Another Way to Worship: C.A.R.E. Informed Congregational Engagement as Sustained Community

  In my role with the Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE), I create spiritually formative experiences for young leaders aged eighteen to thirty.  Our gatherings create the conditions for participants Continue Reading

Restoring Church and Community: Food Justice and the City of Mesa Arizona

  First United Methodist Church of Mesa (FUMC) is a located in the downtown area of Mesa, AZ, which is a city that is experiencing a new time of growth Continue Reading

Appreciative Itineracy

You want me to go where??? One of the distinguishing characteristics of pastoral ministry in the United Methodist Church is itineracy.  Pastors within United Methodist structures are “appointed” to churches Continue Reading

Sowing the Seeds of Friendship: Cultivating Hospitality Across Class Lines

How can an affluent congregation build friendships with persons living in poverty in their neighborhood? First United Methodist Church serves the mission field of Monticello, Arkansas, a county seat town Continue Reading

A Matter of Life and Death: How Eulogists Inform and Influence Homegoings

  Introduction My brother Eric was the oldest of eight children.  Considered one of the smartest boys in our county, he skipped two grades in school and graduated early. Attending Continue Reading

The Dream Center Project: Faith-Based Economic and Community Development on J-Street

The Project Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Nashville, Tennessee is launching the Dream Center Project, an ambitious effort to build affordable rental housing in North Nashville, while simultaneously initiating economic Continue Reading