I just concluded a three month sabbatical graciously and generously offered by my elders. Half way thru I realized how refreshing and odd it was to be outside my church bubble. As pastors we live, breathe and breathe-more the life of our faith community. We get so sucked in to our own echo-chamber and perspective, … Read more
7 Traps for Pastors Living in a Bubble
Do I Worship My Work?
Similar to CS Lewis’ description of Jesus, I will be the first to confess that this summer of sabbatical hasn’t been safe, but is has been good. I wasn’t safe from challenging insights, difficult experiences, or God’s Word cutting to the core. Yet, it has been good in that I am stronger, healthier and renewed … Read more
Should Apple Cooperate with the FBI?
In the debate over the FBI’s order for Apple to unlock Syed Farook’s iPhone, one hears two distinct starting points. One school is suspicious of evil corporations. Corporations using their deep pockets and nation-state jumping to avoid being accountable, paying taxes and protecting their shareholders’ profits put the common good at risk. Our cultural zeitgeists … Read more
Look to the Pope to Rise Above Persecution
This editorial originally appeared in the Orlando Sentinel on September 20, 2015. As a huge fan of Pope Francis and an evangelical, Protestant pastor, I raise the eyebrows of many in my church who find my interest odd, amusing or a non sequitur. Last year on a whim, I invited the pope to speak at … Read more
Easter Means Hope
This editorial originally appeared in the Orlando Sentinel on Easter morning, Sunday, April 5, 2015. Two Christian saints died this week, and I can only imagine the Easter they are experiencing this morning in heaven. The first, Dr. Robert Schuller, was the renowned preacher of what critics called a ‘soft Gospel’. He started the megachurch … Read more
A Fierce Faith: What I Have in Common With ISIS
Did the title capture your attention? Good. Allow me to explain. Recently, I participated in an interesting discussion on Facebook, related to a post about my calling as a pastor. When you receive over 100 “likes” for a post that isn’t cute pictures of your kids, it gives you pause. In the online discussion, I … Read more
The Pastoral Wisdom of Dr. Tom Gillespie
I’ll never forget the day Dr. Tom Gillespie, then president of Princeton Theological Seminary, restored my academic pursuit and pastoral training such that I am now celebrating my 11th year in pastoral ministry. I found myself at the end of my first semester sitting anxiously across a long, forbidding conference table off his austere office. … Read more
The Pastoral Wisdom of Dr. Tom Gillespie
This article was originally posted on The Presbyterian Outlook webpage on November 12. 2011. I’ll never forget the day Dr. Tom Gillespie, then president of Princeton Theological Seminary, restored my academic pursuit and pastoral training such that I am now celebrating my 11th year in pastoral ministry. I found myself at the end of my … Read more
