Heaven have mercy on us all—Presbyterians and pagans alike—for we are all somehow dreadfully cracked about the head, and sadly need mending. –Herman Melville, Moby Dick We have cool movies associated with us like A River Runs Through It. Directed by Robert Redford, this movie is based on the 1976 semi-autobiographical novel by Norman Maclean. Our idiosyncrasies, stereotypes and foibles bring a … Read More
God’s Kingdom is a Lot Bigger Than Your Church
Some church leaders—even full-time pastors supported by families—can feel angry or frustrated with moms or dads who are not involved and committed enough to the local church (as much as they think they should be, anyway) due to family commitments. A few years ago, one pastor shared with me over breakfast how certain young dads in his church—who I knew … Read More
The Legacy of Jim Crow, Part 2: Leading in Ways that Heal
As I continued my tour of the National Civil Rights Museum, I came across The Negro Motorist Green Book, something created “in 1936 by African-American postal carrier Victor Hugo Green. The travel guide was created to help African-Americans find friendly hotels, restaurants, and other businesses across the country, especially in the segregated South.”[1] Not only haven’t I ever heard of … Read More
The Legacy of Jim Crow, Part 1: Learning the History
Last week I was in Memphis, TN for my denomination’s annual General Assembly. One of the options offered was a training on “Planting Multi-Ethnic Churches” that included a lunch and talk at the historic Clayborn Temple and a private tour of the National Civil Rights Museum. Although a white guy, I’ve long been fascinated by the African-American struggle and that … Read More
How I Became a Christian Despite the Church, Part 4 of 4
As I mentioned last week, from a theological perspective, I’ve come to see that saving faith is more than intellectual assent. That’s why when talking about my testimony, in addition to the “change in belief” experiences, I place considerable weight on a three-month series of events that occurred during my fifteenth year. I was working in a bus ministry that … Read More
How I Became a Christian Despite the Church, Part 3 of 4
As I mentioned last week, although much of our family’s church experience was toxic, it did put me in a place where I heard the gospel and was encouraged to respond. When I was 18, I made a list of several things that contributed to my understanding of salvation. These included comic books, a horror movie, an old classic, and a debate between … Read More
How I Became a Christian Despite the Church, Part 2 of 4
Influential and now scandalized mega-church pastor, Bill Hybels, is known for saying, “There’s nothing like the local church when it’s working right.” The reverse is also true: There’s nothing that can do as much damage as the church when it’s not working right. I spent 1973–1981 in a toxic environment called Beracah Bible Baptist—an independent church that morphed into something … Read More
How I Became a Christian Despite the Church, Part 1 of 4
By the power of the Spirit (Jn. 3:3), you come to know the love of the Father (2 Cor. 5:18-19) and embrace the gospel—that good news that your sins are forgiven by the death, burial, and resurrection of the Son (1 Cor. 15:1-4). Further, your life grows to reflect a genuine heart for God—one that evidences your claim to be … Read More
Reflections on the March for Life
A person is a person no matter how small. – Dr. Seuss Last week marked my one year anniversary with Care Net and my second year participating in the March for Life. It was the 45th march protesting and marking the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the now infamous Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion through all nine months of … Read More
Saying Yes to Diving in the Caribbean
You’re never too old to set a new goal or dream a new dream. –C.S. Lewis It’s not often you get an invitation to stay at a friend’s sea-front home on the Caribbean island of Bonaire, combined with an offer to take you scuba-diving every day. Bonaire is one of the most beautiful and easiest places in the world to … Read More