A decade ago, my wife and I were a young newlywed couple in the process of launching our adult lives, among the first group of so-called millennials to do so. Having started out as Baptist and Methodist, we had denominationally sojourned our way through college and grad school, and picked up degrees in Theology and Religious Studies along the way. So, of course, we were church shopping through the denominational delicatessen of Houston’s greater metro. One Sunday, drawn in by... Read more
"Holy, Holy, Holy! though the darkness hide Thee/though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see…" There is a lot of darkness out there. Read the news. Scroll your Facebook feed. Read more
Whatever the great state of Texas may say, there is no statute of limitations on pastoral abuse. Highpoint, you had the chance to take responsibility. But you passed. Read more
Far too often the church forgets the privilege of its own calendar, instead rushing ahead to the next thing, the next stupid topical sermon series, the next slate of softball games, the next fiscal year. Read more
“It’s somber and a little menacing, melodically. It’s the one I used to sing when 1) my voice was shot, and 2) when I knew there’d be a lot of older folks in the congregation. Old folks love to feel guilty for Christmas. IE, what happens when you give a Christian comedian a microphone for too long.” – Mike C. “Every time someone sings “Mary, Did You Know” an angel rolls his eyes. And I die a little inside.” –... Read more
For your average worshiper, Christmas Eve is a beautiful time of carols, candlelight, and community. For organists, choristers, choirmasters, and music directors, however, it’s nearing the end of the most grueling season of the year. And there are so many things that can go terribly wrong. Here are ten things that strike horror into the hearts of jaded and exhausted church musicians. 10. “And now to kick off our new blended Christmas Eve service, please welcome our worship band.” 9.... Read more
What are the Christmas songs you hate? Which ones can you not stand to be lumped in with Christmas? Read more
Ponder Anew
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