The Coffin in the Garage
I’d like to build my own coffin and store it somewhere in my garage. Of all the weird things I’ve said in sermons over the years, this sentence is certainly one of the weirdest. It’s also one of only a…
Return to Joy
I am ready for joy. I am hungry for it. After a year of pandemic, characterized for many of us by disappointment, loneliness, and fear, our appetite for joy has only increased. Spring has arrived and the vaccine is becoming…
Can You Celebrate Easter Without Lent?
Lent is the 40-day period leading up to Easter, beginning with Ash Wednesday, culminating with our celebration of the Greatest Day, the day death died and hope triumphed, our Resurrection Sunday. I didn’t grow up in a tradition that thought…
Learning to Trust (and Love) the Bible
My relationship with the Bible has always been one of intense love...and at times almost crippling doubt. And it all began for me with a fairly lukewarm prayer. Jesus, I’m going to try to take you seriously for a while.…
I Want to Be a Tree: Learning to Trust from a Mighty Sequoia
I want to be a tree “I want to be a tree.” I felt these words deep in my bones as I stood before the largest tree in the world. His name is General Sherman, located in Sequoia National Park…
“Touchdown! Kan-sas City!!!”
My Favorite Kansas City Chief by Nathan Miller, Senior Pastor - Congregational Development What a week for Kansas City! How fun it has been celebrating with our entire community! I want to tell you quickly about my favorite Kansas City…
Thank You: Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day
“Thank you so much.” Was that my 12-year-old son who just said that? Without being told? Did he really just spontaneously thank some random person who only indirectly served our family? “Thank you so much.” I’ve since caught him doing…
I’m Lousy at Remembering Names
I’m lousy at remembering names. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said this since I became a pastor. I’m terrible at it. And listen, this is not a “humble brag.” People regularly tell me I’m good at it,…
Part 4: Ten Reasons Nature is Good for Your Soul
What follows is Part 4 of a four-part blog on why “nature” is a spiritual discipline. Whether you love nature, have always been passive to it, afraid of it, or you just consider yourself a bit indoorsy, I am convinced…
Part 3: Ten Reasons Nature is Good for Your Soul
What follows is Part 3 of a four-part blog on why “nature” is a spiritual discipline. Whether you love nature, have always been passive to it, afraid of it, or you just consider yourself a bit indoorsy, I am convinced…