Monthly Archives: June 2005

Tod Bolsinger has a good discussion of people who claim they “worship” on the golf course, at the beach, or in the mountains. He says these folks are confusing worship with inspiration. Both are good, both are useful. But inspiration … Continue reading →

What began as a fairly clever ad line is well on the way to becoming United Methodist Theology. The slogan, “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors” was created by an advertising firm for the United Methodist Church. It was rolled … Continue reading →

In one of my favorite episodes of M*A*S*H, the 4077th needs an incubator. Hawkeye and BJ find themselves at a press conference with a General. When the General takes questions, Hawkeye asks why MASH units don’t get incubators. After he … Continue reading →

Last week I summarized Bishop Huie’s address – that’s the official term; “challenge” would be a better word. I said then that it was the best such address I’ve ever heard. As a pastor who is called to lead rather … Continue reading →

I read two articles on American religion today. Tom Ehrich bemoans the rise of conservative Christianity. Narrow-minded, unquestioning, dogmatic, they go to church for comfort as they face economic stresses of trying to keep up with the Joneses. Fear. Ignorance. … Continue reading →

“All in favor, say ‘Aye,” any opposed, ‘Nay’.” I am in Fort Worth for the 139th session of the Central Texas Annual Conference. This three day session is a time when over a thousand clergy and laity from United Methodist … Continue reading →

The sanctuary was full, and though the closing hymn was listed as the “Recessional Hymn,” the congregation sat down following the benediction for the playing of the postlude. It was a well played piece by an obviously talented organist. As … Continue reading →

The Central Texas Conference opened tonight with a worship service at the First United Methodist Church of Hurst. Bishop Woodie White preached from Philippians 2:1-11. The gist of the message was this: claim the Name. There is power in the … Continue reading →

In a conversation with another pastor yesterday morning at Conference, the issue of pastoral tenure came up. This pastor shared a theory one of his parishioners holds (I paraphrase): “When you want to keep a pastor a long time, you … Continue reading →

Anyone who has thought deeply about evangelism knows that decisions are important. In come circles, the decision to “accept Christ” becomes the end-all of the evangelistic enterprize. Years ago James Engel came up with the Engel Scale, a way of … Continue reading →