We face so many challenges when we speak—sometimes it feels almost impossible to use words correctly and it’s easy to give up and either keep quiet or just to blast away. There are many issues that divide people today: abortion, evolution, social justice matters, and same-sex marriage. When we venture into conversations and, dare I say debates, on such topics, we must do so in a way that honors...
When I began studying art in college, I had the intention of becoming either a studio painter or an illustrator. About halfway through my education, however, I was surprised to find myself in love with graphic design, especially branding and logo design. I finished out my schooling with that as my focus and launched my career doing just that for several years. It wasn’t until ten years and two...
Syrupy waffles. Pajama pants. Steaming coffee. Comfy couches. Wide-screen TVs. What do all these things point to? Livestreamed church! Before the days of COVID, missing church was a big deal to me. Sunday morning meant waking up early, getting ready, helping someone find the khakis that ended up in someone else’s drawer, jumping into a hot or cold minivan depending on the season, driving the...
When I was still in seminary, I had the opportunity to preach in an old congregational church near Boston founded in the year 1642. It had a sanctuary that could seat 1,500 and a pulpit so high that its ascent required two sets of stairs. They even broadcast the service on television; all heady stuff for a seminarian. Or so I thought. The morning I preached there were approximately thirty people...
People are often surprised when they hear me connecting Martin Luther and ministry to those struggling with mental illness. Martin Luther and the Reformation? Yes. Martin Luther and pastoral ministry? Sure. Martin Luther and mental illness? Not so sure. Let’s take a look at the historic facts of Luther’s life and ministry to discover this connection. Luther’s Compassionate, Competent, and...
