Dangerous Calling

As you can see by checking the "Books I Like" column to the right, I recently came across Paul David Tripp's Dangerous Calling: Confronting The Unique Challenges Of Pastoral Ministry.I had never heard of either the book or its author before a friend loanded...

read more

What I Wish I’d Hear . . .

Every once in awhile, I'll have a conversation with someone who is either new to Good Shepherd or just checking it out.And usually the conversation includes the person or family saying something like, "we're looking for a church that's a good fit.  We just want a...

read more

Background Noise

Most mornings, as I get ready for the rest of my day, I have the television playing for background noise.Sometimes it's the caustic banter of Imus In The Morning.  Other times it's the slightly more elevated political discourse of Morning Joe.  And then for...

read more

While I Was Away . . . .

During our time in India, my exposure to media sources in that land showed me that India beat Australia in Cricket, that villagers opposed the construction of a steel plant on their land, and that the nation continues to wrestle with the notorious December, 2012 gang...

read more

Journey Of Stones Launch — Rejected Stone

Journey Of StonesWhen we hear Jesus’ story, we hear about rocks and stones:Upon this rock I will build my church . . . He who is without sin cast the first stone . . . If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out . . .The stone which the builders rejected, this became...

read more

Some Things I Miss About Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

As we prepare to head home tomorrow, I have been thinking of those things I miss about life in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.Not people, mind you, as I don't want this to slide into sentimentality.  Let's just assume I miss home family and church family...

read more

Guest Blog From Bhubaneswar — Brent Burdick

Brent Burdick here as Talbot wanted me to guest blog for him today.  That, and the fact that he is too technologically inept to upload my photos!  Anyway, this is the church I preached at while Talbot was preaching in Raikia. The church building was burned...

read more

Guaranteed Instability

United Methodist circles have been abuzz over the last eighteen months or so regarding the topic of guaranteed appointment.For those of you unfamiliar with our lingo, guaranteed appointment is the United Methodist practice that for all practical purposes grants...

read more