Apr 3, 2019 | My First Time Preaching, Preaching, Weekly Words
When I was at work in the Admissions Office at McAfee School of Theology one morning, Nikki Hardeman approached me with an unusual question. She said, “Hey, are you busy on March 3rd?” Seeing that it was only mid-January, I replied that I honestly didn’t know but that...
Mar 28, 2019 | +Clergy Sexual Misconduct Task Force, Weekly Words
Dear Friends, In September 2012, we drove to Mississippi for the trial. We arrived the day before it started and met the district attorney at the courthouse around 4:00 in the afternoon. Courtrooms are built to be intimidating, and I didn’t want my first day in court...
Mar 27, 2019 | My First Time Preaching, Weekly Words
It was Christmas break, and my fiancée and I had just returned from a Passion conference in Dallas. After a three-hour drive back to Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas, I did what most people do: I checked my phone. I had received an email from one of my...
Mar 20, 2019 | Weekly Words
I did not grow up seeing many women in church leadership, at least not behind the pulpit or on the platform. My home church had no female ministerial staff nor women deacons, and I don’t think I heard a woman preach until my college years. My ministerial mentors have...
Mar 13, 2019 | Weekly Words
In a small, beat-up old box I have notes, cards, and other important keepsakes. Among these is a copy of the first sermon I preached: “All Things Work Together,” based on Romans 8. It is from the Youth Sunday of my sophomore year of high school, and I can still feel...
Mar 7, 2019 | +Clergy Sexual Misconduct Task Force, Weekly Words
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for...
