I had an interesting interview a couple of weeks ago.  A doctoral student was conducting research, wanting to find out why a few pastors are able to stay in the same church for many years.  He knew I had been here at FSBCA for 17 and a half years.  He started by saying...

Dear President-Elect Trump: Congratulations on winning the presidential Election! To be honest, I was among the many Americans who were frustrated with the choice between you and Clinton.  Neither one of you gave me great hope.  Nevertheless, before the election, I made some commitments to the winning candidate.  I want you to...

Dear Mr(s). President: I write this well before the election, because I don’t want you to think that this letter is overly personal.  The things that I say and the prayer that I offer applies to you whether your name is Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump. I must be honest.  I have...

I admit it.  I was getting cranky and frustrated—and maybe even a little bit angry—during this very strange presidential election.  The lies, the filth, the innuendos, and the name-calling by the candidates were deeply disturbing to me.  And the angry posts from believers (and friends) on Facebook were getting to...

It’s popular to trash talk and put down police departments and officers in America today.  A few NFL players (see my previous blog) have refused to stand during the National Anthem due to perceived racism in police departments.  Riots in both small and large American cities have focused their anger on the police.   This growing...

Colin, I respect your right to take a stand by choosing not to stand during the National Anthem.  I admire the fact that you have a social conscience and the desire to speak to the issues of our day.  I recognize that we still have some serious racial divides and issues in...

I preached on Sunday, August 21, on A Christian Response to Government and Politics.  In part, I taught that Christians must operate with a much higher standard than do politicians, and even the way we do politics (which is often a very dirty business) must be done according to the ethics of...

This was originally published in the FSBCA Weekly.  It has since been moved to this blog. I knew it was coming, but it still infuriated me when it did.  There are enough people on the “lunatic fringe” of Christianity that it was inevitable. A California pastor posted a video on...

The media this week has deservedly put great attention on a story coming out of Stanford University.  A male college athlete raped an unconscious drunk female after a party.  The convicted rapist made the news for never admitting to the crime despite overwhelming evidence.  The victim made the news because of an incredible and moving 42 minute...

This may just be the strangest blog I’ve ever written. It’s on a topic that I hope you never need to use, “How to leave a church with integrity.” I will start with some honesty.  I don’t like it when members decide to go to another church.  It hurts my pride...