Culture
In keeping with end of the year predictions, here are mine. Of course, several years ago I predicted $5 per gallon gas. Thankfully, we never got to that point. But in light of my obvious fallibility I’m framing my prognostications in the familiar “what’s in and what’s
administration
Over the centuries of church history, various metaphors have been used to describe the role of God’s chosen leaders. Some metaphors have lodged permanently in our collective consciousness, while others have not passed the test of time. I suggest that there is one more metaphor for the pastor’s
Books
I have waited far too long to spotlight Mark O. Wilson's new book, Filled Up, Poured Out: How God's Spirit Can Revive Your Passion and Purpose. Mark and I met as fellow-bloggers, and I have followed his blog, Revitalize Your Church for several years now. Mark
Resources
A few days ago I had the opportunity to participate in a leadership conference with Dr. Greg Jones, former dean of Duke Divinity School, and Dr. John Upton, president of the Baptist World Alliance and the Virginia Baptist Mission Board. Next week, I'll share Greg Jones' thoughts
Cultural Competency
Almost fifty years ago, a Baptist minister stood before a sea of hopeful people in the shadow of the Lincoln Memorial to share the dream God had given him. On that day the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “I have a dream that one day on the red
Culture
The Myth of Why Conservative Churches Are Growing The myth that conservative churches are growing today because people are looking for theological fundamentalism is roundly debunked by Mark Chaves in his new book, American Religion: Contemporary Trends. Despite the book’s mundane title, Mark Chaves sheds dramatic new light on
Church news
I recently was asked by a church publication in Taiwan to respond to the controversial film, Divided. Here is my response. I would be interested in yours. If you haven't seen the film, here's the link to the film's website. A Pastor Looks At
Congregation
Where did summer go? I'm sure yours has been busy, too; but, I can't believe how summer has flown by. School starts tomorrow here in our community, and we resume our regular Wednesday night schedule at the church starting this Wednesday. June was taken up with
Outreach
Pamela Gordon is the creative pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Paducah, Kentucky. She and her church's EcoFair outreach idea will be featured in an upcoming issue of Outreach magazine, in my column Small Church, Big Idea. But apparently that's not the only idea that Pam
Community
Debbie is painting the backdrop and set for our community VBS. This year the theme is "Saddle Ridge Ranch," which is available at LifeWay stores. We partner with 4 other community churches -- a Presbyterian church, two United Methodist churches, and another Baptist church -- for VBS each
Congregation
Our church is typical of many established, small town churches. Three years ago, our congregation was made up mostly of older adults. Of course, older adults are the backbone of many congregations. They provide a higher-than-average amount of financial support, they attend with above-average faithfulness, and they love their church.
Acts
I have resisted getting into this because I keep telling myself, "This is not what you do here at Confessions of a Small-Church Pastor." Normally, I don't engage in theological discussions, particularly those that are the equivalent of how many angels can stand on the head