• The Curse of the Church Today: We Grew Up

    The Curse of the Church Today: We Grew Up

    Before becoming a Senior Pastor, I served for over a decade in youth and collegiate ministries. One thing I miss about those days was the deep relational connection that existed that is hardly seen among adults in churches today. Back then, we planned events around deepening relational connection and we…

  • Women Pastors Changed My Life

    Women Pastors Changed My Life

    “Could you even imagine working for a woman pastor?” This question was once directed at me by a male Senior Pastor as he relayed his stance on women serving in ministry positions. I will never forget the look of pure amazement that must have been on my face as I…

  • Why No American Flags in Worship on Sundays?

    Why No American Flags in Worship on Sundays?

    Why no American flags on Sundays in churches? This question always seems to rise to the forefront on weekends like this one. The answer is quite simple: because Sundays are about worshipping Jesus, not America or any other entity. On the ‘high’ American holidays we can give thanks for our…

  • What’s So Good About Good Friday?

    What’s So Good About Good Friday?

    What’s so good about Good Friday? At first glance, nothing. Immanuel, God-with-us is beaten, stripped, mocked, and then executed. His crime? Standing with the outcasts, healing the sick, and daring to stand up in the face of the power dynamics of his day and offer a different kind of power.…

  • Why Lent?

    Why Lent?

    Today is the 44th day in the Lenten Season. If you’re like me you might be wondering why we’ve even embraced this journey of darkness. Sure, Ash Wednesday we get: an annual reminder of our mortality seems appropriate in our often narcissistic and “main-character-energy” filled lives. Why the other days,…

  • The Myth of “God Never Gives You More Than You Can Handle”

    The Myth of “God Never Gives You More Than You Can Handle”

    “God never gives you more than you can handle.” It’s a phrase used by many to try and comfort those experiencing loss or grief. It’s also used to help us step into the future with a bit more confidence and hope. The thing is, it’s not biblical. It’s also not…

  • Acknowledgments from My Doctoral Journey

    Acknowledgments from My Doctoral Journey

    As I prepare to [virtually] cross the stage as my Doctor of Ministry degree is conferred next week, I wanted to publicly thank all of those who aided me in getting to this point. The following post is actually the acknowledgments page of my final work, but most of you…

  • Christians, Give Yourself Permission to Mourn This Easter

    Christians, Give Yourself Permission to Mourn This Easter

    Easter Sunday is generally a day of light for Christian churches. We sing songs of joy, exclaim that “he is risen” and celebrate the risen Jesus that brings us all together. Often, Easter Sunday is one of the highest attended Sundays. Many churches find their pews/chairs full of congregants ––…

  • I Don’t Know What I’m Doing | Pastoral Reflections on COVID-19

    I Don’t Know What I’m Doing | Pastoral Reflections on COVID-19

    Just over three months ago I became head Pastor of a church, my first pastorate. The first few months went very well as I got to know the people in our congregation, became adjusted to crafting weekly sermons, and began to adjust to the rhythms of the congregation. Things were…

  • Journaling Through Life: Writing Things Down and the Power of Words

    Journaling Through Life: Writing Things Down and the Power of Words

    “As you move through this new stage of your life, I encourage you to buy a journal and write things down.” These were some of the first words I heard when I entered my graduate school education ten years ago. It was in a Q&A session with current students and…