“The Samaritan went to him and bandaged his wounds, tending them with oil and wine. Then he placed the wounded man on his own donkey, took him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day, he took two full days’ worth of wages and gave them to the innkeeper. He said, ‘Take … More Hello, Neighbor
This morning, Lori and I worshipped at Hosanna Church in Lakeville, Minnesota. Hosanna is a large church, with a focus on adult discipleship, on ministry with children, youth & families, and a dynamic worship life. We entered into a large entry/lobby area. Volunteer greeters were scattered throughout to welcome us. The children’s area had volunteers … More Visiting Hosanna in Lakeville
Mary said, “The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.” Luke 1:49 It is one thing to name God in our lives. It is another to describe…to turn that into a story. That is what Mary does in this text. Mary acknowledges the greatness of God, calling God “The … More See & Tell
One of the books on my sabbatical reading list is “Not In It to Win it” by Andy Stanley. Stanley is the pastor of NorthPoint Church in Atlanta Georgia, a large mega-church with multiple campuses around the southeastern United States. Stanley is an author and hosts “The Andy Stanley Leadership Podcast.” I am planning on … More “Not In It To Win It”
On Thursday, I spent time with Pastor Tim Delkescamp, who is the senior pastor at Ascension Lutheran Church in Thousand Oaks, California. Ascension is the largest ELCA congregation in the Southwest California Synod. Of the congregation’s I’ve spent time with so far, Ascension is probably the most similar to Trinity. Like the two congregations I … More Visiting Ascension
On Wednesday of this week, I had the opportunity to spend time and draw wisdom from two different ELCA congregations in the Los Angeles area. Both congregations were suggested to me as sites to visit because they are known for thinking creatively about how these churches connect with their community. Salem Lutheran Church in Glendale … More Meeting the Community Where It’s At
On Tuesday, our friend and colleague, Pastor Manuel Retamoza, took Lori and me to spend time at Chicano Park, in San Diego. Following World War II, the interstate freeway system was built, and I-5, running up and down the California coast, cut through a Latino neighborhood in San Diego. Homes and neighborhoods were destroyed. To … More Chicano Park
A young couple left Haiti, seeking a better life. The storms, the earthquakes and the political instability left them feeling unsafe. They were expecting their first child, and they wanted that child to grow up where there was a greater sense of hope and promise for the future. They made their way to Mexico and … More When the Call Comes
On Saturday, Lori and I worshipped at Saddleback Church. Saddleback is a multi-site church. It is one of the largest churches in the country. The church was started by Pastor Rick Warren, who has written a number of books including the best-seller, “The Purpose Driven Life.” Pastor Rick recently announced his retirement this fall. We worshipped at … More Sabbatical Worship: Saddleback Church
Today, Lori and I travel to Southern California. We will be there for a week. I have 3 goals for our time there: First, I’m looking forward to visiting some congregations, talking to their pastors, and learning about their ministry. Tonight, we will worship at Saddleback Church, which is a large and diverse church with … More Going West…
Test Driving Theology 