• How can we have an effective pastorate? • How can our ministries, our preaching, support church health? • How can we be faithful in our ministries? There is a parable for young preachers in Walt Disney's Dumbo, the little circus elephant that Continue Reading
February 15, 2013
Growing in Joy all the Way Home
The introduction of Paul's letter to the Philippians begins not only with Thanksgiving but with a prayer for the believers in that beloved church. And within that prayer we are able to discern what St. Paul desired for the Philippians. He desired that Continue Reading
December 28, 2012
The Best: A Charge to our Married Men in Seminary and a Letter to All
My beloved students in Christ, I write to you, as this old year is winding down, and we count off the hours before a new one, to remind you of the best gift God has given you. It is not your gift to preach. It is not your gift to counsel. It is not your Continue Reading
July 22, 2012
The Image of God and the Image of Evil in the Darkened Theater in Colorado
As another day dawns after the chilling massacre at the midnight cinema killing in Colorado, new things will come to light out of that darkened thither of death. There will be human stories that break our hearts, of new high school grads preparing for Continue Reading
April 25, 2012
Every Pastor Should Only Have One Sermon
Dear Pastoral Students in the Gospel of Christ: I want to bring you a charge as we approach the conclusion of this season of study. My charge to you is to preach one sermon. This is what I mean. If we read Paul right, then this former blasphemer could Continue Reading
February 25, 2012
Two Basic Questions on Being a Man of God
I received a letter recently. “My 21-year-old son recently asked me two very basic questions. I gave him my answers, but wanted the input of others. I know you are busy but would really value your advice to him." I answer. My beloved brother in Continue Reading
February 10, 2012
You Are the Living Legacy of Those who have Gone Before: Another Motivation to Go the Distance in Ministry
Dearest Students in the Gospel Ministry: I want to write you as this new semester begins and tell you a story about myself and then ask something of you. But first let me give you a Scripture to start your studies with: “But as for you, continue in Continue Reading
October 11, 2011 Leave a Comment
“At the Cross, at the Cross…”
There is no joy like that of pasting a flock of Jesus Christ’s. And so I have received this invitation from my friend, Pastor James Carter, to preach this installation service, with great joy, but also with a prayer that the Word of God and love and Continue Reading
September 18, 2011 Leave a Comment
Are You a Faithful Witness?—John 1.19-51
Certain biblical characters make their appearance before us at particular times of the year. For instance, we really don’t think about Pilate too much, other than in the Apostles’ Creed, and at Easter. The same goes for Herod and, often, even Peter. Continue Reading
