Y’all know I love Church, right? LOVE it. For all of its imperfections, bumbling ways and love of minutiae, there is no collective body on earth more capable of harnessing sheer joy, world-changing compassion, and the transforming power of presence with those in need. I’m here for it, every single day. But. Sometimes we are terrible at marketing. When I say “we,” I’m talking about the larger body, the big “C” church. Advertising is, shall we say, not our spiritual gift.... Read more
I’m trying to say it out loud, so here goes: I’m 40. Four-oh. 4-times-10. FORTY. I’m 40. Today. Right this minute. Sorry for the cliche, but here I am. I do not love this. But I’m here for it. You know what I’m NOT here for? Lots of things. More and more things all the time, actually. And for my 40th birthday, I’ve compiled a list of things I’m giving up and/or letting go; or generally embracing about myself even... Read more
Guest post: Chris Furr The most popular entertainment company in America, the NFL, is slowly revealing itself as an embodiment of America’s racist past and present, dressed up in helmets and shoulder pads. When I was a bachelor, it was not uncommon for my roommates and I to spend Sundays watching NFL pregame shows, then games all afternoon and evening. 12 hours of non-stop football consumption. Becoming a husband, father and pastor has curtailed my consumption significantly, but lately it’s... Read more
When you are at the funeral of a non-church person, nobody sings. Read more
If that title sounds extreme and click-baity, that’s intentional. Because the headlines (and tag lines, and radio blurbs, etc) all sound equally sensationalized. After all, this story is every reporter and news outlet’s dream. Rep. Tim Murphy is well-known for his anti-abortion stance, runs on that platform, and is a current member of the Pro-Life Caucus. So when it comes to light that he urged his mistress to have an abortion, then of course that is pure ratings/web traffic/listener engagement gold. I get... Read more
I recognize fully that I am screaming into the void here. These words fall on deaf ears. Willfully unhearing, covered and plugged-for-the-firing-range ears of people who will not be moved. But here goes anyway. If you are the president of the United States and you are releasing statements–or, let’s be real, Tweets–about your “thoughts and prayers being with the victims and their families,” then please, just spare us. Your prayers are for shit if you aren’t willing to acknowledge that we... Read more
I’m grateful to my friend, Rev. Robyn Bles for sharing this guest post, on what would have been her daughter’s 3rd birthday. Whose face do you see? With his recent diagnosis, Senator John McCain became the face of the healthcare crisis. For many months this summer, baby Charlie Gard, and infant from the UK, was the face of that debate. I see a different face. I see my sweet, strong, Milly. My first-born child with honey golden curls and sky blue eyes that you... Read more
We've become a nation of walking zombies. It is affecting not just our health, but our relationships and the very fabric of our society. Read more
Earlier today, a friend (who was actually there) commented that the events of 9/11 set off a chain reaction that led to Trump’s election. As I work on my sermon for this week, I can’t stop thinking about how true that observation is. Because my sermon is about fear. And fear, more than any other factor in our history or culture, wrought the chaos that is the 45th president of these United States. Do you remember? I mean, all of the... Read more
The Bible mentions care and welcome of immigrants more than 90 times in the Old Testament alone. Read more
Irreverin
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