Category Archives: Ministry

Luke 24 as paradigmatic text (or) This story is our story

Posted on May 16, 2011 by admin

Notes from Evensong talk on Emmaus narrative from Luke 24 last night May 15 2011. Newly called co-pastors Mike Massar and Griff Martin were present. Got a lot of strong positive feedback on this. Paradigmatic texts of the Bible – … Continue reading →

Posted in Baptists, Bible, Ecclesiology, Internationals, Ministry, New Testament, Sermons, Worship and Liturgy | Comments Off

And what of the family?

Posted on January 12, 2011 by admin

From CBSNews: Loughner’s parents, silent and holed up in their home since the shooting spree, apologized publicly Tuesday. “There are no words that can possibly express how we feel,” Randy and Amy Loughner wrote in a statement handed to reporters … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Ministry, News, Personal | Comments Off

Tired of the worship wars (or) Why would they leave?

Posted on December 13, 2010 by admin

Perhaps no issue has generated more controversy at University Baptist Church than worship. By which one means worship style.* Twelve years ago when I began serving here we had two Sunday morning services. One early more contemporary and supposedly the … Continue reading →

Posted in Baptists, Ecclesiology, Ministry, Music, Society and Culture, Worship and Liturgy | 5 Comments

Who leaves and who keeps the house? (or) When denominations undergo radical change

Posted on November 30, 2010 by admin

Was perusing Lectionary Homiletics for December as part of my weekly sermon preparation. Noticed how many contributions are from Ed McNulty. Wonder who that is? Do a search. Come across a website that might tell me more. Turns out to … Continue reading →

Posted in Baptists, Christianity, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Culture, Logic and Reason, Ministry, Same-sex, Southern Baptist Convention | 3 Comments

No Baptist theology of ordination?

Posted on October 10, 2010 by admin

The deacons of University Baptist Church asked me to lead the ordination process for one of my fellow ministers who is not yet ordained. The church by-laws are not very clear on what exactly is the process. In the event … Continue reading →

Posted in Baptists, Christian Practice, Ministry, Southern Baptist Convention, Theology | Comments Off

Christianity and religious freedom in China (or) Reflections on journey through China, part IV

Posted on July 7, 2010 by admin

Complicated. Changing. Encouraging. Those three words encapsulate what Chinese Christians shared with me concerning religious freedom and the state of the Christian church in China. The third of my three goals for the trip through China was to observe first … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Practice, Christianity, Ministry, Religion, Travel | 4 Comments

Been busy getting ready for trip to China

Posted on May 15, 2010 by admin

Quick note to let gentle readers know I have been a bit busy getting ready for my first trip to China. After 11 years serving as pastor of Church of the Nations the mother church University Baptist Church has graciously … Continue reading →

Posted in Internationals, Ministry, Personal, Travel | Comments Off

“I am not my sin” – The finest podcast I have ever heard?

Posted on May 2, 2010 by admin

Funny how everything works together. I was mildly annoyed when 3 teenagers who attend Church of the Nations said they needed me to take them home in the church bus – which had left 10 minutes earlier. Sigh. Which meant … Continue reading →

Posted in Hamartiology (sin), Media, Ministry, Orthodoxy, Same-sex | Comments Off

Ecclesiastes: Preacher of Surprising Joy 3/4

Posted on April 20, 2010 by admin

This is part 3. The beginning of the good news that Qohelet offers – joy. Adobe Acrobat and PowerPoint files for the presentation. Ecclesiastes study presentation 3/4 – PowerPoint Ecclesiastes study presentation 3/4 – PDF

Posted in Bible, Ecclesiastes, Hebrew Bible, Ministry | Comments Off

Grace and providence in small random decisions

Posted on April 10, 2010 by admin

Testimony time. I am fascinated by the significance of small random decisions. When I do something unusual and/or unexpected. Two recent examples. I hate WalMart. I hate shopping. But need to eat something for lunch. Because it is Lent need … Continue reading →

Posted in Ecclesiastes, Ministry, Personal, Theology | Comments Off