-
The Great Divide: Who is Jesus?
Published by
on
Continue reading →: The Great Divide: Who is Jesus?I don’t know that there has ever been a greater divide in how Christians see Jesus than right now. I fear many are picturing an American Jesus with a US flag draped over his shoulders holding an AK-47. Friends, that picture is completely contrary to Jesus who “so loved the…
-
I Refuse
Published by
on
Continue reading →: I RefuseThe Della Lamb United Methodist Ministry in Kansas City, Missouri, was just issued a stop-work order by the federal government. On August 11, 2024, I preached about “Going for the Gold,” and the spiritual parallels to the sacrificial training required. I spoke of Quincy Hall, who won a gold medal…
-
The Offensive Message of Jesus
Published by
on
Continue reading →: The Offensive Message of JesusI am a pastor to all people. Political lines do not limit the ministry of my pastorate or my church. Therefore, I do not make public political comments. I live to help people understand and embrace the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is where I offer my insights. I watched…
-
Why are they here?
Published by
on
Continue reading →: Why are they here?Many congregations are working through the changes enacted by the 2024 General Conference of the United Methodist Church. It is my hope that we can better understand one another and stay united in Christ while allowing for different opinions on matters that, in the words of John Wesley, “do not…
-
I Sang and Danced about Jesus in the Former Soviet Union
Published by
on
Continue reading →: I Sang and Danced about Jesus in the Former Soviet UnionIn December of 1991, the Soviet Union broke up and left Russia as its legacy. Six months later, I was in Latvia singing and dancing about Jesus. The free nation of Latvia had been invaded by the Soviet Union in 1940. For 51 years they were under communist rule which…
-
Resist the Virtual Snow Day!
Published by
on
Continue reading →: Resist the Virtual Snow Day!We’re in the middle of a big snow storm here in the Midwest. As the forecast developed earlier this week I started getting calls about this meeting and that meeting. Are we going to cancel? Do you want to Zoom? Well, if the forecast comes true, yes, we’ll cancel. Are…
-
What You May Not Know
Published by
on
Continue reading →: What You May Not KnowLet’s start with the obvious. George Floyd’s death was avoidable, unnecessary, and criminal. If you aren’t sure, watch the whole tape. His death stoked the fires of years of oppression and not valuing black lives. Also, most police officers are good, decent, caring people who want and do the best…
-
Loss & God
Published by
on
Continue reading →: Loss & GodMy Church family has experienced three major losses of amazing young men in the last four months. There are no words to make everything all better after a son, a brother, or a father, has died; however, there are words that can confuse and make the hurt worse. Well-meaning people often spout unsound theological…
-
It’s a Tragedy
Published by
on
Continue reading →: It’s a TragedyI am sickened by people, diminishing one tragedy by comparing it with another tragedy just to make a point in their facebook news feed. Planned Parenthood shooting. Syrian refugees. Paris attacks. Young black men shot by police. Police officers killed in the line of duty. Guess what. Each one is a…
-
An Open Letter to a Church Thief
Published by
on
Continue reading →: An Open Letter to a Church ThiefTo our Church Thief, We love you. We feed you and clothe you. We pray with you and provide a safe place of worship for you. Why would you steal the tools we use to minister to you? The Connection struggles every month to find the resources to do this…
-
Moms, This isn’t for you.
Published by
on
Continue reading →: Moms, This isn’t for you.Mother’s Day is not for Moms. Yes, we get the attention and focus, but, more importantly, Mother’s Day is an opportunity for our sons and daughters to learn how a woman should be treated. Don’t miss this opportunity, Moms. You are your son’s first love. You are his first kiss and…
-
Maslow & Ministry
Published by
on
Continue reading →: Maslow & MinistryYou are probably familiar with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. It appears as a triangle with physical needs like food, clothing, and shelter, on the base, with safety stacked right above. It purports that until these foundational needs are met one cannot move on to love/belonging, self-esteem, and self-actualization. I used to…
-
Mental Health
Published by
on
Continue reading →: Mental HealthEveryone needs some go-to activities, or inactivities, to preserve mental health. Only recently did I intentionally name and develop them in my own life. I’m not talking about being with friends or family, seeing a psychologist or taking your meds. All these can be good and helpful, but I’m talking…
-
When Violence Unites
Published by
on
Continue reading →: When Violence UnitesJust as peaceful protests were dispersing late last night shots rang out. Everyone hit the deck. Police and protestors united. “F**k. F**k. F**k!” from the mouths of the protestors at the violent intrusion into a night of peaceful protest. “Get down. Get Down. Get Down!” from the mouths of the police…
-
White Girl
Published by
on
Continue reading →: White GirlWithout fail…someone gets close enough to disrupt my circle with loud ugliness spewing out of their mouths.
