A review of Permission Granted by Jennifer Grace Bird The Apostle Paul gives a command in 1 Thessalonians 5:26 that no one obeys, at least not that I have seen. Paul commands “greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.” There isn’t a First Century time cap on this command; it has no cultural caveats … Continue reading “Don’t kiss me Brah” →

As well-intentioned Christians, we often make claims about how God speaks to us. There is a plethora of sentimental illustrations that seek to bolster our claims, including but not limited to, beautiful landscapes, picturesque mountains, the galaxy as seen through the lens of the Hubble Space Telescope, babies, puppies, trees, and the ubiquitous “two sets … Continue reading Mentor misadventures/Me and Mark Driscoll. →

I was thinking about how little the Bible says about Church meetings. I was hard pressed to come up with an actual passage that describes a New Testament Church meeting. There are lots of passages that give us a glimpse into what it meant to be a part of the Church in New Testament times, … Continue reading Church meetings or Church doings? →

Dearest Harlow, We are all thrilled at hearing you will be arriving tomorrow. There has been so much joy in preparing for you to join us. I know we haven't met formally, but I'm your Appa. It is a strange title with origins in the Korean language, and your Dad tells me it also has … Continue reading A few last minute things before you arrive. →

Dear Pastor,  I was incredibly blessed by your defense of expository preaching in your sermon last Sunday. The way you always manage to provide such vivid details from Bible verses is encouraging and inspiring, and upon reflection, I can’t think of a Sunday where you haven’t defended your methods, making it clear that as a … Continue reading Dear White American Pastor… →

“Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.” — Anais Nin Like millions of Americans I took a stroll down a nostalgic highway and enjoyed watching Friends: The Reunion, also known as "The one where they … Continue reading My own “Friends” reunion episode →

Toni Morrison said, “The function of freedom is to free someone else.” I don’t know that I consider myself free, but I know that I’m making progress on that road to freedom. I can say that I am less shackled than I once was. There was a time in my life that every thought and … Continue reading A Liberating Ambiguity →

Margaret Atwood says, “The written word is so much like evidence -like something that can be used against you.” As someone aspiring to trade in words and phrases, I’m increasingly aware of the challenges of finding my authentic voice. I’m fearful at times because I know this kind of honesty demands a price, and attempting … Continue reading On the difficulty of opening jars →

Let me tell you about my friend Jon Nobles. Jon was one of the first guys that I felt the nudge of the Spirit to reach out to in my initial years as an inexperienced pastor. Jon, was not without his problems, but when he was good, he was great! He worked hard, had an … Continue reading Because I don’t want to forget →

This afternoon finds me with a grateful heart as I sort through the thoughtful cards and kind words of family and friends wishing me "Happy Birthday!" I turn fifty today and it is hard to imagine where the last half century has gone, but it is gone. I'm thankful for every moment and every experience … Continue reading This circus turns fifty →