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 … Continue reading
In 2008 I was asked to teach Art to elementary age students. Up until that time I had taught primarily middle and high school aged youth at a private Christian school in Maryland. The need arose and I accepted the challenge. How hard can it be? It was hard. Very, very hard. The curriculum was … Continue reading
I’m convinced that I had ADD growing up. My 5th grade teacher said she could never set me by a window because I would mentally go on vacation. My notebooks through middle school and high school were in various stages of disarray. My bedroom was an adventure in unfinished art projects, unfinished books, and disorganized … Continue reading
The past three weeks have done much to refresh me, prevent burn-out, and most importantly, allow me to draw even closer to God. I also learned some things while on sabbatical that can be applied to my life and ministry. Continue reading
Recently a well-known Christian author admitted that he doesn’t go to church very often. His reasoning was that he doesn’t learn through listening to “lectures” or “connect” through music (you can read more of his reasoning in a follow-up article here). As I read through his reasoning and the follow-up comments, both on his blog … Continue reading
“If my people, who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn…” -II Chronicles 7:14a “Turn your eyes upon Jesus.” -Helen H. Lemmel I have a love/hate relationship with America. Now before my patriotic friends pick up the torches and pitchforks, allow me to explain. I love our … Continue reading
Half of the country woke up this morning saying, “Great! Another four years!” The other half rolled out of bed, poured themselves a cup of sarcasm and said, “Great. Another four years.” Regardless how you voted, this one truth is certain: we are not a United States of America despite the soaring rhetoric from both … 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
I like to be right. There, I admitted it. I think most of us think it sounds arrogant or somehow ‘unchristian’ to say such a thing but the fact is, most of us like being right. We like knowing the facts are on our side. We like knowing that what we believe is true. In … Continue reading
The question stared up at me from the computer screen, the blinking cursor was begging for a response. It was not the first time I had been asked the question, nor was it the last, but for some reason, this time I carefully pondered my response. I had been ‘chatting’ with a friend from Bible … Continue reading
The Pondering Preacher 