This past Sunday was Veteran’s Day. It corresponded with the one-hundredth anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I which made it an even more historic commemoration. In the worship service I attended, veterans of each branch of the military were saluted during a musical tribute. The...
It’s the week of a national election in our country and, no matter the outcome, pundits and pontificators will declare the results the end of western civilization. Not likely.
Pipe bombs and the Pittsburgh shooting are the latest examples of political and religious terrorism in our country. Many commentators have connected these despicable acts to the rise of bombastic, vitriolic political and religious rhetoric over the past few years. While killing or attempting to...
Every year, about this time of year, my travels take me to multiple western state conventions. They are a priority in my scheduling each year. Why are these conventions, typically smaller and less influential than others in the South, a priority? If you lived and worked among them, you would...
The Kavanaugh confirmation process was a pivotal moment in recent American political history. Time will reveal its long-term importance. Much of what happened was driven by serious issues, but the debate and dialogue about them was often drowned out by bloggers and bloviates. In the midst of the...
A young man was recently dismissed from the baseball team at the University of Georgia, and may face further University discipline, for apparently shouting racist remarks in the stands during a football game. The University was within its rights to take this action. Every school, including...
While the nation has been riveted by sexual accusations and battles over reproductive rights surrounding a Supreme Court nominee, these issues have been more personal in my recent ministry. Leaders in the following two situations have sought my counsel.
When traveling and speaking across the South, people who have never lived on the West Coast often ask me about ministry in our context. They sometimes make faulty assumptions and draw conclusions based on their limited perspective. The boldest even ask me, “How can you stand it out there in...
Ministry leaders today have complex responsibilities related to technology, personnel, and financial standards and laws applicable to churches and ministry organizations. Gateway is partnering with a Southern California law firm and other professional organizations to host a major Emerging...
Modern protesters don’t really bother me. Non-violent protests are a valid way to express an opinion, make a point, or otherwise stir the political pot. When Colin Kaepernick knelt during the national anthem, and persuaded other athletes to follow his lead, it really didn’t offend or inspire me...