Remembering Presidential Inaugural Prayers: Part 1

The inauguration of the new president is a remarkable time. The Constitution of the United States calls for the inaugural vows to be taken by the new president on January 20. It is customary, extending back to George Washington, to call upon a clergyman Continue Reading

Letter to a New Pastor in the Springtime

In the springtime when the golden, Welsh daffodils gather in glorious brigades—brave, young, mythical sentinels appearing out of the fertile earth, guarding a new countryside painted with a Creator's palette of happy color—and spring lambs are born; Continue Reading

Christmas Eve Order and Bulletin Sample

Christmas Eve worship is one of the most beautiful and inspiring times in the life of a congregation and in the ministry of a pastor. The service may be seen by the pastor as challenging because everyone knows that you are going to say something about Continue Reading

“In Jesus Name I Pray:” Exclusivity In Public Prayer

"In Jesus Name I Pray:" Exclusivity In Public Prayer And The Restrictive Contours of Civic Pluralism in the early Twenty-first Century Michael A. Milton, Ph.D. Chancellor/CEO elect The James M. Baird, Jr. Professor of Pastoral Theology Reformed Continue Reading

Thank God for our Bible Women: Some Thoughts for Mother’s Day

When I was in India teaching I met with many strange and exotic things. It is said that India assaults all of your senses at once. This was, in a way, true for me. Yet in the company of God’s people, as my family and I went to great, expansive Continue Reading

A Season to Remember: An Ash Wednesday Message to the Anglican Communities of Charlotte

Joel 2:1-2,12-17; 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 Many of us instinctively feel the need for seasons. We can look at my own state of North Carolina as an example.  Sociologists call this the “J Curve” effect. New Yorkers head straight down 95 to Fort Continue Reading

Reaching Up! A Sermon for the New Year

It is interesting to look back. Here is my sermon from last year for the New Year. It has some chronologically specific items in it. Yet I trust that it contains the timeless truths of Scripture which will again speak to us today. I am convalescing with Continue Reading

The Blessings of Being in Seminary

The following message was delivered at New Student Orientation, on August 23, at Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte, NC Seminary: A Ministry of Preparation Recently I participated in the ordination of a young man to the Gospel ministry, to pastor a Continue Reading

Why I am a Pentecost(al) Presbyterian

I read the following story this week: “Erasmus, the famous Renaissance scholar, once told a classic story which was designed to emphasize how important it is that we take up the torch of Christ’s ministry with great commitment. In the story, Jesus Continue Reading

Bible Women: Some Thoughts for Mother’s Day

When I was in India teaching I encountered many strange and exotic things. It is said that India assaults all of your senses at once. This was, in a way, true for me. Yet in the company of God’s people, as my family and I went to great, expansive Continue Reading