What would you teach your leaders?
I’m putting together a leadership curriculum for the student leaders in my campus ministry. For good or for ill, I’m staying away from how-to books (though there are some good ones) and instead provoking a deeper level of reflection about servant-leadership and Christian formation. Here’s what I’m toying with (yes, I know it’s a long … Read more
And You Give Yourself Away
The theme for this year’s Texas Annual Conference, reflecting the idea of Extravagant Generosity, immediately calls to mind U2′s anthemic “With or Without You.” Without a doubt, it was one of the best annual conferences I’ve been a part of. The highlight was Tuesday night’s service in which my wonderful wife Christie was ordained as … Read more
iPhone Apps for Clergy
Christie and I have had iPhones (of the 3G variety) for nearly 2 years now, and have come to value their functionality, simplicity, and beauty (even if we also need to join a support group from time to time). And we’re just 2 of the growing number of pastors & church workers — many of … Read more
Discipleship, Leadership, and Community
For those of you who have read my blog somewhat regularly over the past year, you know that one of the questions I have is about how communities of faith grow both excellent leadership and provide a context for high-capacity Christian discipleship to flourish. One of the metaphors I’ve been using is that of a … Read more
Hugh of Lincoln
Reflecting on the life of Hugh of Lincoln (November 17), and learning lessons from this lesser-known saint: wisdom, creativity, good stewardship, faithfulness, and justice.
The Preaching Life: Countercultural
…there is a certain contrary character to all faithful preaching…The words of the sermon will be expressing our culture in need–beloved by God, but not itself God. So the preacher’s life, as well, will have certain countercultural strains to it. Perhaps simply being willing to become a preacher was already a beginning. In any case, … Read more
Formative Experiences
What experiences shaped you into the pastor/minister/priest/teacher/lay leader you are today? What people, events, courses, or service called you into the ministry of God?
The Long-Expected Call
On the Road to Emmaus My call story is different from most people’s. I like to say that while many Christians and pastors have “Damascus road” experiences–while on the road to the wrong place with wrong intentions, suddenly experiencing the power of the risen Christ in blinding light and booming voice–my journey of faith & … Read more
Why "Expatriate Minister?"
It seems like an odd handle or moniker to choose for my blog, now 4ish years after I started…and it’s trickled out to other places on the web, notably Twitter. Yet I still think it’s worthwhile to consider myself an emigre clergyperson. Here’s why. As I graduated from Candler School of Theology (Emory U., Atlanta) … Read more
Top 10 Ways for Pastors to Observe Holy Saturday
Stop working feverishly on your Easter sermon…don’t plan the Easter Egg hunt for the kids. Take a day for you–yourself, not you-as-pastor–to observe something of the events of Holy Week. I don’t know a lot of places that hold a worship service on Holy Saturday (at least, before an Easter Vigil)…so with your free time, … Read more
