Christian fads have produced many factions over the years: Seeker Sensitive, Word of Faith, Purpose-Driven, Emerging Church and the list goes on. Special emphasis groups have surfaced highlighting everything from mega-churches to storefronts, church growth to social justice, and small groups to soup kitchens. Some enjoy running the aisles shouting ‘hallelujah’ while others appreciate reciting … Continue reading Fads, Factions, & Fundamentalists
United Methodist Pastor, Rev. Rob Renfroe, wrote an article some time ago called, “Three Requests of My Centrist Friends: An Open Letter.” Rob is the Pastor of Discipleship at The Woodlands United Methodist Church in Texas and a leading voice in the Wesleyan Covenant Association. His article resonated deeply with me, as I believe the … Continue reading Progressive Theology
Faith believes in the possibility of a better tomorrow. God always uses faith. Faith moves the heart of God. Not only does it change your circumstances, but it also changes the circumstances of the people around you. I’d like to share one of my favorite stories of the Old Testament. In 2 Kings chapter 7 … Continue reading Why Sit Here?
“Peoples Talkin, Preacher!” Those were the first words out of Earl’s mouth when he walked into my office that afternoon. “Really? What are they talking about?” I asked. He responded, “I don’t recall.” “Well, who’s doing the talking?” I asked. He said, “I can’t remember, but they’re upset.” “Why are they upset?” I asked. To … Continue reading Peoples Talkin’
“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to … Continue reading If You Don’t Quit You Can’t Lose
Our culture demands privilege. People fight for rights and are easily offended when they don’t get what they believe they deserve. Entitlement is so entrenched in our society that it shows up in the least expected places. I’ve seen the attitude of offense rear it’s ugly head in religious circles enough over the years to … Continue reading Religious Ego
Many years ago there was a great prizefighter by the name of John L. Sullivan. In his day he was the greatest heavyweight champion the world had ever known. There is a story told about one particular fight where Sullivan went up against a guy who was really just a skinny little pip-squeak. The odds … Continue reading One More Round
When my wife and I were dating as teenagers, one summer we visited Charleston, SC with her family. While there we decided to go to the beach for a day. Our quest for sand and sun landed us at the beautiful Folly Beach. As we walked along the shore looking for the perfect spot to … Continue reading Folly Beach
When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up? I went through a lot of stages. Around age thirteen I wanted to be a professional skateboarder for the Powell-Peralta Bones Brigade. By the time I was fifteen I was playing guitar in a rock band and had all kinds of … Continue reading You Matter
Pastor—what a powerful word, rich with meaning: shepherd, overseer, servant, leader, visionary, spiritual guide, teacher, prophet, and more. I vividly remember the night God called me to ministry. It was a cold winter night in 1997. I was lying on a mattress on the floor, staring at the ceiling with tears streaming down my face. … Continue reading Pastor
Brian L Powell 