It’s something I have done since my first ministry. On Fridays I walk through the empty sanctuary, sit in each pew, and pray. I pray for the people who will sit there, whoever they may be. I pray that something happens to touch their hearts, strengthen their faith, or encourage them to live radically for …
I grew up southern. Even more significant, I grew up Virginian. The foothills of the Blue Ridge were my playground, the red clay of the Old Dominion was my sandbox, and the countless historical sites and landmarks were my classroom. I cut my teeth on the stories of the settlers of Jamestown. I can trace …
Ah, conventions. We church leaders love them. Leadership. Church Growth. Church Planting. Name the flavor and preachers, ministers, youth and worship leaders will flock to them. The best worship bands, well-known authors, preachers, and teachers will fill our minds with ideas and our hearts with zeal. And there in the seats we sit, with our …
It’s one of those stories that make you shake your head and question the heavens. A lunatic walks into a movie theater and sets off tear gas canisters and starts shooting people. What was supposed to be a special night out turns into a massacre. There were couples on dates, parents treating their kids to … Continue reading
I want to be synonymous with anonymous. Don’t get me wrong. I like to be complimented and recognized. But to be anonymous is to be the opposite of autonomous, where I rely on self and pride to get me through the day. Also, anonymous doesn’t have to be pseudonymous. There are no facades to put … Continue reading
Okay ladies, it’s time to put on your steel-toe pumps because I have a feeling more than one of you is going to have sore feet after reading this, and some of you might even get angry with me. But before I get started, let me establish two important facts. 1. This post is directed … Continue reading
I love the Fourth of July holiday. Cookouts, pool parties and fireworks fill my memories as I think of past Independence Days. Yet over the last 3-4 years I have noticed a trend that is rising amongst many church leaders, and it seems to bubble to the surface every year around July 4th. There is … Continue reading
In memory of Billy and Barbara Hudgins; two people who danced to the music of the blacksmith. His were the hands of a blacksmith: thick and muscled, calloused and worn. A fingernail was black from being crushed and there seemed to be dirt permanently embedded in the creases of his knuckles. There are a lot … Continue reading
“Failure is not an option.” If you’ve watched the 1995 movie, Apollo 13, about the botched 1970 lunar landing, you have heard this line. It was uttered by Ed Harris’ character, Gene Kranz, the lead flight director who is credited for helping guide the damaged craft safely back to earth. The line is great because … Continue reading
I’m tired. I’m tired of the whole debate over homosexuals. Should they marry? Should they not marry? What about civil unions? I’m tired of politics. I’m tired of bills designed to ‘protect’ marriage. I’m tired of politicians saying what is expedient rather than what is necessary. I’m tired of the ‘us’ vs. ‘them’ mentality that … Continue reading
I just read another article defending opening a worship service with a secular song.* The usual culprits were there: reaching the lost by using something they are familiar with; being sensitive to the culture; the element of surprise; yadda, yadda, yadda. Please, don’t get me wrong, I love music. My tastes are quite eclectic. Whether … Continue reading
Sitting in my office this morning is the first time I’ve had a chance to quietly reflect since I returned from North Africa last week. It was a hectic trip, and since I’ve returned my life hasn’t really slowed down any. But as I skimmed over the blogs that I wrote while overseas I realize … Continue reading
My last two days in Africa were a blur. On Sunday we traveled to another shopping district in Tunis, Sidi Bou Said. This part of town is famous for it’s decorative doors and scenic overlooks onto the Mediterranean Sea. We shopped, haggled and ate, and then we went home to start packing souvenirs and to … Continue reading
The Pondering Preacher 