In the United Methodist tradition, we often use the word "connectionalism" to describe our organizational structure. It expresses more than just a denominational or bureaucratic order; it is a spiritual and theological conviction that proclaims we are far more effective together than we are apart. By maintaining an integrated, covenant bond between local churches, general agencies, and [...]

As I began thinking about how my Lenten observance can help me deal with the troubling issues of our nation and the larger world, I was reminded of what I’ve observed in my own yard the past month. During a stretch of warm weather in late January, I noticed the green fronds of daffodils (or [...]

What is at the heart of your desire to give? Today is Valentine’s Day. If you have someone you would call your beloved your gift is an expression of the love you feel for them and your commitment to the relationship. My wife’s birthday was two days ago, so as soon as Christmas gifts are [...]

For those who preach sermons on a regular basis, which dynamic tends to be more challenging…how to start or how to finish? Neither matters if there isn’t something of substance in between. The same can be true with trying to stimulate generosity in a local church. Getting started with a great idea can get everyone excited, but [...]

As we complete the first month of 2026, the landscape for local churches is shifting from reactive management to bold, strategic planning. The challenges of recent years have revealed that financial stability is not just about survival; it is about stewardship…managing God’s resources with foresight to create lasting impact. The coming year offers a promising [...]

In my early years of local church ministry while in seminary, I was the Director of the Jack Henton Christian Life Center at St. Luke’s UMC in Memphis. Like a lot of churches in the 1990’s the CLC was a new building that added recreation and activity space, rooms for church and community use, as [...]

One of my clergy colleagues and friends offered a number of us a star with a suggested word for us to use as “our word” through 2026. I asked her to send me a star. When it arrived, she had randomly sent me the word “Justice” to be my guiding word this year. I saw [...]

In the financial realm, 2026 is just ten days old. It is still a newborn in many respects but is aging quickly. Midnight on December 31 may have signified that 2025 has ended on the calendar but lingers in a kind of fiscal purgatory until the books are closed. The transition calls us to reconcile [...]

When I was appointed to a local church I dared to believe that on any given Sunday I had crafted a worship service and was ready to preach a sermon that would inspire everyone. What I learned is that despite my best efforts, the results were always going to be mixed. Beautiful music and hymns [...]

My wife Nancy and I received an unexpected delivery last week. A box of fruit came to our doorstep. We are grateful to be thought of in this generous way. The problem is that the package had no indication who the gift giver is- no name attached to the parcel at all.This is, of course, [...]