I have celebrated a few centennials in my almost 20000 days. The first I remember is the Kansas Centennial in 1961. While Jan and I were working with the Fort Gibson church, that church celebrated 1000 months–83+ years. This weekend the church in McAlester is celebrating 100 years of history. Who are we? We are …
Author Archives: bro.bobyoung
Bridge to somewhere, or bridge to nowhere?
In the midst of the national controversy about the Alaskan “bridge to nowhere,” I was reminded of the illustration that pictures a sermon as a bridge from one shore (the word of God) to another shore (human experience or culture). I couldn’t help but ask myself about my recent sermons, “Were they a bridge to somewhere, or …
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“unChristian”
All of us know deep down inside that Christians are supposed to represent Christ in this world. But according to some recent research, something has gone terribly wrong, especially among the young adults in our society. Using descriptions like “hypocritical,” “insensitive,” and “judgmental,” young Americans share an impression of Christianity that is nothing short of …
A “Thank You”, a Request, and a Blessing
The “thank you” is first! In the third full month of taking the new website and blog public, we have surpassed 4000 monthly visits! Through 30 days of August, visitors to the site represent 61 countries. I say “Thank You” to every visitor and regular reader for the encouragement you provide. By your visits and involvement, you say that this …
When the AC goes out….
The air conditioning went out on my car Tuesday afternoon. Since the outside temperatures were in the mid-90s, I felt fortunate that I was only about 90 miles from my destination. Because I am currently a one-car family (Jan has her car in Colorado where she is engaged in grandmothering chores for our new granddaughter) and …
The church and humanism
Patch Adams was in McAlester recently. Lots of folks went to hear him. He is interesting and funny. He supports a lot of worthwhile causes at the Gesundheit Institute and seeks to improve health care in our nation. All well and good–but…. Patch Adams is a humanist. A seminar offered at the Institute next month …
Morgan Jayne
Yesterday Jan and I were blessed by the birth of another grandchild! Morgan Jayne is our third granddaughter. I haven’t see her, but I know she is beautiful. Jan is in Colorado doing the grandmotherly thing and spending lots of time with big brother Joseph. God marvelously blesses us when he gives us time for the people in our …
Carl Capers: A Tribute
Births are part of life. This week Jan and I are anticipating the birth of another granddaughter. Funerals are equally part of life. Many in our society seek insulation and isolation from death. I am amazed at how many young people have never attended a funeral. I am on the “call list” for a local funeral home–a minister on …
How Should We “Do” Church? (4): Worship and Preaching
WORSHIP AND PREACHING: DO WE REALLY KNOW HOW TO DO CHURCH? [Note: you can link to previous blogs in this series: (April 20, April 27, May 4) .] Recently, I was visiting with a friend. He shared an observation from an acquaintance outside the churches of Christ: “You guys have the best preaching around but …
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A Little Bit Will Go a Long Way
I received an email this week with the estimated cost for a little project in Latin American (Santa Maria del Real, Honduras). There is a need for $750 to rebuild the wall in front of the church building. Let me share some background quickly. After hurricane Mitch, we feared that the walls of the old building would …