Categories
faith life

Independence Day 2011

As you celebrate Independence Day in the United States today, I invite you to remember. the words of Paul in Galatians 5:1, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Live in the freedom of Jesus Christ.

Categories
leadership ministry united methodist church

Beginning A New Appointive Year – My Sixth

Today I officially begin my sixth year under appointment as a pastor in The United Methodist Church. I have served in two roles as an associate pastor at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection. 2006 – The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection July 1, 2006 – Pastor of Congregational Care: Caring for those […]

Categories
renewing the church

Great Plans for the Great Plains – #GPGP or #Kanaska

I support the formation of a new United Methodist Annual Conference that would cover Kansas and Nebraska. This possibility was put before the annual conference sessions of Nebraska, Kansas East and Kansas West this year as a five finger vote (PDF). This is basically a way to share a level of approval or disapproval without an […]

Categories
church leadership ministry

Should I Change Churches?

I recently read How to Choose a Church by Bruce Reyes-Chow and wanted to take time to share with you some of the things that I share with people considering either leaving Resurrection for another church or beginning to attend Resurrection from another church. It really matter to me whether you attend Resurrection or not. […]

Categories
communications

Blue Like Jazz The Movie

I haven’t read the book, but I may go see the movie. How about you? http://www.bluelikejazzthemovie.com

Categories
Bible

Scripture Monday – Amos 8:11

“The days are coming,” declares the Sovereign Lord, “when I will send a famine through the land — not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the Lord. Amos 8:11, NIV. What a powerful illustration! The previous chapters of Amos outlined many possibilities for physical difficulties for the people, however […]

Categories
communications

How the Internet is Revolutionizing Education (and church?)

I found this to be fascinating and thought that you might enjoy this graphic. How much is or could be  applicable to the church? For example, to paraphrase a paragraph found in the graphic: But today, due to the Internet’s transformative power, faithful people can custom-design their own religious experience in whatever way they see […]

Categories
changing lives transforming the community

Can a Pastor Build a Friendship with a Congregant?

I hope to build deep social connections with others. I know that deep friendships have a great deal of positive benefit in my life. Friends are people with whom I can share encouragement, accountability, fun, conversation, support and a wide variety of interactions. As a pastor, there are times when I feel the distinction when […]

Categories
communications leadership ministry

Vision Questions for Resurrection Online

I have recently been asking those who regularly worship with Resurrection Online questions about vision. Here they are: What is Resurrection Online? Why does it matter to people? Where do you think it is going now? Where do you think it should be going? I have received some interesting and insightful responses. How might these […]

Categories
leadership ministry renewing the church

6 Options for Church Online

I have been working on the next steps for Resurrection Online and in the proces have developed 6 options for church online that might be helpful for you. Will you please share your thoughts feelings or opinions about these options? What is most helpful? What could be improved? Option 1 – Regional Campus A regional […]

Categories
Bible changing lives

Scripture Monday – 1 John 4:10-11

10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another (1 John 4:10-11, NIV). I don’t have much of a question about these verses. They are a beautiful […]

Categories
life

Father’s Day 2011

Father’s Day is celebrated across the globe to honor fathers and celebrate fatherhood. This is the Father’s Day for me when I celebrate the reality of being a father myself. Our son is a great gift and it is fantastic to celebrate with him. In addition to this being my first Father’s Day as a […]