Here I am serving in the final round of the Texas State High School Doubles Championship. I was a sophomore, my partner was senior Chris Doane, and we were in the process of beating Sammy Giammalva & Mickey Branisa from Houston. In the way high school tennis...

So what's the more profound role for a person in my role: pastor or agitator? If you say pastor, then you'll believe that the most effective leader of a local church will care for souls, pursue healing, and excel in the ministry of presence. If you say agitator, then...

Last month, Julie got me a pair of Airpods for my 58th birthday. I was initially a bit skeptical. I like my music in tactile, tangible forms, and I’ve never been much of one for any kind of audio headgear. I had a Sony Walkman for about two days back in 1985 and then...

Yesterday's message ... Was one of those I felt good about from the moment I prepared it back in early October;Used an analogy with a $20 bill that seemed to connect with people;Was SUPPOSED to reference Linda Ronstadt (give the message title) ... yet at all three...

Linda Ronstadt famously asked, "I've been cheated, been mistreated, when will I be loved?" I think if she had checked Matthew 1 closely, she might have asked an entirely different kind of question. Or: received a completely different kind of answer. That's what we're...

John 5:24 got me today: I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.We usually feel like we have to wait for the other side of the grave to "cross over from...

"Fresh Expressions" is a movement within church-land to take ministry TO THE COMMUNITY rather than asking the community to come TO THE CHURCH. It's high touch, low threat evangelism that places a priority on the ministry of presence. In our case, it's better said...

This past Friday, I went with Julie and our Good Shepherd friend Jay Shennum to the Neighborhood Theater in the NoDa section of Charlotte to enjoy a concert by "On The Border," an Eagles Tribute Band. This was our second such foray, but by far the most interesting....

The Beatles used to sing about Getting Better All The Time. Which is a daunting task when you think about it. But how do you know if you're getting better any of the time? This came home to me when, over the last several weeks, a young man has begun attending church...