Suzanne and Alan Robertson and their daughters found grace, compassion and hope in one of the last places most people would think to look: Death Row. Suzanne Craig Robertson recounts their discovery — and how it touched their lives —…
How a medical emergency during worship showed love in action
We had a medical emergency last Sunday during our gathering at Restore. It was one of those “they don’t teach you this in seminary” moments. I was in the middle of preaching when I looked over and saw that someone…
Reverend Roboto: Artificial intelligence and pastoral care
“Write a sermon on this week’s lectionary text.” “Write a Country and Western song about Job.” “Write a prayer for Reddit.” “Write a Bible song about ducks.” “Add a prayer to go with that sermon.” “Write a worship song about…
Prayer might not be enough
When someone shares a prayer request, what do you hear? We’ve been programmed to tell others when we have a need for God’s help. Many of us grew up going to Wednesday prayer service, where a significant block of time…
If you’re engaged in justice ministry, here are some tips on how to avoid burnout
Those engaged in justice ministry must practice emotional and spiritual self-care or face overwhelming exhaustion and despair, a global justice ministry expert said in a recent webinar titled “Still Trusting the God of Justice.” “Helplessness and hopelessness can set in…
A risky experiment: Justice, freedom and compassion in America
Now the only way to avoid this shipwreck, and to provide for our posterity, is to follow the counsel of Micah, to do justly, to love mercy, to walk humbly with our God. For this end, we must be knit…
A conservative case for why the church should lead the way in being ‘woke’
I’ve always been perplexed by my fellow conservative Christians’ overall rejection of “wokeness.” After all, the gospel is all about repentance from our harmful behaviors and a renewing of the mind. Who amongst us that has walked with the Lord…
Why men should be concerned about the abortion ruling
The Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization is a tragedy for the health care and reproductive justice of millions of women in America. But it’s not just women who should be concerned about the ravenous effects…
Note to self: Get rid of resting jerkface
I stopped by the bank the other day to cash a few checks for pocket money. The teller already was having a bad day, I surmised, as she completed a tense conversation with a co-worker while I approached her window….