Dreams and Visions

Well before I wrote The Kingdom Focused Church book, and became senior pastor of Judson Baptist Church in Nashville, and even until this day, I have yet to meet a pastor, parent, or a leader who does not have dreams.  Dreams for churches, families, organizations are...

Ashamed?

I have recently read or heard several believers state that they are ashamed to be called or referred to as “Christians.”  The claim is usually made that Christians are so vilified in culture that the term is actually harmful to our witness and work. Most...

Marriage and Culture

A  Judge in California recently ruled that the State’s Proposition 8 was unconstitutional. In his ruling the judge opined that the majority of voters in California who voted for the measure did so out of an irrational bias toward homosexuals because of...

The Power of Commitments

We just finished Vacation Bible School this week at my church with a record number of children and workers.  I am always amazed at the power of commitments that turn out the most interesting responses.  On any give day last week there were parents who committed to get...

The Picture and the Pieces

To me, life can often be compared to putting together a jigsaw puzzle.  With the picture of the puzzle in view, the pieces can be put together successfully.  With only the pieces however, it is nearly impossible to make sense of the picture and frustrating to attempt...

The Resurgence of Nashville

My family and I have lived in Nashville for nearly twenty years and the events of the last week have once again convinced me that we are fortunate to live in this city and metropolitan area.  The devastating flooding that ruined the homes and threatened the lives of...

Speaking My Language

We were having a conversation at church recently about the many options believers have in choosing a church.  Just a few years ago we could talk about traditional churches or contemporary churches but now the lines are blurred and the options have greatly multiplied....

Any Seat Will Do

I known I am not always aware of what is what, but….why do greeters and seating captains at empty restaurants have a hard time determining where to seat you when you come in?  We often eat dinner early and most often the restaurants are empty but we stand there...

Athiests and Unicorns

I have read a number of comments recently by people who claim to be atheists.  Their claim is certainly not a new one.  In fact for me, it is a worn-out one.  I began thinking about those who claim to be atheists and my mind kept coming back to one question.  Why do...

Reversal of History

When Congress passed the “Stimulus Package” last week it exceeded in real dollars the amount that Franklin Roosevelt spent on the New Deal in the 30’s.  That is quite an accomplishment considering that most of those who voted either for or against it...