Month: May 2018

Consumer Christianity and the Church Hopper

It is easy to pick out the church hoppers. They are the ones that are easily offended by things that have little or nothing to do with biblical truth and Christian character. They are the ones that show up at a church and everyone already knows them from the last time they were members. They are the ones that contact everyone at the church once they leave searching for people to join them. They are the ones that are at every interdenominational gathering talking to everyone that will listen about the failings of this church or that church. When they enter a church the leadership says, “oh no not them,” and when they leave a church the leadership says, “here we go again.” (more…)

If Someone Had Told Me…

Judging by the title no one would blame you for assuming this is going to be one long lament. It is not out of my comfort zone to be open about my shortcomings and lament my failures but that is not what this is about. Lament is tied to sorrow but this post is quite the opposite. This post is my way of rejoicing as I recognize the unpredictability of the journey and the predictability of the one who guides me. (more…)

Let God Set the Standard

Godly success is measured in obedience, worldly success is measured in doing whatever it takes to get whoever you want to notice whatever you have done. Better to have God notice your desire to do what He asks, your reward will be in heaven, than to have the world notice what you do and receive a reward of no eternal consequence.

The Shepherd Focuses on the Sheep.

When people ask me what I do for a living I say I am a pastor. I may even add my specific calling, I am a transitional pastor. If they ask, I explain that I work with churches that are between pastors. I walk with them through the process of mourning a much loved pastor who has moved on to their next position or I help them heal from the pain caused by a hurtful pastor who has been removed. Although the metaphor is somewhat lost in our North American 21st century culture, I am a shepherd. My deepest desire is to facilitate a return to health for all those in the church, or to continue with the metaphor, the flock. (more…)