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Bible Christian living sermon spiritual growth Uncategorized

Embracing Your Calling: Ordinary to Extraordinary

You know that moment at work when the boss needs someone for an important project? Everyone straightens up, trying to look competent and available. The veterans showcase their experience. The eager ones volunteer before hearing the details. Meanwhile, someone’s in the supply closet, organizing inventory, completely unaware there’s even a meeting. Yet sometimes that’s exactly […]

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Christian living developing leaders faith ministry sermon spiritual growth worship

Revealed in Prayer: Called to Serve

Have you ever missed an important phone call because you didn’t recognize the number? You let it go to voicemail, only to discover later it was exactly the opportunity you’d been hoping for. We live surrounded by notifications, yet often miss the most important messages – especially when God is calling. Here’s what I’ve learned […]

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faith General Conference renewing the church united methodist church

Reflections on the 2020(4) United Methodist General Conference: A Presentation for Local Churches

I recently had the opportunity to serve as a reserve delegate from the Great Plains Annual Conference at the 2020(4) United Methodist General Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. This historic gathering brought together delegates from around the world to make important decisions that will impact the future of our church. When I returned, a Sunday […]

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leadership life ministry

From the Balcony

This view feels long ago and far away. I haven’t stayed in a hotel, much less one big enough to have an atrium, since I can’t remember when. Travel is only one of the aspects of life that is much different these days. This view feels long ago and far away. I haven’t stayed in […]

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leadership life ministry

Two Tracks

Two tracks. Both are going in the same direction. One filled with cargo and a train on the move. The other empty and waiting. Waiting for what? Another train to come along? Could you send two trains along these tracks at the same time? Do they converge somewhere ahead? Do they split and go in […]

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church communications experiment

How to Set Up a Video Studio in Your Basement – A Pastor’s Guide

Over the past few days, I have been working on putting together a makeshift studio that I can use to record videos for the congregation and community. It will also be helpful for the ever-increasing number of video conference calls these days. I want to share with you a bit of the process, in case […]

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annual conference church family life ministry

A Season of Transition

It is a season of transition. I have had the opportunity to serve as the preacher at Berryton United Methodist Church since July 1, 2018. On Sunday, I announced during worship that I have received a new appointment from Bishop Ruben Saenz to serve as the pastor at Susanna Wesley United Methodist Church in Topeka […]

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family fun life

1​ Second Everyday for February 2019

It has been a heavy week, so here is something a bit lighter. 1 Second Everyday for February 2019. Enjoy!

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annual conference experiment leadership ministry

Strategizing for the District

Since being appointed to serve within the Topeka District of the Great Plains Annual Conference, I have had the opportunity to serve as the lead for the Topeka District Strategy Team. I have been learning as I go, seeking to get to know congregations and leaders of the area. Here are some of my current […]

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annual conference leadership ministry

Making the Network Work

Over the last several years, the Great Plains Annual Conference has introduced Networks into our life in ministry together. These are groups of congregations that share a physically contiguous mission field – all the churches in an area. The church which I serve, Berryton United Methodist Church, is connected in a network with Big Springs […]

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annual conference leadership ministry

Annual Review for Clergy – District Superintendent Version

As a United Methodist clergy person, part of my annual routine is a conversation with my District Superintendent about life and ministry. My conversation with the Topeka District Superintendent, Rev. Kay Scarbrough, is next week and thought you might be interested in the written responses which I provided in advance. I would love to hear […]

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church faith ministry united methodist church

Preparation for a Service of the Baptismal Covenant

A Conversation about the Meaning, Symbolism and Responsibility of Baptism One of the great privileges that I have as a United Methodist preacher is offering the sacrament of Christian baptism to individuals and families connected with the local church. I like to meet with the individual or family in advance of the service to hear their […]