Advent starts tomorrow, November 29. It is the beginning of the Christian year.  Today I prepared by Advent by reading Psalm 130.Psalm 130 emphasizes waiting and hoping -- Advent's two strongest themes."I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,and in his word I put my hope.I wait for the Lordmore than watchmen wait forContinue reading "Advent … the season of waiting and hoping"

Giving thanks today for my mom, my wife, and my family ... each of of whom has always pulled for me through the thick and the thin, in the good times and the bad times.  Feeling grateful...Jennifer and me with my mom on Thanksgiving in Wichita, KS.My sister Darylee Flynn and me in her Wichita,Continue reading "Thanksgiving Day…"

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." ... Romans 12:18-----In the new Steven Spielberg movie Bridge of Spies, Tom Hanks is described as "Standing Man" to emphasize the fact that he stood up for his beliefs. I really liked the film, as much as I likedContinue reading "Living at peace with all people doesn’t all depend on you!"

In the Vineyard Churches, whose tribe I have been part of for the last 15 years or so, often I have heard leaders and others describe their philosophy like this: "This is very simple, folks -- Love God; love people."I like its simplicity, and often have used it myself.  I don't know where the sloganContinue reading "“Love God, love others” … It is that simple, and it is that hard!"

Today is the last Sunday of the Christian year -- or Church or liturgical year.  This Sunday is called Christ the King Sunday.  In anticipation of what is to come, we recognize that even today Christ is king, we celebrate him and his reign.I remember way back in the way back when I was aContinue reading "Today is Christ the King Sunday…"

Last night Jennifer and I joined good friends and saw the movie "Spotlight."  Whoa, baby!  Very powerful and intense.  It knocked my socks off.  Made me mad; made me sad; made me realize leaders in the church are as broken as anyone else -- no, even more broken; made me feel discouraged; made me cry;Continue reading "The Movie “Spotlight” reminds us how broken we all are…"

John Newton -- Reformed slave trader ... turned clergyman ... and eventual writer of the hymn "Amazing Grace" said it this way: ... I am not what I ought to be. I am not what I want to be. I am not what I hope to be in another world.  But still I am notContinue reading "It’s all grace…"

I spend my days talking with pastors.  I hope it is the love of Christ that compels me to care deeply for those with whom I meet.  Even though I know I have a gift for what I do, it doesn't mean I never feel inadequate.  After all, I am not an expert on PastorContinue reading "Ministering to pastors: Coupling self-assurance with “I don’t know”"