Pastoral Ministry

What If It Is All Taken Away?

Have you ever imagined life without the things and people that make it special? For some the loss of those closest to them has become a reality while others are coming to grips with the fact that the unavoidable isn’t far away. The remainder are aware that life, even if it is going perfectly at this point, will at some point be interrupted by loss. I must admit as self-absorbed as it seems, lately I have been more focused on the potential loss of the things that make me, me.

(more…)

Insanity

It is a well-known quote frequently attributed to Albert Einstein, Benjamin Franklin, or a number of other people who probably never said it, the definition of insanity is, “Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” Has the North American church gone insane?

(more…)

Empty People – Empty Churches

I see no need to attend church. I know it sounds crazy coming from a pastor but the truth is I have trouble giving a good reason to show up every Sunday let alone throughout the week. I am referring to the congregation of course, if I don’t show up I won’t have a job.

(more…)

I Am A Quitter

The words shocked me. They were untrue descriptors of me but still I was left wounded. I had uttered the words, “I feel like quitting,” in a private conversation during which I expressed my deepest sadness. What should have remained private was now being revisited in a public forum, entered as evidence in what was no more than a kangaroo court along with other out of context quotes. This truly wasn’t going to end well for me. “You are a quitter. You told me you felt like quitting so you are a quitter.” The mock trial ended and I left for my car. I took my painkillers as I had so many times before so I could endure the hour and forty five minute drive home and began my journey.

(more…)

Flyfeelitis (flī– fēl -īdəs)

Flyfeelitis (flī– fēl -īdəs): the overwhelming urge to touch one’s zipper to ensure that it is in the up position. The origin of this disease can be traced back to the inclusion of the first zipper in men’s pants however, not all men who wear pants suffer from this disease. Researchers hypothesize that those who suffer from this disease acquired it during a traumatic incident involving the individual being discovered in a public setting with their fly undone. This disease is habitual and although annoying and difficult to cure, it can contribute to avoiding further incidents in which the sufferer is caught with his zipper down.

(more…)