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...

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. ...

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...

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...

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...

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 --...

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...

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. ...

I spoke last night at CharlotteONE, a city-wide gathering of 20s and 30s who meet every Tuesday night in the sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church.My presentation highlighted what Good Shepherd has done through the years to rescue and restore victims of...

As you might imagine, in my line of work I end up having a lot of conversations with people.Some in social gatherings, others in the hallways at church, others while at the hospital, and still others while in counseling sessions.And over time, I have learned that...