When the people of God gather then for Sunday worship, the “order of service” is not accidental or simply because “we’ve always done it that way.” The structure of common worship should be determined by our very best understanding of who God is, what God is about, what God expects and wants, and who we are in relationship to God.
A View from the Pew: Watch Night Services
December 29, 2021 by
We could use a Watch Night service right about now. If ever a New Year’s Eve called for a Watch Night Service, this is it.
A View from the Pew: Which Part of the Service Do You Skip?
August 19, 2020 by
You don’t need me to tell you these are weird times, especially for church. A recent message from my pastor highlighted the weirdness for me.
Misunderstanding Service
March 10, 2020 by
When I read these verses as a young person, I think I misunderstood them. I assumed that serving others rather than being served meant staying out of the limelight, letting others lead, always playing a supporting role.
The Holy, Hard Things
August 21, 2018 by
I have had the honor of having two Papas on this earth, my father and grandfather. Both were men who loved God, sharing God’s good news every opportunity they had.
Connections 02.04.18: A Community of Service and Sacrifice
January 28, 2018 by
I spent twenty-two of the thirty-one years of my career serving as a pastor. I did so for seven years, then took a six-year break to teach in a college, and then returned to the pastorate for another fifteen years. For the last three years I’ve served as the Connections editor.
But I Won’t Do That
April 8, 2015 by
Christians are weird. Don’t believe me? Go to a good ol’ foot washin’ service.