When prodigal children don’t return
A younger son demands his inheritance, then “sets off for a distant country”—severing himself from his father’s beliefs, values, and spiritual legacy—with no intention of...
What a glorious gift
It was Christmas morning, and I sat amidst the hubbub of gift opening commotion. My brother and sisters were to the right and left,...
Learning from the “Dones” and “Nones”
In the early 2000s, Adam was the star quarterback at his local high school. That notoriety—combined with using his older brother’s ID to purchase...
When we disagree
For almost 20 years, the U.S. Conference of MB Churches (USMB) has followed the policy regarding women in ministry that was adopted by delegates...
You can be an online missionary
It was 10:30 on a Tuesday morning and I’d just sent a batch of emails to pastors about an upcoming prayer meeting. My coffee...
On the Border
Fourteen people—nine men and five women, all from Mexico—stand shoulder to shoulder in front of a judge in federal court in Brownsville, Texas, on...
Rethinking retirement
In the spring of 2016, I transitioned out of senior pastoral leadership at Reedley (Calif.) MB Church. Connie, my wife, and I enjoyed 17...
Heaven on earth
I am blessed to serve as a pastor with Butler Avenue MB Church—Butler for short. Butler is an incredibly diverse church on the southeast...
