We were not meant to live as self-reliant, independent operators.  Yet many of us choose to live this way because we are afraid of vulnerability.  Being known scares us.  Admitting feelings or failures shames us.  Somewhere, life taught us that openness was dangerous, so self-protection becomes huge.  Fences and defenses keep people at arms length.  [...]

In the summer 2011 edition of Facts & Trends magazine, Thom Rainer, the president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources, pointed out five big changes he sees coming for American churches.  Here are a couple of his research findings (in italics) followed by a few brief comments by yours truly. 1. Our nation will see [...]

People leave churches for the craziest reasons.  It happens all the time: sheep shuffle from one church to another for a myriad of reasons.  As a pastor of a church where the revolving door revolves quite a bit, it deeply pains me to see people leave, and it causes me pause when people arrive having [...]

Did you hear about the naked man who ran into church during a children’s musical rehearsal?  He didn’t begin his run in the buff, but unfortunately for him (and for all those who saw him), he ended up that way!  Here’s the story: Michigan police say it all started when an officer pulled over a [...]

This is a condensed transcript of my May 22, 2011 sermon. In the book of 1 Peter, the Apostle Peter encourages the early church to continue to live their lives for Christ, their King – in spite of the persecution and suffering they experienced for doing so at the hands of the Romans.  He reminds [...]

At any given time, 75% of pastors in America want to quit. 1,500 pastors leave their assignments each month due to moral failure, spiritual burnout or contention within their local congregations. 70% of pastors do not have a close friend with whom they can openly share their struggles.  Nice profession I chose, huh?  Well, technically, [...]

This might just be the MUST SEE You Tube video of the year – at least for those of us who go to church.  This is one crazy worship service!  I nearly passed-out I laughed so hard!!