Category Archives: Leadership

The Problem of Method

I’m an academic introvert by nature. I love to learn and would be happy off by myself reading. At the same time, I have a call to ministry. My greatest gifts are in teaching and preaching. I’ve learned that teaching … Continue reading

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Out of (our own) Control

An old high school friend visited my church Sunday. He’s traveled extensively in the Muslim world over the past 10 years, and shared some of his experiences with the people. After his stories of spending time in jail in the … Continue reading

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What’s the largest Turnip you’ve ever seen?

The 2006 session of the Central Texas Annual Conference is now over. We concluded on a hot Wednesday afternoon in Waco. Hot as it was outside, it remained fairly cool inside. the closest thing to dissension was a couple of … Continue reading

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Truth or Inspiration?

People like to hear stories of success and happiness. I’m ok, you’re ok. That’s part of the genius behind movements as diverse as the Chicken Soup series and Guideposts. I was talking to a pastor friend tonight whose Annual Conference … Continue reading

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2006 Episcopal Address

Things are BIG in Texas. I’ve heard many times that the Texas Annual Conference is the largest in the denomination (it’s not – either in terms of membership or area covered). We have the largest churches (we surely have some … Continue reading

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Do They Really Mean It?

The first night of Annual Conference (when we had a youth service) some folks (not youth) were passing out buttons. The buttons featured the United Methodist marketing slogan, “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors,” but added an additional line: “… … Continue reading

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