I have been reminded that my ministry has mainly been one of uprooting and tearing down. Apparently, I’ve done an excellent job. The church is a small but vibrant community poised for good things. I have never felt it was my job to grow the church physically, but to build it spiritually. In fact, I’m not interested in church growth. I truly think that Jon, the new pastor, has the gifts for growing a church. I think there’s an excellent... Read more
I was interviewed on The Drew Marshall Show last Saturday. Although I’m always nervous leading into these kinds of things, I always end up enjoying myself. Drew lives near my home town. When I got home this summer he encouraged me to look him up. I look forward to hanging out with Drew. I think we would have too much fun. He interviewed my friend Hemant Mehta, The Friendly Atheist. He also interviewed the top Christian blogger, Tim Challies, along... Read more
Now that I am not on the payroll of a church, I have no voice. I am “just a layman”. I don’t have any authority to critique the church. This is not just the opinion of some, but an inner conflict I’ve wrestled with for years. Strange! When I had authority in the church, as a pastor, I wasn’t allowed to critique it because that was disloyal. I was biting the hand that feeds me. It was disrespectful and hypocritical.... Read more
*I made up the word “constrictures” as a combination of the words constriction and structures. At least I think I made it up. Read more
I was saddened when I recently heard the news that Elton John’s ex-partner committed suicide. The reason given was that he simply could not reconcile his homosexuality with his strict Christian beliefs. There was shock and grief expressed in the press. He threw himself in front of a truck. His struggle ended suddenly. Then yesterday I heard the developing story of the Christian musician Jennifer Knapp. I have everything she’s recorded. I love her voice, her honesty, vulnerability, authenticity and... Read more
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