I have been thinking about power this week. A lot of power has been wielded lately. Edicts have been handed out from the White House and state houses. Medical experts have made authoritative pronouncements that have determined what others can and cannot do. Assorted technological platforms have taken over parts of our lives in a fortnight. Individuals are increasingly resisting […]
You ought to get involved in a book club or two along the way. A book club will help you read books properly. Mortimer Adler in his book, “How to Read a Book,” teaches that there is more to reading a book than reading it, much more. Reading, really reading a book, is a very intentional, multi-step process. It is […]
By and large old sayings are true. That’s how they get to be old sayings; their truth endures through time. A stitch in time does save nine. Measuring twice makes the one cut more accurate. Money can buy lots of things but in fact it cannot buy happiness– for long. You can’t be too careful. Or can you? That is […]
Pastors must preserve the good name of parishioners. It’s in the Eighth Commandment. A wise pastor early in my ministry gave me one of the greatest lessons on talking about members. Someone was slicing and dicing a member, and this now sainted pastor said, “I don’t know. If I had been through what he is going through, I probably would […]
I walk my dog with some intentional vigor. Early in the morning. There is a routine. Because I live in Michigan, I start with multiple layers of clothing depending on the weather. Shoes and socks, obviously. A hat, either a stocking cap or a baseball hat comes next. For lots of the year I use a reflective vest since my […]
Memorization of scripture is an ancient practice. Almost as ancient is complaining about it! Somewhere I read something about the benefits of memorization. The author said, “Bible memorization is a good way to have good things stuck in your head.” Better yet, someone else has suggested that we replace the word “memorization” with the phrase “learn by heart.” Yes, that […]
As we make our way through this topsy-turvy virus crisis with all it ups and downs… deaths, tests, ventilators, layoffs, quarantines, wet markets, statistics… does your stomach ache? Did you know that motion sickness is caused by a confusion in your brain between your inner ears and eyes that ends up on your stomach? If you are traveling by car, […]
Much has been written in other places about the importance of the Church and its congregations meeting the needs of the community. Indeed, ministries like coat banks, food pantries, after school youth centers, preschools, recovery groups and so on help meet the needs of the community. But there is another way to look at what the community needs from the […]
I am that guy. There may be a wire loose. I can’t help but speak a clever comment back whenever people say something. (Clever to me!) Whether it is at a meeting, in a conversation or at a chance meeting with a neighbor on the street, I not only have something to say, I have a clever comeback to whatever […]
Think in outlines. To consistently communicate well, think in outlines. Proper application of this principle will have wide ranging application to your ministry. The skill you learned back in fourth grade will carry you through your ministry. Outlines force better organization and sharper points. Outline everything. I first came across this “outlining insight” in a little book entitled “It Takes […]