Ministry

After reading Mark Tooley’s article “Is God Against Drones?” [original/repost], I wish he had actually answered the question in the title of his article.  It is a good question.  Instead, Mr. Tooley creates and attacks “The Religious Left” and ultimately argues "a Christian’s gotta do what a Christian’s gotta do in an imperfect world” (my paraphrase).  I am not sure expediency … [Read more...] about Drones

Recently, I was at a gathering of United Methodist clergy.  After accomplishing our primary goal, a pastor wanted to raise a new topic for discussion.  This pastor was all worked up about the possibility that the Boy Scouts might give individual troops the ability decide about whether to permit homosexual scouts and scout leaders.  I got the impression that the pastor wanted … [Read more...] about Why Can’t We Talk? Arrogance?

I have been thinking about innovation since I read a call for innovation and a blog post questioning the possibility.  While I am deeply sympathetic with the concerns and issues raised by both, I think innovation is not the right "I" word for the United Methodist Church.  We need incubation, not innovation. The problem with innovation is its focus.  We innovate when we can … [Read more...] about Incubation Not Innovation

Normally I am not a defender of the status quo.  I strongly believe most things could be better.  I also am not usually a defender of some golden glorious past that allegedly happened and that we should try to recapture.  While I love history, I try not to value or preserve anything simply because one could argue it is historical. When I hear people … [Read more...] about Worldview

A while ago, a pastor I know posted on Facebook the following prayer request: I found myself very agitated after reading it.  Whenever I hear or read that “not being fed” is a reason someone is considering leaving a church, I get annoyed.  For me, it seems to capture succinctly what is wrong with many churches today. When did the church become about us being fed?  … [Read more...] about Feeding and Being Fed