Feb 8, 2021 | Church News, Rustlings
History has never been my strong suit. I understand its value. I hold a deep appreciation for those who retain and relay it for our benefit. However, the past is not my primary field of focus. I am also not much of a worrier. I have dreams, hopes, and plans on my...
Feb 1, 2021 | Church News, Rustlings
My grandmother told me more than once (and your grandmother might have told you too), it is impolite to discuss religion, politics and money in public. In her mind, these subjects tended to divide people rather than bring people together. Of course, I would eventually...
Jan 25, 2021 | Church News, Rustlings
Every once in a while, a sermon gets me in trouble. I have typically preached in ‘free pulpits.’ These pulpits are surrounded by congregants who know two things: 1) the minister is free to preach what they sense the Holy Spirit is leading them to preach, and 2) the...
Jan 19, 2021 | Church News, Rustlings
One of the great temptations for all ministers (all people of faith, in fact) is the inappropriate redaction of our holy texts. More simply said, we quote scripture out of context. This selective redaction allows us to prop up our arguments, validate our actions, find...
Jan 11, 2021 | Church News, Rustlings
It is the most common sermonic rookie mistake among new preachers—cramming multiple sermons into one sermon. These lengthy diatribes usually contain three or four ideas which could each be independently shaped into a sermon. In the early days of preaching, however, we...
Jan 4, 2021 | Church News, Rustlings
I did a thing today. It’s certainly not the first time I’ve done ‘this thing,’ but it’s the first time with this specific intentionality. (Was that convoluted enough?) I walked through the Sanctuary today. That’s it. I walked through the Sanctuary—up and down every...
