I’m one of those weirdos who listens to sermons on days other than Sundays. And I mean, sermons.  Not long-winded comments from people in my life who care or a hard-nosed politician on the campaign trail.  I listen to real proclamations from folks around the United States.  My ipod is loaded with podcasts from select churches and when I walk, I listen to them both as a spiritual feeding as well as way of growing as a preacher. So, here, in no particular order, are the preachers in my life: Dr. Doyle Sager – the pastor of the church where…

Stephen Colbert makes me happy.  There aren’t too many folks who can make recession humorous.  Wouldn’t it be liberating to have a time in church services for "The Word" and it referred to a Colbert-type segment rather than Scripture? The preacher could be preaching but the projection screens show little comments along the way that help to clarify what is really being said. There are several preachers that could really benefit from this. Actually, it would be the congregation that would benefit. Preacher man says "God says, ‘love your neighbor’.". Screen says "Unless he is gay… or Muslim… or Jew…

I’m weeping and heart-broken tonight. Heart-broken from a story of what evil in the heart can lead one human to do to another. Weeping over innocence stolen and lives ended because of hatred. I’m weeping and heart-broken tonight. Weeping for children robbed of a life by men who have sold their own. Heart-broken for the child alone and frightened by her inability to understand why someone would hurt her this way. I’m weeping and heart-broken tonight. Grieving for the young boy who decides to hate himself because he doesn’t know who else to blame. Weeping for the young girl who…

If you live in Jefferson City, we have the opportunity to have a city-wide, single-stream curbside recycling program here on a permanent basis.  This is a great program!  One bin, all your recyclables picked up once a week right at your house.  A recent pilot program in the area was a huge success and law-makers are currently deciding what to do next.  If you want to make a difference, go to www.jeffersoncityrecycles.com to take the survey and lend your voice to the cause.

Last night I saw the movie Atonement based on the book by author Ian McEwan. Atonement is up for several awards and has won a few already including the Academy Award’s Best Drama.  Keira Kneightly and James McAvoy star in this powerful drama based in Britain in the years leading into World War II.  It is an incredibly powerful and well-done film with a story that left me crying and heart-broken which is a testimony to the story-telling ability of McEwan. Stories like these make me marvel at the creative writing abilities of individuals who create such powerful stories and…

There is great coverage of the New Baptist Covenant on many fronts. The importance of the message is validated by the prompt posting of videos of key speakers and articles covering every Special Interest Session. If you were not able to attend the gathering in Atlanta do not feel that you have to miss out. At least not completely.  Here are some links to some messages that I have not blogged about yet: Julie Pennington-Russell – Thursday night (PR is the pastor of FBC, Decater, GA, and a personal role model as a female pastor.) John Grisham – Thursday night…

Yesterday I posted on the "hundreds" gathered for a New Baptist Covenant gathering in Atlanta.  This is further proof of my inability to estimate time, size, and numbers in a crowd.  Apparently, registration at the NBC exceeded 16,000.  Just a few off from my estimate. Just wanted to get that corrected. Onto the second day of the gathering. I arrived late (sue me) to the morning gathering and was only able to hear part of Tony Campolo’s address to the gathering on "The Bible Speaks about the Poor."  I know I missed out.  You, like I, will have to rely…

The Celebration of the New Baptist Covenant is underway in Atlanta. Hundreds[Update: 16,000 are registered here for NBC] gathered at the Georgia World Dome this evening for the first plenary session of a historic Baptist event.  Hopes and dreams abound among organizers and attendees as we seek unity among Baptists throughout North America. As several older leaders shared their dedication and commitment to making this covenant a reality, I imagine there is a mixture of emotions.  Obviously, there is excitement and hope regarding a potential new day for Baptists. It is a new beginning.  Yet, a beginning means just that. …

I’m headed to Atlanta for the New Baptist Covenant Celebration the remainder of this week.  I hope to post some thoughts from the gathering throughout the event so check back and join the discussion.