encouragement to our weary souls. This year between frantic breaking news, waving…
Grief and resilience: A model for facing change
“All change is loss; all loss must be grieved.” This saying is attributed to Don Garner, retired professor of Old Testament, and he has the credentials to be heard. Not only was he a teacher with a specialty in wisdom…
Regarding election 2024: Eight things I see
After a tumultuous and fascinating two months in American politics, here are some things I see as this election year moves into its final stretch. After the June presidential debate, Joe Biden’s candidacy was doomed. He was right to drop…
What your pastor can’t tell you but really wants you to know
Your pastor wants you to know, but just can’t tell you. Your pastor knows too much transparency can be vocationally dangerous, depending on the level of honesty allowed in your church. At the same time, if you knew these things,…
A eulogy for vacation Bible school
Vacation Bible school, known as VBS by many, has been a staple in the life of American churches for decades. From its beginnings in the late 1800s, the focus has been a ministry to children. VBS has been a source…
Get ready for a third Baptist alternative to emerge
A tsunami of change is coming to the Baptist family of congregations. With the hard-right pivot of the Southern Baptist Convention in June, a significant number of centrist SBC congregations are facing a difficult decision about their future. These churches…
Juneteenth: Moving from symbolism to substance
When President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation Jan. 1, 1863, it changed the legal status of more than 3.5 million enslaved Black people in the Confederate states from enslaved to free. It was two-and-a-half years later, on June 19,…
What pastors may not say, but really want us to understand
Your pastor wants you to know, but he or she just can’t tell you. Your pastor knows too much transparency can be vocationally dangerous, depending on the level of honesty allowed in your church. At the same time, if you…