Easter Sunrise Service Memory

The resurrection of Jesus Christ never shines so brightly as when it is placed in the forefront of death and darkness. Then, this doctrine is like a sparkling diamond placed in front of the backdrop of black velvet. I will never forget, as a boy, the Continue Reading

Walking the Tight Rope Between Reserve Chaplaincy and the Pastorate

I trust the following question and answer about chaplain ministry and the local pastorate will provide some opportunity for prayerful reflection by those considering the call. Dear Dr. Milton: May I ask you a question about the chaplaincy? The biggest Continue Reading

Considering a Call Amidst the Clamor of Bigger is Better

Dear Students of the Pastoral Ministry: Charles Haddon Spurgeon had it right when he commented on Zechariah 4:10: "It is a very great folly to despise 'the day of small things,' for it is usually God’s way to begin His great works with small Continue Reading

“Rend the Heavens and Come Down!” My Burden to Pray for Revival in 2013—Part 2

I don't have any institutional mantra to offer for the new year. I don't have any new program or corporate vision statement that I want everyone to sign on to for 2013. What I do have is a burden that is on my heart – a burden for God to rend the Continue Reading

Advent Readings and Lightings: Pastoral Preparations for the Coming Season

I wanted to give an aid for congregations and pastors, particularly those in free church backgrounds, who want to move away from the commercialization of the season to focus on the Incarnation. That is a hard sell to be sure. But the way to do it is Continue Reading

Inaugural Prayer for 9/14/2012

The Reverend Robert E. Baxter is the most noble man of God that I have ever known in my life. He is, now into eight decades of living, a very active preacher and pastor and encourager of the saints. He is the Associate Minister, First Presbyterian Continue Reading

Entrusted with God’s Truth to Extend God’s Grace (2 Timothy 2:1-2)—An Inaugural Address

An inauguration is not a coronation. An inauguration is a consecration—a setting apart for the purposes of God. This service is a consecration of our institution, our vision and values, and a consecration of our very lives, with my life intertwined Continue Reading

“Come Apart for a While”—Vacation Greetings and a Prayer for My Colleagues

I will always think about a certain time in my life when I read this Scripture: "And he said to them, 'Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.' For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat" (Mark 6:31 ESV). I Continue Reading

A Now and Forever Faith

<dt > Martin Gommel / Foter    What are the most powerful words in the world for believers? My friend, John Guest, says that the most powerful words in the world are, "God loves you." I don't disagree. Yet, for many believers who are Continue Reading

God Can Repair Broken Daddies: A Father’s Day Message

Father's Day is a day to remember that God made dads. And when they break, and they can and often do, only He can fix them. 2 Samuel 18:24-19.2; Proverbs 17:6; Ephesians 6:1-4The Bible is very practical and plain, sometimes disturbingly so. Like in the Continue Reading