I haven't been keeping up with this blog lately for a couple of reasons: I'm developing more resources for individuals, family and churches to accessI'm leaning more heavily on other platforms and, TBHI find some of the updates to WordPress make it harder and more time consuming to use. But you know what happens when you neglect any online platform--from websites, to blog sites to social media channels? The Bots come ...
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I talk a lot about not using the Bible as a weapon--aka using scripture to hurt and harm others. Scripture is often mis-used to exclude and shame people. All too often, it is scripture taken out of context and sometimes the "scripture" wielded is not even actually in the Bible. We don't usually associate forgiveness with weaponry, but it is used all the time to guilt, shame and ...
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If you've followed me for anytime at all, you know that I believe that fear is the antithesis of the Gospel. We are called over and over again to Be Not Afraid throughout the Old and New Testatments. But of course, sometimes the fear gets us. I imagine most of you have heard about the killing of Jordan Neely on the NYC subway, and the subsequent arrest of former marine ...
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As humans and as Christians, we need to stand up and speak out for our trans neighbors. Please take a few minutes to watch this video and hear my thoughts on why it is critical that we support trans people in our families, our churches and our communities. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-muNI_OmBA How will you support the trans people in your community on March 31 and beyond?
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Full disclosure: you may not be the reason, either. There are many, many reasons church attendance is down--changing demographics, work schedules, busy lives, youth soccer/hockey/volleyball--the list is long. You could be doing all the "right" things and still not see your congregation growing in number. However, there is one sure-fire way to make sure a church won't grow: if the congregation is more concerned about meeting their own ...
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So, yeah. It's embarrassing. Embarrassing is not really the word. Convicting. That's it. It's convicting. That Christians like me only pay attention to anti-semitism when someone like Kanye West puts it in the headlines. Like it's not always there. Like our Jewish neighbors don't deal with it all the time. I've done a little reflecting on why I don't pay more attention (not making excuses) and on how our Christian ritual ...
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One of the things that's making me happy this week is the newly released concept album Welcome to Lindeville created by Arkansas native Ashley McBryde and friends. It's the story of the people in the fictitious town of Lindeville, named after the late songwriter Dennis Linde (who brought us--among others--the classic Good-bye Earl). Lindeville doesn't sugar coat life in small town America. It lays out all that's funny, ugly and ...
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Disclaimer: most of what is posted here at Doubting Believer is designed to lift up and encourage. This is not that kind of post. As a free-range pastor, I spend a lot of time talking with caged...um, I mean, traditionally placed pastors and educators. They're tired. They're discouraged. They're exploring other options. And, if you're part of a church community, chances are it's at least partly your fault. I ...
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(disclaimer: This is an angry post. I don't usually do angry. In fact, anger and resentment totally wear me out. But I can't get around it right now.) Oh, I know how awful my title sounds. Believe me. I'm not thrilled to be feeling this way. But unborn babies have such fierce champions. My undergrad degree is in journalism with an emphasis in public information (which means I've studied a ...
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Every week, Doubting Believer brings you things to read, watch or listen to that are sure to make you smile. Because we all could us a little good news. School for the Deaf Football Team Has Undefeated Season Read More Boy Scout Saves the Day (and the dog) A couple lost with their injured dog while hiking in Hawaii were fortunate to have a twelve-year-old Boy Scout and his mom ...
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