I'm loving getting to meet with people and hear the longings people have for our church. One of the things people have asked repeatedly is about the possibility of using the word "United" in our church logo and digital media again. We had a fruitful conversation about that at our Administrative Board meeting this past [...]
Organizational health experts talk about something called "change fatigue". A person, or an organization, endures so much change over a period of time that they kind of reach their upper limit, and after that, every change, even good ones, feel like too much. I try to be aware of when I'm feeling change fatigue. Sometimes, [...]
This morning in my devotional reading, I came across an intriguing verse. The author of Colossians writes, “I work hard and struggle for this goal with his energy, which works in me powerfully.” (Colossians 1:29) Summoning up bursts of energy day after day like the Energizer Bunny, trying to keep all the plates spinning, gets [...]
Hello Church Family Over a decade ago a trusted mentor was asked about church growth, and in response he shared George Hunter’s, known as Dean and Distinguished Professor at Asbury Seminary, wisdom who often asked these questions: Do you believe in what you say you believe? Do your actions reflect you believe what you say [...]
Grace and peace to you! This is one of my favorite greetings that Paul uses throughout many of his letters. As you read this today, I pray that you are filled with God’s Grace and Peace. Grace and peace show up in different ways for each of us. This week I have been able to [...]
Hello Church Family! In my personal devotional time right now, I'm reading through the story of Moses. I got to the plague of the frogs invading Egypt, and Pharoah tells Moses that if he'll get rid of the frogs, he'll let the people go. Moses says, "Have it your way. When should I pray for [...]
Hello Church Family! One of the many benefits of serving as a pastor is the opportunity to go into a sanctuary for peace and prayer whenever you want. On my first day here last week, I kneeled at the altar and asked God to accept my ministry with you as an offering. During that moment [...]
“I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” — Philippians 1:6 Dear Church Family, As I finish my final day as your pastor, my heart is full with gratitude and joy for the privilege of having served [...]
Dear Church Family, As I prepare to conclude my time as your Senior Pastor, one of the most important projects I've led has been the completion of a staffing restructure to help bring our Strategic Plan to life. Our vision is to become a Spirit-led, staff-guided, and lay-(em)powered church, and this new staffing model moves [...]
“And after the fire came a gentle whisper.” (1 Kings 19:12b, NIV) Dear Church Family, There are moments in life when we feel worn down, overwhelmed, or simply unsure of what’s next. That’s exactly where the prophet Elijah found himself in 1 Kings 19. After a great spiritual victory, he was exhausted, afraid, and alone. [...]