Category Archives: Ministry

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 | 3 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 | Leave a comment

“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 | Leave a comment

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 | Leave a comment

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 | Leave a comment

Low budget eye candy and debates over worship

Posted on March 17, 2010 by admin

What hath the dreadful Star Wars prequel “The Phantom Menace” to do with current debates over worship style? A few months ago my friend Joshua Villines directed my attention to a critical review of “The Phantom Menace” that is biting, … Continue reading →

Posted in Ministry, Movies and film, Worship and Liturgy | 2 Comments

Is this what it takes to attract young Baptists?

Posted on February 10, 2010 by Rick

From one of the coordinators for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship in Louisiana I received by email a link to a recent opinion piece published through the Associated Baptist Press: “Why 20- and 30-year-olds are leaving the Baptist church” by Carra … Continue reading →

Posted in Baptists, Christian Practice, Ecclesiology, Ministry, Society and Culture | Leave a comment

Unwashed angels in the passenger seat of my car (or) The challenge of strangers who ask for help

Posted on December 7, 2009 by Rick

During the last few weeks I have emptied my wallet 3 times for strangers who ask for help. Last month getting ready for a Church of the Nations planning meeting in the chapel. Raining hard outside. Bible Study Fellowship is … Continue reading →

Posted in Ethnicity and race, Healthcare, Ministry, Personal, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

International Student (and Scholar) Retreat 2009

Posted on October 6, 2009 by Rick

Was last weekend at Camp Living Waters in Loranger Louisiana. About 100 people came – from several schools/international student ministries. Louisiana State University Church of the Nations (primarily with people from Louisiana State) McKneese State University in St Charles Southeastern … Continue reading →

Posted in Ministry, Travel | Leave a comment

Outside Los Angeles for ACMI 2009

Posted on May 30, 2009 by Rick

My first time in California. ACMI is Association of Christians Ministering with Internationals – an umbrella network/organization for those who minister among internationals. (And by internationals they tend to mean not refugees and not even immigrants so much as visiting … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Internationals, Ministry, Personal, Travel, Uncategorized | Leave a comment