If you don't write it down, it doesn't happen.I'm learning this as a leader and as a preacher.A great failure of leadership is lack of clarity in expectations. I know this is true because there have been plenty of times in leading this team at Good Shepherd that my...
Both Hinduism and Buddhism teach that karma is the ironclad law of human existence: what goes around, comes around. Whatever moral energy you put out into the universe -- positive or negative -- you will then receive a corresponding reward or punishment. In Eastern...
This is my son Riley.He is a rising junior at Charlotte Christian School, and today he begins two-a-day practice with the football team there.I can post his picture on my blog because he would never in a million years read my blog.Today he'll practice from 8-11 in the...
In the center of the 23rd Psalm, everything changes.Everything.Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me . . .It's my favorite part.I believe our experience of it this Sunday will be powerful &...
In some earlier posts, I talked about some of my favorite books and songs.So what about movies?Well, we don't seem them all that often; I'm no film expert like James-Michael Smith.But occasionally, I have gone to the theater and been either thoroughly entertained or...
Have you noticed how everyone is sorry for their sin . . . after they get caught? The repentance gear seems to kick in once the light exposes the dark places of people's lives.Jimmy Swaggart's tears, Mark Sanford's press conference, and Ted Haggard's apology all come...
Frances Havergal said this: "Faithfulness to principle is only proved by faithfulness in detail."Think about that.How applicable to the life of a pastor.I may believe in the principle of servanthood, but am I faithful to the detail of First Serve?I may believe in the...
I wasn't at Good Shepherd on Sunday because I was preaching at the Pleasant Grove Campground in Mineral Springs, NC, pictured at the right.In fact, I preached at the campground on Thursday night, Friday night, Saturday night, and then again yesterday for what they...
So this week, our Still series moves to verse 2 of Psalm 23:He maketh me lie down in green pastures, he leadeth me beside still waters.Doesn't that sound nice?Doesn't that look nice?This Sunday, Good Shepherd will experience how it happens.Still, Week 2. 8:30. 10:00....
Below is the recently adopted "Statement Of Mission, Vision, and Values" for The School Of Theology At Claremont, one of the 13 official United Methodist-related seminaries in the U.S.:STATEMENT OF MISSION, VISION AND VALUESAt its March 2008 meeting, the Board of...