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
Transparency is essential for effective leadership. It is also a necessary attribute of holiness. As a pastor, over the years I’ve chosen to be very transparent with staff and ministry leaders, and many times probably too transparent from the pulpit (I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve). However, there have also been times … Continue reading Transparency and Confidentiality
“For the LORD is good; His loving-kindness is everlasting and His faithfulness to all generations.”~Psalm 100:5 God is good. He is far better than we think He is. Too often we reduce God’s goodness to a fun little catchphrase frequently repeated in church on Sundays: “God is good all the time and all the time God … Continue reading God Is Good
“Man cannot live without joy; therefore when he is deprived of true spiritual joys it is necessary that he become addicted to carnal pleasures.” ~Thomas Aquinas There is no such thing as a joyless Christian. The culture of heaven is established in celebration. Scripture contains various commands for us to rejoice. Giving thanks is good … Continue reading Return To Joy
“Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight” (Mark 1:3). John the Baptist echoed the words of the Prophet Isaiah as he preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. He was announcing the coming of a new way of understanding life in relation to God. It wasn’t that God’s Kingdom … Continue reading Thy Kingdom Come
Spiritual discipline is the chief aim of the Christian life. Walking in step with the Holy Spirit is not optional—it is essential for anyone seeking a deeper relationship with Jesus. Yet in our modern world, we are constantly pulled toward the surface. Superficiality is our greatest distraction. Lack of depth is the curse of Western … Continue reading Spiritual Disciplines
Brian L Powell 