Year: 2002
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A Church in the HOV Lane
About 10 years ago my wife and I were driving through Houston, Texas during rush hour when I realized that I could jump over into the High Occupancy Vehicle (H.O.V.) and miss most of the congestion. It was wonderful! Passing all of those other vehicles snarled in bumper-to-bumper traffic. As we cruised by our fellow…
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In Word Only?
It was my first preaching assignment in college. At breakfast in the school dining hall, the chair of our Bible department walked up to ask my companion if he could preach at a little country church later that morning. Knowing how badly I wanted to preach somewhere, my friend declined but pointed out that I…
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The Personal Retreat
“He often withdrew to deserted places and prayed.” (Luke 5:16 HCSB) Several years ago I served a church in a bivocational ministry. Working 50 hours per week in an environmental consulting firm, I lived for the additional 20 hours I spent doing outreach leadership and visitation in the church. Very quickly I learned how fast…
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The Power of a Greeting
Romans 16:16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. 1 Corinthians 16:20 Greet one another with a holy kiss. 2 Corinthians 13:12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. 1 Thessalonians 5:26 Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. 1 Peter 5:14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Do you remember your…
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Is it Worth a Bad Haircut?
Several years ago a mission pastor entered a barber shop around the corner from his church. Although he needed a haircut, his purpose was to build a witnessing relationship with the owner. They had a good talk, but the only result was a really bad haircut. Laughing at his new “butchered” look, the pastor visited…
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How to “Choose Up Sides” in Church
Romans 15:7 Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God. It’s happening on playgrounds all around our country today… and it happens in churches too. Groups get ready to choose up sides and someone is chosen last. “Arrrggghhh!” as Charlie Brown used to say — what a terrible…
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The Art of Pausing for People
1 Corinthians 11:33 Therefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. 1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous… Do you remember rushing to get the best place in the lunch line as a kid?…
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The Pastor: The Life of a Door Man
Who gets in? Who gets left out in the cold? The door man decides. Several years ago, The Los Angeles Times entertainment website unveiled a cover story on the city’s club scene. Profiling door men who screen entry intoexclusive establishments, the article explains that success is attached to what you wear and who you are…