How Do I Survive the Disappointments and Hurts?

February 28, 2024 By Dr. Rick McKinney

I’ve had some significant conversations lately. After 50 years, I’m no longer pastoring. So now, it seems people are more comfortable asking me questions. Here’s one I get a lot. “How do I survive the disappointments and hurts inflicted by professing Christians and church members?” It makes me very sad. My wife and I crisscrossed America in full-time evangelism for seven years. We then walked (literally) from California to Washington, D.C. We talked with dozens of people whose most significant... Read more

Contextualization or Compromise?

February 14, 2024 By Dr. Rick McKinney

The Question: Contextualization or Compromise? A few days ago, I taught my Church History class about the difference between contextualization and compromise. Contextualization is the process of communicating an idea in the language of a particular culture so that they can understand it. At this point in the history of the Church, it’s crucial to consider: “Should we contextualize the gospel?” I posed this question to the class. We live in a culture that speaks a different language than our... Read more

Is This the Beginning of Your Life, or the End?

January 11, 2024 By Dr. Rick McKinney

Beginning or End? Dare I ask? How old are you? I’m 68 years old. I often find myself tempted to ask, “Is this the beginning or end?” I deduce that the end is near in response to achy muscles, crackling bones, and dull memory. My wife calls me an eternal optimist. When it comes to anticipating the future, however, I’ll be the first to admit that, at times, I see the darkness rather than the light. By all calculations, I... Read more

Return to Church during the holidays?

January 2, 2024 By Dr. Rick McKinney

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A Few Observations Parishioners who have fallen away from the Church often ask me: “Should I return to Church during the holidays?” I would never discourage anyone from returning to the Church. I might, however, question whether this is the best time to give the Church a second (or third) chance. It may depend on why you left the Church in the first place or your motivation for returning now. Perhaps individuals think like this: “If I attend a crowded... Read more

How Will You Begin the New Year?

December 13, 2023 By Dr. Rick McKinney

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Is it that time already!? The calendar says yes, but my emotions scream, “No-o-o-o-o-o!” When I resign myself to the reality of another new year, I immediately hear the haunting voice that questions, “How will you begin the New Year?” Will it be with new resolutions and goals, or will I be honest enough to admit that in decades of trying, I’ve yet to see one through to the end of the year? I am tempted to throw up my... Read more

Do you find the holidays painful?

December 8, 2023 By Dr. Rick McKinney

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Retailers spend millions of dollars on advertising campaigns every Christmas to encourage us to experience joy and happiness. Despite their best efforts, do you find the holidays painful? That is not usually the case for me. I love the holidays. I have over six decades of fond memories with family, friends, and churches that still make me smile. Painful Memories This year, however, will be hard. My wife and I were caught in the Christmas Day airline debacle a year... Read more

Christmas Happens in the Heart

December 8, 2023 By Dr. Rick McKinney

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As we begin celebrating Christmas, we are tempted to think that Christmas happens under the tree or around the table. And although family gatherings and gift-giving are undoubtedly essential elements of the holidays, the truth is that Christmas happens in the heart. Christmas Behavior Modification So many of our spiritual practices can become meaningless habits. We learn to modify our behavior to fit the season. We go through the motions like decorating the tree, setting up the nativity scene, and... Read more

Can I Really Go Back To Church? Steps for Going Home

September 15, 2023 By Dr. Rick McKinney

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I’m Not Sure I Can Go Back To Church This is a typical response when talking with someone who has left the church. Perhaps they were ostracized because of something they did or how they looked. The church may have fired a pastor they liked, or the church split over some insignificant issue. Sometimes, the reasons are more profound and stem from a grudge against God. For example, when a family member dies unexpectedly or tragically, they may vow never... Read more

Recovery From Emotional Wounds: What Should I Do?

September 12, 2023 By Dr. Rick McKinney

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Emotional Wounds I don’t sing when I’m hurt. When wounded, I lose my melody. My tendency is to hang my harp in the willows, like the captive Israelites, when I’m held captive by heartache. That’s when I know I need recovery from emotional wounds. Do you find that to be true in your lowest moments? Many people do. I was in a situation I’d never been in before a few years ago. After several years of successful ministry as pastor... Read more

How Can I Forgive if I Can’t Forget?

September 11, 2023 By Dr. Rick McKinney

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Forgetfulness or Forgiveness? How can I forgive if I can’t forget? I remember where I was. You probably do, too. None of us who lived through the horror of that day will ever forget. The fear spawned by the attacks on the World Trade Centers in New York City was some of the most intense of my lifetime. Most of us remember how we cringed for weeks every time we heard planes overhead, especially in a mall or stadium. September... Read more