Rustlings

It is not uncommon to hear some ministers demean the celebration of Halloween. The typical critique involves claiming the holiday has pagan or Satanic origins. So that you can feel more comfortable sending your goblins out to collect gobs of candy, allow me to share...

I never knew a childhood friend who could resist the hypnotic power of a good poem, especially if it was also colorfully illustrated—but I do remember hearing the older kids say that poetry was for sissies. It was years before it began to dawn on me that much of the...

It seems to be a phrase I have been speaking a lot lately. Being a person of faith does not make us immune to the worst life has to offer. While some proclaim faith provides a protective barrier to the pain of this world, the biblical record says differently....

Two weeks ago, our congregation collected cans of fruit for my birthday. Okay…that’s not completely true. The fruit was actually collected to stock the food pantry of United Ministries. These cans of fruit will now find their way into grocery bags—filled with other...

On a recent walk down Greenville’s Main Street, I found myself in step with a lady walking her dog. Having seen her and her dog before, I introduced myself, and she reciprocated with her name. Our conversation trended toward the usual topics: the weather, the vibrant...

BY JIM DANT You and others have begun to ask the question, “What do you want for your 60th birthday this year? (The vocal emphasis always seems to be on ‘60th.’) I’m at that stage in life where I have all I need and most of what I want, so I really don’t ask for much....

My hair tells the story of our last year and a half. Some call it “stress hair” or “anxiety hair.” Though I try to put my best foot forward and appear like I have it together in these crazy days, my hair tells the real story of my inner life—it’s unruly, inconsistent...

Francis was kneeling in an abandoned church in the countryside of San Damiano just outside of Assisi. He was fervently praying for God to give some direction to his life. As a young man, he had lived frivolously with an abundance of wealth. Much to his family’s...

It was a rainy-day game in my first-grade classroom. When the playground was puddled and we were forced to stay indoors, Mrs. Hicks would circle our chairs and lead us in a game of Fruit Basket Turnover. For those who’ve never played, each participant is given the...

It was a common refrain during the pandemic-laden days of 2020. We miss gathering. People missed gathering in restaurants, in theaters, at concerts, at weddings, at dinner parties, and of course, at church. Gatherings are beneficial—essential—to our personal...

In the Fall of 1988, I began a Doctor of Ministry (DMin) program at Columbia Theological Seminary. I decided—for some unknown reason—I needed a new backpack to begin the journey. My shopping venture took me to a luggage store at the local mall, and I spent (what at...

Now that all the fun FAQs have been addressed (last week’s article), maybe it’s time to go a little deeper. Here are a few more questions I’ve been frequently asked while recovering from bypass surgery: Were you scared before the surgery? I was more sad than scared....

Since returning to work (and restaurants and grocery shopping and life, in general), I’ve enjoyed running into friends and exchanging hugs and stories. Just for fun, here are some of the FAQs (frequently asked questions) I’ve been asked… in case I haven’t run into you...

I am looking forward to catching up with you this Sunday morning! While I know many of you will be on vacation or attending prior engagements, I’m hoping the vast majority of you will be in worship Sunday. Returning to the office last week was pure joy. I can’t...

Although I feel a little crazy for doing it, I thought this day might come—the day I become a student again! In August, I’ll begin my Doctor of Ministry at Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, GA, part of Emory University. The program is built for those who work in...