People seldom have to choose between right and wrong. Once upon a time, not long ago it seems, I embarked on a journey to be a pastor. I felt call to do battle with the forces of evil in the name of God.
Formations 06.20.2021: Perseverance in Preaching
June 13, 2021 by
Preaching isn’t an easy gig. It’s much more than speaking God’s truth. It’s living out that truth in numerous practical and not-so-practical ways each week. If you are a pastor, part of a pastor’s family, or close friends with a pastor, you know the dramatic demands on a pastor’s life.
The Helper’s Paradox
May 25, 2021 by
Ministering from a stance of personal deprivation is both foolish and ineffective. That is why the Helper’s Paradox is important to remember: The best way to take care of others is to take care of yourself.
Ecumenical PB&J
June 17, 2015 by
I have often joked that I was Baptist before I was Christian—but it’s not entirely a joke. To me, it all comes down to peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
It’s Mrs. Key’s Fault
April 22, 2015 by
I took a lot of classes at Lamar County High School during my years there (1972-75). While I benefited from several I was most influenced by two: Creative Writing I and Creative Writing II, both taught by Mrs. Vivian (JoJo) Key.
Becoming a Church
March 3, 2015 by
Peter Pan premieres at the box office. Eisenhower becomes President of the United States. The Korean War ends. These events all occurred in 1953, the same year that a church plant was created.
Formations 11.09.2014: Struggling to Believe
November 2, 2014 by
Jude is undoubtedly harsh against false teachers who threaten the spiritual health of his communities. This doesn’t mean, however, that he doesn’t have a pastoral side.
A View from the Pew: Making the Most of a Ministerial Transition
September 30, 2014 by
An unexpected resignation of a church staff member can feel like a punch to the gut. When a trusted staff member resigns, it’s not unusual to feel an acute sense of loss and even betrayal.
Take it Outside
July 2, 2014 by
It was the early 1980s. It was Texas. It was December. It was a Southern Baptist church. It is customary in Southern Baptist churches to take up an offering during the Advent season to support missionaries overseas.