OK, I said I was only going to highlight a couple of dates on the calendar, but...it is my birthday after all! And apparently social media says there was supposed to be a rapture today. I guess I missed out. (If you believe in rapture theology, that's fine. It wasn't today.) I always try to … Continue reading A birthday and no rapture?
Distractions to the message
OK, I planned on writing a short post this month about the state of evangelicalism in North America, then a few key individuals died... John MacArthur, Hulk Hogan, Ozzy Osbourne, to name a few. Spiderman was a big deal in my early years, and then again later on, but I digress. The others were all … Continue reading Distractions to the message
My history of Leadership slogans
What slogans have you adopted over the years? As much as I say I hate slogans I have to chuckle at how often a slogan has stuck with me over the years. A number of slogans were not real 'slogans' per , as in no one designed them and said this is what we need … Continue reading My history of Leadership slogans
Is the church a prophetic voice?
If you are not familiar with this idea, one of the discussions that comes up often in church circles is the role of the church (institutional term) in the times around us. (AP News) Part of the reason I do not speak to that conversation often is because I do believe the local church, in … Continue reading Is the church a prophetic voice?
Mary, did you know? (A little more about gift-giving…)
I have a love/hate relationship with the Christmas song, "Mary, did you know". It humanizes the story of Mary as the mother of Christ, but it is also pretty schmaltzy. (Dictionary.com defines 'schmaltzy' as "exaggeratedly sentimental". I'll go with that one.) But, I love the story of Mary and Elizabeth, and I got to preach … Continue reading Mary, did you know? (A little more about gift-giving…)
The problem with faith and power
Yes, I watched the opening ceremonies (mostly) for the Paris Olympics. No, I was not outraged. Actually, I was mostly impressed. Then I clicked on my social media to get into the shared experience of the Olympic games...because I love the Olympics. The back story... Even when they seem a little corrupt or the spirit … Continue reading The problem with faith and power
Palm Sunday and adapting your expectations
Oh the plight to have adaptive expectations… I sat here waiting for the weather to be right for me to fly North. The second trip adjustment in place, I was hoping to finally make it to the workshops I planned months ago. Deep sigh. Trip adjustment number three and possibly number four are now in … Continue reading Palm Sunday and adapting your expectations
Truth and Reconciliation, cont’d
This past Sunday I failed to mention that the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation is this coming Friday. And I felt a little remorse. Too many people that look like me, who found Canada the way my ethnic group did, and enjoy what came with settlement, don't feel the same way. The empathy and … Continue reading Truth and Reconciliation, cont’d
The Jesus I wanted to know
"I believed in Jesus, I just couldn't stand the church." I am sure you have heard a statement like that in the past. Maybe you have even said something like that. I know I have, and I have worked in church ministry since the 90s! We are seeing all kinds of changes happening in the … Continue reading The Jesus I wanted to know
Us vs Them?
Have you ever heard of 'political hobbyism'? It is a term that has received some attention over the past couple of years, based on how people interact with the news, and more specifically, political news. The way I heard it described, it is very similar to what we have always seen in sports, as in … Continue reading Us vs Them?
Leadership on Maundy Thursday
So what image do you consider on Maundy Thursday? There are many different practices and household connections made on the day before Good Friday, and each person reflects in their own way as they enter the Easter weekend. Traditionally this is the time where we reflect on Christ displaying His love for His people as … Continue reading Leadership on Maundy Thursday
Celebrating a Human Saviour
Christmas is the time to meet Jesus in the flesh. Meeting your heroes, seeing them 'in the flesh' means more than finding a picture online. They become real -- good or bad. Being in the flesh comes to mean we are real and human. It is hard to imagine anyone in the room without their … Continue reading Celebrating a Human Saviour
