Category: Uncategorized

It feels unprecedented: a major public health crisis for which there is no known treatment; people being quarantined; travel restrictions; border closings; panic.  It is unprecedented in my lifetime, and it is creating challenges for ministry.  Recently, we asked our deacons to temporarily suspend hospital visits, our congregational worship service was conducted online, and our support groups are not...more

The current Coronavirus pandemic reminds us how quickly life can change.  Two weeks ago, we were giving little thought to the Coronavirus and now that is about all that we think about.  The news is constantly changing: sporting events are being cancelled; travel is being curtailed; groups are no longer meeting; colleges are extending breaks and offering to complete...more

Some years ago, I attended an annual C.O.R.E. conference (Clinical Overview of the Recovery Experience) and heard a researcher talk about the effectiveness of 12 Step programs in the recovery process.  He said that there were two factors that made this type of therapy successful:  community and spirituality.  When I heard his conclusion, I immediately thought, “Church.” I have...more

If you are having surgery, or suffering with chronic illness, or undergoing chemotherapy treatment, or have had a heart attack, the church can be a resource of support and help.  People rally around these individuals with prayer, food, cards, and visits.  But if you suffer from chronic mental illness, or have a family member who is struggling with addiction,...more

We have just concluded our quarterly seminar for premarital counseling.  It is always fun to work with engaged couples and to see their enthusiasm for each other.  Young love is a cocktail rush of brain chemicals:  dopamine, norepinephrine, and oxytocin all get released and the result is a flood of loving feelings.  Unfortunately, some of these same couples who...more

Our pastor recently started a sermon series on the biblical character, Barnabas.  If you know the story of Barnabas, you know that his name was Joseph. Barnabas was a nickname, meaning, “Son of Encouragement.”   What a great nickname!  Every story that we ready about Barnabas is a story of encouragement.  He clearly embraced his identity as an encourager. All...more

We recently had a chance to get away for a few days of vacation at the beach.  It could not have been more perfect:  the sand was soft, the sky was blue, the water was clear, the temperature was pleasant, the hotel was fun, and the food was delicious.  We felt very blessed to be able to get away...more

Recently, our church celebrated the Golden wedding anniversary of 19 couples.  50 years of marriage is a significant life milestone.  The average length of marriage today is 8 years.  Only 6% of couples make it to 50 years.  Some don’t make it because of the death of one or both spouses, but most don’t make it because of divorce. ...more

I recently had the opportunity to hear Jan Harrison, author of, Life After the Storm, in which she shared the life lessons that she learned going through her personal storm of the tragic death of her 27 year old son.  As I listened to Jan, I was amazed at the depth of faith and wisdom that she had acquired...more

The Brentwood campus of the Brentwood Baptist Church is located in an affluent neighborhood with access to good schools and healthy lifestyle choices.  There are several very active churches in our area providing a variety of religious training and experiences.  Most people have access to adequate healthcare.  Shopping and entertainment options are readily available.  You would guess that this...more