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Leadership Lab 2016

Leadership Lab starts next week.  I cannot wait to get there and I know that this excitement is shared by all that lead and all that are being taught leadership.  If you don’t know what Leadership Lab is, check out the website at: http://www.LeadershipLab.net or Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/leadershiplab Below is a video to give you … [Read more…]

5 Surprising Characteristics of Churches That Are Actually Reaching the Next Generation

I saw this blog post posted on my bishop’s site.  After reading it, it really makes sense.  Mostly, it is trusting that God is in charge and the Holy Spirit is guiding us, should we choose to respond to the Spirit Of Truth.  Take a look, see what you think.   http://careynieuwhof.com/2015/10/5-surprising-characteristics-of-churches-that-are-actually-reaching-the-next-generation/

Where is Jesus?

Sunday, December 27, 2015 | Christmas First Sunday after Christmas:  Holy Family Year C Old Testament    1 Samuel 2:18–20, 26 New Testament Colossians 3:12–17 Gospel           Luke 2:41–52   On Christmas Eve, I asked the question, “Where is the Messiah?”  Just where is Jesus in this world around us.  Even when Jesus was a … [Read more…]

Baptism Changes Our Reality

Audio Link Sunday, June 7, 2015 | After Pentecost Genesis 3:8-15 Psalm 130: 1-8 2 Corinthians 4:13–5:1 Mark 3:20–35 Isn’t it nice that we are in a different gospel today? Oh don’t get me wrong, John is great stuff, but it is nice to have another perspective of the gospel too. Last time I was … [Read more…]

What about Christ in Christmas Anyway?

We are now headed into Advent, waiting the anticipated arrival of a Savior for all of humanity.  Sure, we have a bigger picture than the kings who sought out the baby Jesus and of the shepherds who received the good news from the angels.  We can still experience this excitement if we are willing to … [Read more…]

Stewardship – Seminary & Campus Ministry

Luke 19:1-11 I thought it might be helpful to have some background on me, to help you understand the perspectives I bring to the text today. I grew up un-churched.  In fact I would say I was an atheist.  I would get infuriated when I would see or hear things like “In God we trust”, … [Read more…]

What is faith? Can it be measured?

Audio Version found on Sermons Page. Video of Sermon and Children’s Sermon Habakkuk 1:1–4 Habakkuk 2:1-4 Psalm 37:1–9 2 Timothy 1:1–14 Luke 17:5–10 Increase our faith!  Who wouldn’t want that?  I know I have asked for more faith on more than one occasion.  I wonder how many of you are saying to yourself, yea me … [Read more…]

Faith is a Verb

Hebrews 11:29-12:2 Luke 12:49-56 Link to Audio Version Video Sermon Today’s readings from Hebrews and Luke can be a little shocking. We hear of people of the past who achieved great things, in faith. The Reading from Hebrews tells of those, who in their faith, received torture, mocking, flogging, imprisonment and on and on. Luke … [Read more…]

Another Reflection off the Rez

Before I begin, I must advise you as the reader, that this will appear in a news letter for Wartburg Seminary. Although to keep it within the 500 word limit, it was edited somewhat.  Below you will find the article in its entirety.  I have also included the footnotes for this post, where it will not be … [Read more…]