From a Pastor's Point of View

God’s presence

  • The Great Light May Not Be What We Expect

         I cannot help but be intrigued by the statement from the prophet Isaiah, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light” (Is. 9:2a CEB). Notice, the passage never describes what the “great light” looks like. For all… Continue reading

  • Who is Jesus to Me?

         Such an easy question; Who is Jesus to Me? I can easily say friend, redeemer, comforter, philosopher, etc. All these titles are accurate, but I think there is more to the story. In prayer, I hear the Savior inviting… Continue reading

  • The People that Walk in Darkness Have Seen a Great Light

    “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. On those living in a pitch-dark land, light has dawned.” (Is. 9:2).      There is a familiar hymn whose chorus reads, “For the darkness shall turn to dawning, and the… Continue reading

  • Tear Open the Heavens

    “If only you would tear open the heavens and come down!” (Is. 64:1 CEB).      Advent is a season that calls us into a re-examination of our faith life. What are the things that we keep in the shadows; that… Continue reading

  • Et Lux Perpetua

         Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and it is hard to believe that the end of a bizarre year is here. My initial response is to through my hands up in the air and shout, “Hallelujah! Good riddance to… Continue reading

  • Shining Through Division

         I am a pastor serving a church comprised of people from different theological backgrounds. With a constant eye on predictions for the United Methodist Church’s next General Conference, my heart races a little bit when thinking about what the… Continue reading

  • Faith in the Time of Covid

         One of the biggest challenges we face as a religious community in Covid is losing our identity. As a pastor, I struggle with not being as involved in my parishioners’ life as I would be under normal circumstances. I… Continue reading

  • Officiating at a Family Members Event

    This past week I had the honor of officiating a cousin’s wedding. At the rehearsal, I found myself getting nervous. The family never saw me perform a wedding, and the pressure to deliver well screamed wildly in my mind. Throughout… Continue reading

  • Overcoming Fear

    I did something yesterday that I never dreamed I would do. I posted a recording of me singing Bring Him Home from the Broadway musical Les Miserables. By sharing this song, I overcame a long-standing fear of someone laughing or not thinking me… Continue reading

  • The Meaning of Discipleship

         In church work, we throw around the word “discipleship” as if everyone understands the meaning of the word. What does it truly mean to be a discipulus (from the Latin meaning a learner or follower)? If grace is a… Continue reading