I was doing a little research last night about Pastor Appreciation Day. It turns out this unofficial holiday is better known as "Clergy Appreciation Day" or "Clergy Appreciation Month." No Wikipedia page = more work. I found some clues on the Hallmark website. Notably the holiday only dates back to 1992 and is always celebrated on the second Sunday in October. They first sold cards for pastor's appreciation in 2002. I found another helpful post on Leading from the Heart, a UMC blog written by Rev. Laurie Haller. She had this blockquote from the Sept./Oct. 1996 issue of the Saturday … [Read more...] about What’s the History of Pastor Appreciation Day?
WEIGHING IN ON THE MOSQUE AT GROUND-ZERO
When I first heard of the mosque being built at Ground Zero in New York City, I questioned the wisdom of choosing that site. It wasn't till conversations got heated, reheated, and burned to a crisp that I began to truly make up my mind about it all. I fluctuated between sympathies to one side, and "how dare they" to the other. Some say it's a matter of sensitivity to those who lost loved ones on 9-11 that the Muslim Mosque should choose another site. I empathize, I truly do. I have difficulty in sharing what I believe is more important. As a Christian, I think, it is because of the … [Read more...] about WEIGHING IN ON THE MOSQUE AT GROUND-ZERO
How Should Christians Respond to the Proposition 8 Debate?
This was originally posted at Modern March Unless you live under a rock, you have seen the latest news on the Proposition 8 case. Earlier this month, U.S. District Court Chief Judge Vaughn R. Walker ruled that Proposition 8 violates the constitution, a ruling that could potentially overturn the California voters’ decision that same-sex marriage should remain illegal. Expectedly, Judge Walker’s decision has flared much debate over the issue of homosexuality. Many Christians, though not all, have been up in arms for years over the idea that same-sex marriage will be made legal … [Read more...] about How Should Christians Respond to the Proposition 8 Debate?
Facts & Feelings from Orlando: What Stetzer Can’t Say
I was feeling rowdy this morning, so I left a comment over on this helpful post by Ed Stetzer. Then I realized that blog is a little boring and wanted to set you commenting animals loose. Besides, I think they just deleted my comment anyway! That kind of controlled discussion always raises my blood pressure. He was listing the factors that might keep younger leaders away from the SBC annual meetings. Here's what I said. Thanks for the helpful post and I see myself in a few of your reasons. Here are two more that you can't say: 6. The brand value of SBC is beyond zero and now far into … [Read more...] about Facts & Feelings from Orlando: What Stetzer Can’t Say
Does the SBC Protect & Enable Child Abusers?
The firestorm from yesterday really needs it's own post. Here is a little direction for your ranting: The 2007 SBC Resolution ON PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM ABUSE was a good start, but this only came about after critics went after our denomination. It raised awareness, but is anyone more safe because of it? Most SBC churches are still in denial and think it could never happen to them. All SBC churches are independent, but that doesn't absolve denominational leaders from their role as leaders. They do have influence to make things better. We should talk about failure to use that influence … [Read more...] about Does the SBC Protect & Enable Child Abusers?
When Prayer is Propaganda
I was driving my kids to school this morning when the news segment came on K-LOVE. Usually it's cut and paste from Associated Press, but today they ran a story asking for prayer against the website WikiLeaks. According to them, Christians should join together to ask God to intervene against this “radical” news source. They cited the upcoming release of more documents about the war in Afganistan saying this could be dangerous for the US military and civilian informants. Here's my problem. This approach to journalism turns prayer into a tool for controlling public opinion. Never mind if … [Read more...] about When Prayer is Propaganda
The Pastor’s Family and Church Involvement…
One of the scariest things for me as a young person in ministry is the issues related to a pastor (or staff member, etc.) and his family's involvement in the life of the local church. I've known quite a few different situations and I often wonder what the best approach is for a pastor and his family. Some I would outright reject and but even the ones I consider often raise difficult questions in my mind. Probably some of these relate to parenting philosophy in general, but I'm thinking about the pastor's family specifically. One of the biggest tensions perhaps is finding that balance … [Read more...] about The Pastor’s Family and Church Involvement…
Contra Svoboda: Answering Matt Svoboda’s Arguments for Amillennialism
In recent days, Matt Svoboda has posted two essays at this site explaining why he has adopted Amillennialism and the problems he has with premillennialism. I was away at a speaking engagement and did not have either the time or the internet access to engage the discussion. So, I thought that I would write a response to Matt’s post and deal point-by-point with his assertions about premillennialism. Matt and I harass each other a lot about eschatology. Frankly, I think he is jealous of me! Neither of us believes that these issues are fundamental to our faith. We agree that those who love … [Read more...] about Contra Svoboda: Answering Matt Svoboda’s Arguments for Amillennialism
Interview with Trevin Wax
Trevin Wax, a rising voice in the SBC, is a brother in Christ and has been helpful to me as of late as I learn the ropes of potentially publishing a book. Further showing his unselfish character, he was gracious enough to allow me to ask him a few questions about the SBC without hesitation. His blog, Kingdom People, is one of the most read Christian blogs on the internet today and his book, Holy Subversion, has been acclaimed by J.I. Packer, Al Mohler, Ed Stetzer, and Russell Moore. I first interviewed him on my blog and it was a great blessing and I pray that this will be for the SBC … [Read more...] about Interview with Trevin Wax
Paige Patterson’s Decision to Speak Alongside Glenn Beck
There has been a large outcry at Jerry Falwell, Jr.'s decision to allow the controversial, Mormon Glenn Beck speak at Liberty University's 2010 Commencement. What hasn't gotten near as much publicity is the fact that Paige Patterson chose to speak on the same stage with Beck. I remember a major uproar over John Piper inviting Rick Warren to Desiring God 2010, but maybe that was a different situation in people's eyes than the Liberty Commencement. I think this is possibly a bigger deal considering the major theological differences between Baptists and Mormons. By major I mean that Mormons are … [Read more...] about Paige Patterson’s Decision to Speak Alongside Glenn Beck