Two and a half years ago, I got a crazy idea to start an independent press. I had been working for Harrelson Marketing with authors, nonprofits, and musicians trying to help them find their voices as I pursued the same in seminary. What I found was that authors, especially were not getting much money for …
As the news of my moving on from Emmanuel Baptist Fellowship in Lexington, SC has traveled, I have been confronted with even more people who want to know, “What’s next?” In our baptist tradition, we are used to pastors and ministers sharing with their congregations that they are moving on; however, when that news is …
Yesterday, I shared with Emmanuel Baptist Fellowship in Lexington, SC that we will be moving on after Easter. After a tearful reception following the morning service, the questions began to come in. Many of them were about whether we were moving or staying in the Columbia area. Most of them had the central theme of …
Philippians 3:17-4:1 Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us.For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears.Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and …
Last night as a part of our Lenten series on discipleship, our congregants engaged in the privilege walk. We looked at each other differently as we each stepped forward or backward: Take one step backward if your race, gender, or sexual orientation has caused you to be looked over for a professional opportunity. Take one …
I was often asked as a child what I wanted to be when I grew up and even from an early age, I’m told, I answered, “I want to be a teacher, ” and coming from a big family that was always followed by, “and mommy.” I really think it had to do with my …
Yesterday, I recounted the question that had been pinballing in my mind since I was interviewed about the SC Primaries. The reporter I was talking to was from a European publication and was trying to understand the evangelical conservative movement, especially in SC. As I was explaining to the best of my ability what it …
I was being interviewed this morning about the SC Primary and the changing landscape of religious and political affiliations in SC when the reporter asked me a question that I’ve been thinking on since this morning, “Do you think you could do more to bridge the gap between conservatives and progressives?” He was referring to the …
There is a movement in the food industry to shop locally and buy food grown locally. In fact, there are whole restaurants dedicated and capitalizing on this movement. The idea is that by supporting local economy and locally grown food, sustainability within a community rises. In the context of church life, churches are looking at declining membership, …
Last night, I made the sign of the cross on Ben’s head for the first time and uttered, “Ben, you are dust and to dust you shall return.” Ash Wednesday is always a powerful experience for me as a minister because it is a reminder of the work that God has done in creating life …
