Author Archives: admin

Short-term Mountains

On Sunday, I taught about the transfiguration of Jesus (Luke 9:28-36).  What joy James, John, and Peter felt when they saw Jesus in all his glory! Unfortunately, in the next story, they walk down the mountain and face a problem … Continue reading

Posted in Bible and Theology, Mark's Blog, Pastoral Ministry | Comments Off on Short-term Mountains

Ukuleles and Ordinary Shepherds

Our church’s children’s program featured a Ukulele Angel Choir this year! The charming Christmas play also featured the typical church kids-turned-shepherds for a day. They were not polished actors, but they told the story. Actually, I believe they told the … Continue reading

Posted in Bible and Theology, Mark's Blog | Comments Off on Ukuleles and Ordinary Shepherds

Siblings, Not Rivals

Here is Mark’s annual Christmas Clip. (insert cliche about harmony comes from different people working as a team here) What really caught my eye was the 5 sibling’s response to Ann Curry’s question about sibling rivalry. “We’re not competing on … Continue reading

Posted in Mark's Blog | Comments Off on Siblings, Not Rivals

God is No Longer Part of My Life

Today’s WordAction’s Sunday paper, Standard, includes excerpts from Wesley Tracy’s Younger Than I Used to Be.  He shocks with the title (“God is no longer part of my life”), then convicts with “an epiphany explodes when it dawns on you … Continue reading

Posted in Mark's Blog, My Personal Journey | Comments Off on God is No Longer Part of My Life

You Don’t Get; But You Do Get

“When [the disciples and Jesus] were together for the last time they asked, ‘Master, are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel now? Is this the time?’  He told them, “You don’t get to know the time. Timing is … Continue reading

Posted in Bible and Theology, Mark's Blog, My Personal Journey | Comments Off on You Don’t Get; But You Do Get

Weight Watcher Parable — Celebrate Good Actions

My wife and I joined Weight Watchers this summer. Today I received a special sticker for having lost ten pounds! There are many ways in which a Weight Watchers meeting resembles a church worship service. All the members sit in … Continue reading

Posted in Mark's Blog, My Personal Journey, Pastoral Ministry | Comments Off on Weight Watcher Parable — Celebrate Good Actions

Anyone Can Become (more) Missional

I have always believed that God calls the church to serve the world, and that every disciple is privileged to be part of that call. I have also always struggled to get out of the church cocoon and actually get … Continue reading

Posted in My Personal Journey, Pastoral Ministry | Comments Off on Anyone Can Become (more) Missional

I Admit — I Can Be Irrational

Leadership Journal recently published a Christian leader’s take on Albert Ellis’ irrational beliefs, and it hits home. Irrational Belief #1 is thinking that I a miserable failure anytime I am not perfect. Realistically, there is a lot of room in … Continue reading

Posted in Pastoral Ministry | Comments Off on I Admit — I Can Be Irrational

Becoming Missional

“The Missional Church” is a hot phrase right now, and rightly so. God sent the church on a mission. Every once in awhile (probably, once a generation), the church forgets that we have a job to do and begins to … Continue reading

Posted in Mark's Currently Reading, Pastoral Ministry | Comments Off on Becoming Missional

The Church’s Main Function

“The sin of the Church–the horrible apostasy of the Church–has consisted in denying its own function which is  to proclaim to men their spiritual condition, the eternal foundation which it rests, the manifestation which has been made of it by … Continue reading

Posted in Bible and Theology, Mark's Currently Reading | Comments Off on The Church’s Main Function