Hello 2013

The last several years as December has drawn to a close I’ve taken time to reflect on the year past. As I prepared to sit down this year and write my 2012 reflection, however, I drew a blank. Instead, I began to think about my hopes for 2013. So now I write to you my…

Pastoral Expectations

Today I was out at a party where a member of central was also attending. At one point he joked, “I need to watch what I say, I'm sitting next to my pastor.” This brought forth a cry from the other side of the room, “Pastor's shouldn't judge, they can't judge you, pastors shouldn't judge.”…

A thought on iBooks

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…

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,…