I found it fascinating to read about how the new governor understands the situation behind the man who is on trial in front of him, Paul. 18 When his accusers got up to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected.19 Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about […]
Tag: God
Categories
Wise and Eloquent Preaching
Nearly every class I have taken, seminar attended or and piece of guidance that I have received about preaching has encouraged me to craft a sermon that is well written and smartly crafted. However when Paul reflects on his ministry, he writes: For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not […]
No matter how you refer to this day, it is one on which we remember the pivotal event in human history – Jesus of Nazareth was crucified, suffered and died in a way that was redemptive for all creation. I am looking forward to participating in the Good Friday Prayer Vigil at Resurrection. How will […]
I have heard these words from those who were officiating at Holy Communion, but for some reason had not realized that they were from scripture until recently. They are beautiful and true. “Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread […]
The conversation around the Call to Action: Reordering the Life of the UMC and the subsequent UMC Leadership Summit, as well as the conversation in Kansas and Nebraska about Great Plans for the Great Plains: A Vision (PDF Link), I have been reflecting on the time that I spent on the spring senior staff retreat at Resurrection in which […]
One of the passages in the scripture that I find baffling is in Exodus 4:24: “At a lodging place on the way, the Lord met Mosest and was about to kill him.” (NIV) This is as Moses was on his way to Egypt after meeting God at the burning bush and being sent to return to Egypt to […]
Categories
Why? Making Sense of God’s Will
This week, I read Why?: Making Sense of God’s Will by Adam Hamilton. In this short book, Hamilton addresses three questions of theodicy, God’s justice in the face of suffering, Why do the innocent suffer? Why do my prayers go unanswered? Why can’t I see God’s will for my life? He concludes with a few words about Why God’s […]
I recently just finished Bearing Fruit: Ministry with Real Results by Lovett H. Weems, Jr. and Tom Berlin. Along with other members of the senior staff, I read this in preparation for our semi-annual retreat today. I have been considering what it fruitful and effective ministry is like, especially in response to Kevin Watson’s post, […]
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward the sky so that darkness spreads over Egypt—darkness that can be felt. (Exodus 10:21, NIV) This is serious darkness. Have you ever experienced this or feel as if your church or ministry area has experienced darkness like this? There have been a few times in […]
Categories
The Difference between Belief and Practice
Paul is brought before the city leaders in Athens and preaches the good news of Jesus Christ. In response, “Some of the people became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others.” Acts 17:34 The text clearly states that […]
Categories
Invitation ≠ Evangelism
While there is some discussion as to whether the The Missional Church… Simple video is helpful, I found one point particularly helpful. Invitation does not equal evangelism. Inviting someone to show up to church to hear a ministry professional share the good news is quite different from sharing your own story of how you encountered […]
Each year, Resurrection takes an anonymous survey of the congregation. This year there were 134 people who took part in the survey that indicated they primarily worship with Resurrection Online. I have completed some analysis of the survey. What do you make of these results? More gender balanced than the rest of the church with […]
Rev. Andrew Conard 