In my early years of ministry, I took 1 Timothy 4:12 as a verse written to me, “Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.”  I’m now 53 years...

I’m an environmentalist. To be honest, those words aren’t often spoken by evangelical pastors.  Most of us tend to be conservatives, and environmentalism isn’t usually on the top of conservative agendas.  And sometimes, it’s for good reason.  Many of the things associated with the environmental movement (worship of “mother earth,” for example) are...

Vacation Bible School is an old-fashioned idea.  I’m now 53 years old, and I can’t remember not going to a church with a Vacation Bible School.  In any church I’ve been a part of, it has been an important part of the church’s culture. Oh, the details have changed.  We hold ours...

My daughter Angela and I were at the Southern Baptist Convention this week, which meant that we were hanging out with a lot of Southern Baptist pastors.   Angie noticed something, and when she pointed it out, it made me very uncomfortable. She noticed that most Southern Baptist pastors look alike.  We’re middle aged, with...

My wife Dawn and I recently spent a weekend away in the White Mountains of Arizona.  The weekend away with her reminded me of many things: I love to preach, but every once in a long while, I love a week off from preaching.  I am positive that it improves my preaching...