Fair concerns remain about risk and logistics when it comes to relearning the virtue of Christian hospitality toward immigrants and refugees.
Healthy Small Church Looks Inward and Outward for Purpose
This small congregation’s outward reaching focus remains a central pillar of why they exist
Learning to Speak "Basset Hound" or What we Lost in the Fire
Only when the adrenaline rush is over can we begin to count our losses: the things we can’t replace and the fire’s impact on us: mind, body, and soul.
The Lorica of Saint Patrick
As one clothed in Christ, who we are is redefined by who Christ is.
Thinking Globally for Renewal!
This shift away from Europe and North America may not have an immediate impact on the church you attend, but I suspect that most of us can already see evidence of the decline.
Laws of the Land and Romans 13
Is it right to follow the current laws and policies of our country, or offer hope and hospitality to immigrants entering our country, whether documented or not?
Extravagant Love
Our lives are not just sustained, they are infused with God’s love that overflows from need to sheer luxuriance.
Tension at the Threshold: Hospitality and Immigration (Part 1)
Some in our pews have political, theological, and experiential bricks stacked so high around the borders of their souls that they are unable to hear the cries of the immigrant.
Do Not Care?
When the storm hits the disciples’ boat as it crosses the Sea of Galilee, Jesus’s apathy is noted. Could there be anything more apathetic than sleeping?
The Word (John 1)
John is saying that Jesus has always been the plan. Jesus has always been what God is saying.
The Importance of Prepositions
I want to take that notion of being responsible to others instead of for others, and apply it to the church.
Weary (A Poem for the Perplexed in this Political Age)
Mankind. An oxymoron? A question? One part man, less parts kind, One wonders what peace there we can find …
Where There's Smoke...There's Losing It All
Lush green lawns turned light brown and flower gardens withered, including mine—except for the drought tolerant weeds and evergreen cedars reaching up to the eaves of my house.
Making Disciples When Evangelism Is Not Your Gift
Let me suggest some ways that all of us—including preachers and church leaders—should be making disciples.
Burning Buns and Dreams that Come True
Nearly fifty percent of doctoral students in the arts (including biblical literature) fail to finish their degrees within ten years.
Keeping Ourselves—and Young People—Near the Cross
I’ve always been slightly jealous of congregations with “real” youth groups. You know the ones I’m talking about: the ones with well-painted and decorated class rooms.
The Affair That Ended My Ministry
As an undergraduate at ACU I discovered an unexpected enthusiasm for my studies of the Old Testament and the Hebrew language.
Summer ’43 (cont.), Winners, and Summer ’18
Throughout the month of July 1943, seventy-five years ago, my mother continued her fight against polio.
Conversation Skilz
talking to each other requires skill just like giving a presentation. We already know how we should talk to each other, but we rarely converse that way on our own.