Ministry

Just as I thought the attacks on the United Methodist judicial council would end over the reinstatement of guaranteed appointments for clergy, the council has made another decision that is getting many United Methodists upset.  The reinstatement of Bishop Bledsoe will probably lead to more attacks on the council.  Some will undoubtedly call for some sort of retribution like … [Read more...] about Infection

Jack Jackson offers the United Methodist church four options on how to deal with our "debate over progressive views lesiban and gay ordination and marriage."  He advocates that we pursue disunion.  I strongly disagree.  When you frame the issue the way Mr. Jackson frames it, and give us only four options, then that may indeed be the best option.  The problem is though that we … [Read more...] about They Will Know Us By

After reading Talbot Davis's post on "The Five Things Methodists Can Learn From Independent Churches," I think it needs to be said that: "correlation does not imply causation."  As United Methodists continue to worry about a lack of quantitative success, as judged by worldly standards of bigger and more, I understand the temptation to look at other churches that seem more … [Read more...] about Correlation Does Not Imply Causation

In college I did research on the Unitarian pastor and scientist Joseph Priestley.  Priestley had many interests.  He wrote on theology, scriptural studies, language, science, education, politics, and more.  Joseph often wrote about the areas where these interests intersected.  For example, his interest in language intersected with his interests related to religion and … [Read more...] about Failure or Faith?

I read this article on Sports Illustrated’s website a few weeks ago. I think it captures, in the language of college football, something I believe the church needs to take note of.  The article suggests that in the Saban school of coaching, the way to win national championships is not to focus on national championships.  Instead, the focus is on "The Process."  The key question … [Read more...] about The Process