The question that a lot of people have right now is, “How do we move on?” For people who support the traditional interpretation of scriptures related to human sexuality, the mood seems to be like that of a “win.” For our LGBTQ brothers and sisters, the level of sadness and hurt is palpable. Many who…
Tag: United Methodist
Why the One Church Proposal is Bad for the United Methodist Church
As we awaited the final report to be published from the Commission on a Way Forward, I resolved to not pledge support to any of the proposals until I had an opportunity to read the reports for myself. With all of the rumors and speculation about what the plans will and won’t do swirling around…
Random Thoughts and Ramblings on Being a Moderate in the UMC and The Way Forward
“You need to pick a side.” “Don’t you believe in scripture?” “If you don’t pick a side, your opinion doesn’t matter.” These are actual statements made by various people in response to my right-center position within the United Methodist Church. I have had everything form my fitness for ministry to my very faith called into…
Sermon: The Apostle’s Tale – Groaning
Note: This is, more or less, my sermon from this morning’s worship service at Shiloh UMC in Stanton, Kentucky. Last week I began a series called The Apostle’s Tale which mostly is based on readings from Romans 8. This series was designed to go along with readings from the Revised Common Lectionary from a few…
Final Thoughts on #WCAMEMPHIS
First, an apology for my post taking so long. What can I say, life has happened (remember: I’m in seminary). I have now had a few days to reflect on the Wesleyan Covenant Association’s conference in Memphis. You may remember in my previous post that I indicated that I did not hear anything outright calling…
In a State of Grief
Yesterday as I was driving into Stanton to run some errands, I heard my phone chime with a message. When I reached my destination, I checked my phone before I went inside. It was a message from a friend and clergy colleague in the North Georgia Annual Conference with a link to the website of…
Sermon – Half Truths: God Won’t Give You More than You Can Handle
Continuing the series based on Adam Hamilton’s Half Truths, today I talked about the popular platitude that suggests that God will shield us from more life drama than we can handle. Anyone who has ever had a nervous breakdown knows that this isn’t true. While I didn’t outright address it in the course of the sermon,…
Sermon – Half Truths: “God Helps Those who Help Themselves”
Here is part two in the Half Truths series. Yesterday we looked at this popular saying, which many people are convinced is in the Bible. Spoiler alert: It isn’t! But, this does not mean that it doesn’t have an element of truth. As you will see, we are called to take some responsibility for our…
Following in the Footsteps of the Wesleys
Since last Monday, I have been in the land of England on a Wesleyan pilgrimage. While this might sound like a fancy name for a sightseeing tour while on vacation (or “holiday” as the Brits say), this has been a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn, to study, to grow, and to touch history….
UMC General Conference: Rumors and Games
I am not at the United Methodist Church’s General Conference in Portland, Oregon but I have been watching through social media and the video stream when I’m able. It has been stressful to watch so much fighting among people who I greatly respect and even admire. Today has, by far, been the worse. It all…