Members say memorable things. Sometimes, members say strange things. I put such in the category: “Things that Preachers Hear.” You talk a lot. The comment startled me—I wasn’t expecting it. I suspected that she had not said exactly what she meant, so I waited for her explanation. A bit embarrassed, she continued, “I mean that …
Category Archives: Preaching-Preachers
Two Surveys: Challenges for the Church
Within the last week, the results of two separate surveys have been released. Both surveys touch aspects of religious life in the United States. The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life conducted a survey in which they found that most people in our nation have limited knowledge of the Bible and religion. The survey …
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 …
Continue reading “Bridge to somewhere, or bridge to nowhere?”
Do You Ever Do Anything but Study?
The question caught me by surprise. It was only a casual conversation meandering across a lot of subjects randomly. Eventually the question, “How do you know all that stuff?” The immediate response, “It’s my job to know stuff.” Indeed! It is my job to know stuff.” I remember the compliment paid to one of my …
From “Reverend” Bob
I find it interesting to try to understand what people think and why. (I need to begin my saying that in my religious heritage, we don’t call preachers “reverend” and we use the term “pastor” to refer to the elders rather than to the ministers.) Now to my story. We have lived in our neighborhood …