A couple of weeks ago, I offered some reflections on the furor at the Candler School Of Theology and the Distinguished Alumni Award it gave to Eddie Fox. Called "The Intolerance Of The Tolerant" you can read the post here.And tucked away in the online brouhaha...
Top Five Tuesday — Top Five Double Takes
In the last several days, I have seen, heard, read, and experienced some things that have caused me to do a double take.As in: "did I really just see that, hear that, read that, or experience that?" So I look again.These double takes involve moments from...
Groaning Methodists
My cyber-friend John Meunier, a UM pastor serving in Indiana, offered these historical insights recently: ‘Worship him by grunts and groans’ Virginia deist John Symmes was typical of many of the leading men of the American founding. Author Adam...
Not A Fan Launch — D.T.R.
Jesus sure has a lot of fans, doesn’t he? People who want to be close enough to him to get all the benefits, but not so close that it requires sacrifice.Fans may be fine with repeating a prayer, attending church, and putting a Jesus fish on their bumpers. ...
The Bible Wasn’t Written TO You
It was written to the Israelites.It was written to the church in Ephesus.It was written to Matthew's community of Jesus-followers who had started life as Torah-observers.It was written to John's community of beleagured, persecuted, and endangered Christians.It was...
Have You Ever Wondered . . .
Some things I've been wondering recently . . . Will the University of North Carolina ever be good at football?Will Alabama ever be good at basketball?Why would someone ever smoke in an airplane lavatory? The signs telling you NOT TO are there because someone...
Top Five Tuesday — Top Five Reflections On A Wedding Without God
Several weeks ago, Julie and I attended the wedding of a child of a family friend. The ceremony took place in the same locale as the reception, making for an easy transition between formality and festivity.It was one of the few weddings these days that I...
Ear Wax, Ear Facts, and Ears Earned
We showed this clip of my new favorite commercial yesterday as the sermon began:Is there any better moment on television than the "Ow!"? I don't think so!I moved from there into some ear facts, including the revelation that you get a new ear canal every year --...
Man Alive — October 18
I think our Man Alive event is a "don't miss" for the fall.What's the skinny?Friday, October 18 at 6:30 p.m. BBQ Dinner in the Corner Campus.Connect with existing friends in the church and make new ones.Praise & worship led by our own Joey Hopper.A life talk from...
How Aerating A Lawn Is Like Pastoring A Church
Sometime over the next few weeks, my yard will get aerated. It's been happening every October at my house since the turn of the century. The 21st century.But here's what's true about aerating a lawn: I won't see the benefits of it until spring. ...