Sick day

I am well into my 14 year as the Pastor of Central Baptist Church, today will be only the second time I’ve missed worship because of illness. Some people might think, “Yay, day off!” But that’s not me. I look forward to worship, and feel unbalanced when I’m unable to participate. To me, worship is…

Refuge

This past Sunday I preached on Psalm 16, which many scholars designate a “Song of Trust.” It opens with these two verses, Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.” (NRSV) In this season of a volatile…

Mystery

Pastoring, in my mind, is a mysterious vocation. We stand between the light of comfort and the darkness of sorrow. We shepherd people out of this world, and into new life. We proclaim a message of great power, which can only be expressed in this world through weakness. When we at our best as leaders,…

Planning Week

This has been a rather unusual week for me. I am returning from vacation which is always an interesting experience. I’m wired in a way which makes changing gears a bit difficult. When I leave for vacation it takes me bit to unwind and enjoy myself 1. When I return from vacation my body sometimes…

Thankful

Every now and again I need to take time to write a message of thanks for the wonderful people of Central Baptist Church. They have allowed me to be the pastor here for over 12 years 1, and I’m humbled to have been welcomed as I have been. This Christmas Eve I had to suffer…

Pastoral Prayer

And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise…