Rustlings

This past summer, I was invited to speak to a gathering of denominational ministers (non-Baptist) about our church’s system of fundraising. In a climate where the vast majority of churches are experiencing a decline in giving, we have become an anomaly. For the last...

Each year our congregation selects deacons to serve among us. They give of their time and talents to work in multiple areas of ministry and administration. They bring a deeper and broader wisdom to the work of your Senior Minister and staff. They are often the bridge...

It has been called The Butterfly Effect. In the chaos theory of mathematics, a small change in a large system can have large effects later and elsewhere in the system. The idea is largely based on the work of Edward Lorenz who metaphorically theorized that the flutter...

Most of my Christmas shopping is complete. I always save at least one gift to be purchased on Christmas Eve. I actually love the hustle and bustle of the last day before Christmas. It’s a personal tradition. For the most part, I’ve stayed within budget and have...

On December 28, 48 pilgrims associated with First Baptist Greenville (FBG) will embark on the inaugural “Cruise the Bible Pilgrimage.” Some are long-time members, some are new, and some are friends. Rev. Joy Yee and I will be leading the learning sessions. Jenna...

Much of our history has been romanticized. As decades and now centuries pass, it’s easy to reminisce in ways that affirm our current biases and undergird our present cultural idealized values. The truth is, our history is a messy mix of good and bad, justice and...

It was my parents’ primary mantra and mandate during my early days of worship—Be still! It often crossed their lips in a whisper. At other times, it was more of a growl. In a life filled with bicycles, little league, running, bouncing, kickball, freeze tag, and Pong...

Last week, I shared two prayers from my sermon on Sunday, October 27. Both were published in the Jesuit prayer guide Hearts on Fire. Today, I’m sharing the final two prayers from that sermon. The first is also from Hearts on...

It is anticipated and beautiful. Whenever I read a prayer or poem in the course of a sermon, inevitably several listeners want a copy. I’m always happy to share. This past Sunday, I read/prayed four prayers in the body of the sermon. And yes, you asked for copies....

Dr. Stan Nelson was a well-respected and much-loved Professor of Theology at Golden Gate Theological Seminary. For over two decades, he spent his days in the lecture hall turning students into theologians. I know some of these students; his work was stellar. Dr....

Different folk prioritize their reading of different sections of the newspaper. Some read the headlines first. Others make their way to the sports page or obituaries or crossword puzzle or stock report first. If, however, you are looking for a job, you head straight...

There are some holidays and seasons that are easily recognizable on the calendar. They occur on the same day each year and are comfortably anticipated. Christmas is always on December 25. Independence Day is always on July 4. Valentine’s Day is always on February 14....

Sunday, October 6, is World Communion Sunday. On this particular Sunday, communion tables around the world will be set with bread and wine and made ready for celebration. Protestants, Roman Catholics and many Orthodox communities will acknowledge our kinship…a...

Heraclitus of Ephesus was a pre-Socratic Greek philosopher who believed ‘change’ was the fundamental essence of the universe. He is credited with writing the famous lines: “The only thing that is constant in life is change,” and “No one steps in the same river twice.”...