By Bill Wilson One of the most painful parts of our political process is the heated rhetoric of the campaign season. Most of us are so disgusted by the vitriol of political ads that, by election day, we are willing…
Things Jesus never said
By Bill Wilson There are some things you will just never hear. Ever seen those lists? “Next on ‘Jerry Springer’: Two happily married couples with their normal children.” Sorry, that’s just not going to happen. Or maybe you’ve seen the…
The 20-year test
(Editor’s note: Although Bill Wilson’s commentary pieces — written as a column for the Virginia Baptist Religious Herald — have appeared frequently on Associated Baptist Press over the last year, with this edition ABP will begin the regular biweekly publication of his…
A good word about preaching
By Bill Wilson Healthy churches hear good preaching. Few would disagree with such a statement. However, the definition of good preaching is about as easy to agree upon as is good taste in fashion. Our definition of good preaching usually…
Assessing conflict in churches
By Bill Wilson So what do we make of the rising tide of conflict in local congregations? First of all, is there actually an increase in conflict? Anecdotally, the number of calls and conversations we are having around conflict seem…
Upheaval
By Bill Wilson Upheaval. That’s one of the nicer things we call moving. Our household’s recent move has been a journey into disorganization, disorientation and general discord. A genuine necessary evil. More than once during recent weeks, we vowed to…
Clergy and grief
By Bill Wilson A friend and I were talking a few weeks ago and she made the following statement: One of the hardest parts of long-term ministry is burying your friends. I buried a dear friend on Monday. It was…
Is discomfort at church good or bad?
By Bill Wilson Here at the Center for Congregational Health, we spend many hours each week helping clergy and congregations navigate the tricky waters of expectations and living together in positive and encouraging relationships rather than confrontational ones. I’ve recently…
The prophetic pastor
By Bill Wilson One of the most precarious tasks a preacher faces is that of being a prophet. The role of prophet is one toward which many ministers feel a deep ambivalence. All preachers know that relevant preaching must address…
What do you lie to yourself about?
By Bill Wilson My seminary-student son recently told me about a website called SoulPancake. 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…