Rustlings

The doors were open Sunday morning. People were in the pews. We heard the whispers of: “And also with you,” “Thanks be to God,” and even the Doxology! We were celebrative—but careful. Welcoming each other to our Sanctuary paves the way for welcoming our guests....

Often, many of you tell me, “If you need anything, just let me know.” I know these words are heartfelt…and you probably know I won’t ask unless it’s a real need. Today, I’m asking three easy favors of you. First, please share a word of gratitude to our Technical...

YouTube has become the new DIY (Do It Yourself) manual. In my early days of playing bass guitar, I accessed tutorial videos on YouTube to learn songs like “I Want You Back,” “Red House,” “The Weight,” “Girl from Ipanema” and “Silly Love Songs.” I have a friend who...

Camille Loomis Rehnborg has served as Pastoral Resident at First Baptist Greenville for almost a year. These ten months have been a time of learning and practice for Camille. They have been of mutual benefit to our church and staff, as well. During her administrative...

The Lenten Season is a time of intense prayer. Those who give steady attention to these days before Easter tend to immerse themselves in repetitive prayers of confession. These prayers often state—over and over again—the same sins, shortcomings and failures. Jesuit...

Spring is just around the corner. We all know what this means. The birds are now attacking my car’s rearview mirrors and leaving abstract art on my car doors. I know this is a part of their innate territorial behavior. It is also a result of human’s introducing...

Jeff was my best friend in high school and a groomsman in my wedding. He and I shared a passion for life. We jumped at opportunities that allowed us to expand our horizons and enrich our life experience. Jeff was an Eagle Scout, a Gulf War hero (shot down in a plane...

History has never been my strong suit. I understand its value. I hold a deep appreciation for those who retain and relay it for our benefit. However, the past is not my primary field of focus. I am also not much of a worrier. I have dreams, hopes, and plans on my...

My grandmother told me more than once (and your grandmother might have told you too), it is impolite to discuss religion, politics and money in public. In her mind, these subjects tended to divide people rather than bring people together. Of course, I would eventually...

Every once in a while, a sermon gets me in trouble. I have typically preached in ‘free pulpits.’ These pulpits are surrounded by congregants who know two things: 1) the minister is free to preach what they sense the Holy Spirit is leading them to preach, and 2) the...

One of the great temptations for all ministers (all people of faith, in fact) is the inappropriate redaction of our holy texts. More simply said, we quote scripture out of context. This selective redaction allows us to prop up our arguments, validate our actions, find...

It is the most common sermonic rookie mistake among new preachers—cramming multiple sermons into one sermon. These lengthy diatribes usually contain three or four ideas which could each be independently shaped into a sermon. In the early days of preaching, however, we...