Category Archives: For Pastors Only
As Goes The Agenda So Goes the Church
At one time, the Missouri Synod understood this. It was the issue of the Prussian Agenda that led ultimately to her forefathers being dissatisfied with the German state church. The Prussian Agenda, seeking to unite the Reformed and Lutheran, … Continue reading
Apostolate and Ministry
Over 37 years of ministry, I only personally know of two removed from the clergy roster of the LCMS. One for cause and one just because. The one for cause is Matthew Becker who unlike the Neil Diamond song was … Continue reading
If that Paul can do it why can’t this one?
To my surprise, Paul McCartney’s first solo hit, “Uncle Albert” was made up of pieces from unfinished songs in the last days of the Beatles. There are 12 different sections. When I mentioned this to a musician he said, “They … Continue reading
The Cassandra Complex
I first mentioned Cassandra in a February 11, 2013 blog. In Greek mythology, she is given the power of prophesy by Apollo to win her love. When she cheats him, he turns this gift into a curse by causing her … Continue reading
Is what We Remember that Important?
“You don’t remember what your father said, but you remember what he did.” This was my first circuit counselor’s defense of deeds over creeds. He was a mid-50’s grad of the seminary. I was a new 1983 grad of the … Continue reading
If You’re Going to Run Through the Bosporus Give Heed to CCR
This article was published in Christian News, June 8, 2020. I couldn’t find an online edition so I offer it here for those interested.
Bucket Lists, Binge Watching, and Social Distancing
It’s intriguing how quickly people adopt the latest way of labeling something. It becomes a shibboleth to me gauging how close one is to the world around them. This may be too strident of a judgment, something Logia editors said … Continue reading
If Righteousness Could Be Gained Through the Law – Visit to a Church of Christ
While attending that bastion of learning, Southwest Texas State University in the late 70s, I took a course for credit taught at a Church of Christ by a Church of Christ elder. It was notable in that he “proved” Jesus … Continue reading
Have a Good Game
I’m shutting the door to my study, on my way to conduct the Divine Service, preach the Word, and administer the Sacrament. One of my members, athletic himself with his kids in sports, says casually, “Have a good game.” He … Continue reading
Let’s Get Chemical
“Let’s get physical, physical…Let me hear your body talk,” sang Oliva Newton-John in 1981. Well, we’ve went a step beyond that. Now the national zeitgeist says “Let’s get chemical, chemical…Let me hear my body talk.”