I was recently asked to write two articles for publication on using small groups for ministry. I decided to put them up as blogs on Parson’s Pen. View the other article on Care Groups As Mid Week Service here. Through an amazing set of circumstances, in 1991 God abruptly changed the plan I had for my life of ministry. That summer I raised my hand and swore an oath to uphold the Constitution and defend

I was recently asked to write to articles for publication on using small groups for ministry. I decided to put them up as blogs on Parson’s Pen. Read the other article on Military Small Groups here. A healthy church is built on community, which includes concentric and overlapping rings of interactive small groups. I know that is a bold statement, but I firmly believe it is true. These small groups go by various names and

This is the time of year I prepare for my annual military physical training test. I’ve had the privilege of serving my God and my country as a chaplain for 26.5 years. I hold the rank of Colonel in the Arizona Air Guard. The yearly test is good discipline for me, but not a lot of fun. I restrict my diet and exercise. I must confess that I tend to eat my stress and pastoring

At the end of October, the 31st to be exact, we just passed the 500th anniversary of Luther posting his famous 95 theses to the church door in Wittenburg. It was an event that led to many other events that truly changed the world— the Protestant Reformation. The Reformation eventually produced what is known as “Five Solas.” Sola is the Latin word for “sole” or “only.” The cornerstone of the Reformation was bringing back five central ideas of

I will never forget my first death notification in the Air Force. Chaplains are a part of the modern United States military death notification team. My beeper (it was a device used in the “old days” to alert people to call their office) went off that morning before the sun came up telling us to gather in the command post. I found out that we had a pilot down off the coast of North Korea.

Growing up in an itinerant minister’s home allowed for many interesting experiences. I spent a lot of time listening to experienced and older pastors talk with my dad. I remember my dad saying many times after being around an older pastor, “I pray as I grow older I don’t become either soft or hard.” By that he meant, he didn’t want to become theologically liberal to satisfy those that want that theology. But at the

Different people blog for different reasons. I’ve been asked to write for many years now. I do write multiple sermons every week. I’ve published a lengthy book on Bibliology (fancy name for the doctrine of the Bible.) I write short articles every week for our church family that is sent out by email. So, I do write quite a bit. I try not to do something without knowing the goal and purpose. But before I