Author Archives: Richard Heyduck

Unknown's avatar

About Richard Heyduck

Pastor of Hardy Memorial Methodist Church, a Global Methodist Congregation. PhD Fuller Seminary MDiv Asbury Seminary BA Southwestern University

Reality Based Religion

Posted on December 1, 2012 by Richard Heyduck

One of my new friends this semester is a member of the Nation of Islam. I’ve learned that they have some pretty odd beliefs. The first one I learned of was that Pluto (the ex-planet) is larger than earth. Though … Continue reading →

Posted in Islam, Philosophy | 2 Comments

Which Quest?

Posted on November 4, 2012 by Richard Heyduck

Since our annual conference reduced the number of districts several years ago, district superintendents have made “cluster” charge conferences more regular. I heard recently of one such conference where many small churches came together in one location. Evidently the DS … Continue reading →

Posted in Ministry, North Point Church, United Methodism | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Thinking about the “Guaranteed Appointment”

Posted on November 4, 2012 by Richard Heyduck

The Judicial Council of the United Methodist Church has recently overruled the General Conference legislation that did away with the guaranteed appointment for Elders. I’ve been ambivalent about the provision, seeing good arguments on both sides. On the one hand, … Continue reading →

Posted in Ministry, United Methodism | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Which One?

Posted on October 20, 2012 by Richard Heyduck

I’ve seen various claims that we need to “Put God back in the Whitehouse.” The context of these claims indicates a few assumptions: God is not now in the Whitehouse. Whether or not God is in the Whitehouse is within … Continue reading →

Posted in Current events, Elections, Politics | Leave a comment

Lead the Mission

Posted on September 23, 2012 by Richard Heyduck

In describing the work of appointment making in his book Bishop, Will Willimon frames the big picture this way: “The task of the bishop and the DSs in the appointive process is to send clergy who can lead the mission … Continue reading →

Posted in Leadership, Texas Annual Conference, Will Willimon | 1 Comment

Political Unconvictions

Posted on September 5, 2012 by Richard Heyduck

Unlike many I encounter, I seem to have at least as many political unconvictions as I have convictions. Here are some of my current unconvictions: I am unconvinced that people who disagree with me are stupid and/or evil. Sure, they’re … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics | 1 Comment

What to do?

Posted on August 10, 2012 by Richard Heyduck

Robert Fritz wrote long ago about what he calls “structural tension” (sometimes called “creative tension”). I find the concept very useful and easily illustrated. Creative tension has two parts. First, there’s the vision of the future you want. This is … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture | 2 Comments

Adjustment Bureau

Posted on August 9, 2012 by Richard Heyduck

When The Adjustment Bureau first came out, I added it my list of movies to see someday. I finally had my opportunity today (I know, I know, I’m way behind the times). It would be a good film to show … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Ethics, Movies | Leave a comment

Why Be in Ministry?

Posted on August 9, 2012 by Richard Heyduck

In his book, Bishop, Will Willimon says, “The only good reason for anybody to be in ministry is theological.” Why be in ministry? We’re in ministry because of who God is and what God has done in Christ. We’re in … Continue reading →

Posted in Ministry, Will Willimon | Leave a comment

Assurance: Why? part 2

Posted on August 4, 2012 by Richard Heyduck

So let’s suppose that the reason we are interested in finding assurance of salvation is not so we can feel at ease doing our own thing in the world, with only minimal and occasional glances back to make sure we’re … Continue reading →

Posted in Assurance, Salvation, Theology | Leave a comment