24 October 2024 One of Wesley’s daily examination questions states: “Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying?” Why yes I am! Thanks for asking. I recently heard of the concept of self-compassion. In looking at Wesley’s question, I find that perhaps self-compassion ought to be added to the list. There was a moment when I thought it ought to replace the entire list. As I examine … Continue reading Wesley’s Daily Questions: Self-what?
Preaching Leads are ideas for preaching on a particular text in the Bible. Today’s text is Matthew 10:1-15. I share both general techniques as well as specific applications. Today’s scripture is about Jesus sending out the 12 disciples to “proclaim the good news.” It is a rich scene with several opportunities for preaching. Scripture Outline These Newfangled Powers The first thing Jesus empowers his disciples … Continue reading Preaching Leads: Jesus Commissions the Disciples
11 October 2024 I’m in a season of discernment. I need a method to examine my life more closely. The Holy Club, the first iteration of Methodism, employed a method for daily examination. It can be found at the link below. If there is anything the church offers the world, tried and perfected disciplines are among the best. The questions below remain relevant. And I … Continue reading Wesley’s Daily Questions
One more reflection from my time at General Conference 2020. On Monday, April 29, we heard a moving report on Africa University. It was founded in 1994 by United Methodists as a way to lift the entire continent in a substantial way. It’s founding was a dream 100+ years in the making. Is it the last major mission project we’ve completed? I couldn’t help but … Continue reading On Africa University, a reflection from General Conference 2020/2024
One of the highlights of attending a portion of General Conference 2020/2024 was to worship with the global church. The house band was excellent, often beginning a familiar hymn then singing it in French and Korean. There were several guest musicians including a Filipino choir, a large choir from a neighboring church and several Native American delegates singing Hallelujahs in their native language and scale. … Continue reading Memorials at General Conference 2020/2024
A LOT happened at General Conference. I was there for much of the second week, even for most of the headlining moments. But in the midst of all the hoopla was a petition that touched me on so many levels. This petition, (Petition number 21027) was about encouraging Annual Conferences to provide ways for disaffiliated, former United Methodists to return to the denomination. On one … Continue reading My Favorite Moment at General Conference 2020/2024
Dear Church, I am writing to you from Charlotte, NC on a historic day in the United Methodist Church. Through the simplest of motions, the General Conference removed language from our Book of Discipline that restricts LGBTQ+ participation in the church. By removing the restricting language, the General Conference frees its members, clergy, congregations and conferences to welcome, marry, ordain and employ LGBTQ+ people. The … Continue reading Wednesday Night Update from General Conference 2020/2024
Today, I sat in on the first day of the last week of The General Conference of the United Methodist Church 2020/2024. Last week, delegates spent time in Legislative Committees pouring over nearly 1200 petitions. Much work has been passed out of committee and passed on the floor via consent calendar; notably, many petitions relating to “regionalization” of our church passed with little resistance. Today … Continue reading Monday at United Methodist General Conference 2020/2024
Dear Church, As General Conference 2020/2024 opens in Charlotte, I wanted to share why I have hope for the church. Let me begin by saying I am a friend and lover of the church. It has taught me everything I’ve ever learned about faith, hope and love. (It has also been the venue for tremendous ugliness, but that’s for another post on another day.) Please … Continue reading Why I Have Hope for General Conference 2020/2024
There are many articles floating around these days detailing reasons why clergy are leaving the church. In an online discussion of one of them I asked “Are there any studies about why people stay?” Seeing none, I offer my own current perspective. This is not to rebut those who are leaving, though I will probably address similar ideas. Ministry is complex and there are many … Continue reading Why I’m Staying in the Church
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