Explore scripture. You’ll encounter many “characters” who lead the way, irritating their (attempting to be) God followers to the core.  Perhaps I’ve spent too much time with the prophets exploring my call and living out my calling today as an Ordained Elder.  Just yesterday, I told a staff member at the church I serve I [...]

One mission. Three simple rules. Four areas of focus. Five practices. Six questions for the United Methodist Church. So here are my six questions: How are you raising up the next generation of leaders? How are we supporting emerging ministries?  Not emergent church…emerging ministries.  Think Internet campus, social media, and beyond. How is the call [...]

On Wednesday, June 11, 2008 I was ordained as an Elder in the United Methodist Church.  I woke up in the middle of the night on June 12 and quietly said to myself, “I am ordained.”  It didn’t seem right. The journey to ordination took seven years.  We jokingly called the process hoop jumping.  There [...]

I grew up going to church occasionally with friends. Southeast Michigan does not have the strong presence of United Methodist Churches like southwest Ohio. It was not until my college years that I ever noticed a United Methodist Church and experienced worship.   Southeast Michigan is, however home to the mission headquarters for the Lutheran Church [...]