I am the lead pastor at People's United Methodist Church in the Wisconsin Conference of The United Methodist Church, husband of my beautiful wife, Barbara, dad to my fantastic son, Josh and his wife Caroline, step-dad to my phenomenal son, Greg, his wife Hannah and our fabulous/glorious/perfect granddaughter Evie, author of seventeen books on spirituality, stewardship, congregational development, research, and spiritual gifts discovery, and an advocate for a more loving, inclusive church for the 21st century and beyond.
A few year’s ago, I attended worship at a hot, new, up-and-coming congregation situated in a strip mall, eschewing anything smacking of “traditional” church (at least in The United Methodist system). We sang a lot of ‘contemporary’ tunes, saw a ‘post-modern’ dramatic interpretation of scripture (in mime and ‘liturgical’ dance) […]
While my recommendation may not pack the punch of say, Oprah Winfrey, I would be remiss not to promote this remarkable story. Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Fight Terrorism and Build Nations…One School at a Time, by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. The book offers a […]
I am so excited this year. I live in a country that finally elected an African American as president for no other reason than he is the best, most qualified person for the job. It makes me feel like we’re growing up as a culture — becoming more mature, more […]
For years, United Methodists have pledged to uphold the church by their “prayers, presence, gifts, and service.” Just this year a fifth promise was added — “witness.” It is a little problematic that we’ve added a fifth when we haven’t done a very good job with the first four — […]
It’s always nice to connect with your readers. Here’s an excerpt from an email I got in response to “The Path of Least Resistance Is Paved With Good Intentions,” You have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about. I am lead pastor of an 11,000 member church, and we’re as […]
In 1995 I had the privilege of meeting Peter Drucker, and he graciously gave me two hours of his valuable time. We talked about “the church,” and covered dozens of topics. One of the topics was the then relatively new “mega-church” and I remember well what Drucker had to say: […]
Go to any Christian bookstore and you can find thousands of books promising to turn your church around (whatever that means). These books primarily focus on programs and activities that attract new people to the church, or give leadership ‘secrets’ that guarantee success. (“We did it! You can do it, […]
It was both inspiring and exciting to witness the inauguration of President Barack Obama. America is generally portrayed as a land of opportunity that deeply values diversity and the intrinsic rights and goodness of all people. I am proud to live in a country where such articulated values bear such […]
Here is an exerpt from an email I received recently: I have given up on the church totally. I can be a much better Christian on my own without the constant disappointment of a group of people who claim one thing then do another. I need a church to help […]
I want to thank all of you (over 100 so far) who have asked me to continue blogging even though I lost my job with the General Board of Discipleship in Nashville. I figured my blog would simply fade into the shifting sands of history, but I have received an […]
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