I am writing my first book using iBooks author. It's nothing major, just about 50 pages on a presentation concept I call “Idea Painting.” As I continue to research the concept, and do more reading on communication theory, I be adding to the book over time, and issue updates through the iBooks store. Yes, there…
Category: Pastoring
If I had an intern
A recent comment over on Facebook led me to ponder, “What would I do if I had a summer intern?” Here's my thoughts. I'd have them preach. Too many students graduate from seminary having preached little more than a few sermons, many of which were given during their preaching classes. I was blessed to be…
Spiritual Formation
There’s a myth, prevalent in Western cultures especially, which says there is a place for everyone which is perfectly suited for them. When people say, “This is what I’m meant to do,” this is often the myth being played out. In romantic arenas, it leads to talk of a “soul mate.” In any case, I…
The odd-relevance of “hoodie-gate” for the Church
Mark Zuckerberg, who is a rather odd guy (I say that by way of affection, “normal” people annoy me), started Facebook. He made millions upon millions of dollars and created a platform where people re-connect and share with one another. Yes, it has problems. They like to play fast and loose with privacy a good…
Distractions smactions…
One of the first objections I hear from pastors regarding the use of digital technology in worship is, “Then people will be too distracted, I want them to be completely focused on the sermon.” I don’t buy it, for several reasons. First, this makes the assumption that people ever were “completely focused on the sermon.” Well,…
“Arrived” vs. “Arriving”
Two Sundays ago a friend at church handed me a black cardboard envelope and said, “You remember what CD’s are, right?” The envelope was a nicely packaged copy of Springsteen’s Wrecking Ball album. I had given a listen to the first single from the album a few weeks earlier (based on my friend’s recommendation) and…
